The 2026 Miss Chicago and Miss Chicago’s Teen competition took place at the Irish American Heritage Center on Sunday, January 11. After three hours of competition, which featured interviews, evening gowns, talent, and more, Kate Dimmett was crowned Miss Chicago 2026.
Alexis McCullough, the former Miss Will County’s Teen 2025, was crowned Miss Chicago’s Teen 2026.
Four other delegates also walked away with crowns at the Miss Chicago and Miss Chicago’s Teen competition. Allison Garcia was crowned Miss Windy City, and Landry Shine took the title of Miss Windy City’s Teen.
Sharron Kagan and Kerry Koranteng 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 from June 10-13, 2026.
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 104th Miss Chicago competition. Recent titleholders include Miss Chicago 2022 Makalyn Heaslett, who was crowned during the pageant’s 100th anniversary, Miss Chicago 2023 Elise O’Connell, Miss Chicago 2024 Melanie Zhang, and Miss Chicago Rhiannon Graham.
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