Checotah's 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off Celebrates American Spirit

Community event raises funds for Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery with patriotic flair

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The 18th Annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery, was a rousing success, drawing a hungry crowd to sample an array of spicy chili recipes and bid on auction items. The event featured a blind taste test judged by local dignitaries, a lively live auction, and patriotic decorations, celebrating American pride.

Why it matters

The Chili Cook-Off is a long-standing community tradition that brings together Checotah residents to support the local Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery. In an era of increasing division, the event serves as a unifying celebration of American values and community spirit.

The details

A total of 22 chili competitors vied for the top prize, with reigning champion Richard Millsap taking first place with his secret recipe. Other winners included Jaxon's Journey in second place and the City of Checotah in third. The event also featured a silent auction and a lively live auction, where items like a framed newspaper featuring local celebrity Carrie Underwood and a leather-bound Constitution book were hotly contested.

  • The 18th Annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Richard Millsap has won the chili competition for the past six years, with the exception of one year when he placed second.

The players

Richard Millsap

The reigning champion of the Checotah Chili Cook-Off, known for his secret recipe that has won him the competition for the past six years, with the exception of one year when he placed second.

Jaxon Coleman

The competitor who placed second in the chili competition with his 'Jaxon's Journey' recipe, winning $250.

City of Checotah

The competitor who placed third in the chili competition, winning $100.

Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery

The organization that hosts the annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off, a fundraising event for the museum.

Rep. Tim Turner

A local dignitary who served as a judge for the chili competition.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Checotah Chili Cook-Off is a testament to the enduring community spirit and patriotism of this small Oklahoma town, as residents come together to support their local museum, celebrate American traditions, and enjoy a delicious culinary competition.