The 2025 Miss Chicago and Miss Chicago’s Teen competition took place at the Irish American Heritage Center on Saturday, January 18. After three hours of competition, which featured interviews, evening gowns, talent, and more, Rhiannon Graham was crowned Miss Chicago 2025.
“I’m so humbled and shocked for this opportunity,” Rhiannon told Bose Akadiri, Founder of Goal and Grind and guest host for Chicago Southsider, after the crowning ceremony. “I want to leave a legacy that [shows] it doesn’t matter what household you grow up in or what your family is like. You can do whatever you want to do and whatever you dream of. I’m living proof of that [by] being in a single family home and becoming your Miss Chicago.”
Alyssia Duda, the former Miss Gold Coast Teen 2024, was crowned Miss Chicago’s Teen 2025. In 2023, Alyssia was crowned Miss Windy City’s Outstanding Teen.
“Being Miss Chicago’s Teen is such a blessing,” said Alyssia. “I’m so excited because I get to bring my initiative, Alyssia’s Dream, to help girls of color pursue their dreams of becoming professional ballet dancers by providing scholarships and dance supplies.”
Four other delegates also walked away with crowns at the Miss Chicago and Miss Chicago’s Teen competition. Nitsaniyah Fitch was crowned Miss Windy City, and Kerry Koranteng took the title of Miss Windy City’s Teen. Mbayi Aben and Alessia Shaw captured the titles of Miss Cook County and Miss Cook County’s Teen, respectively.
In June, the local titleholders will compete at the Miss Illinois pageant, held at the Marion Civic Center.
The Miss Chicago competition, part of the Miss America organization, began in 1922 and holds the distinction of being the oldest pageant in Illinois. This year marked the 103rd Miss Chicago competition, hosted by Miss Illinois 2014 Marisa Buchheit. Recent titleholders include Miss Chicago 2022 Makalyn Heaslett, who was crowned during the pageant’s 100th anniversary, Miss Chicago 2023 Elise O’Connell, and Miss Chicago 2024 Melanie Zhang.
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