Chicago Blues Challenge 2025 seeks bands, solos, duos for the IBC competition in Memphis
- chicagoblueseditor
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Chicago Blues Challenge 2025
The Windy City Blues Society extends an invitation for local bands, solo and duo acts to enter the Chicago Blues Challenge – a showcase of the blues talent in our region. Winners go on to represent Chicago at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN (January 14–17, 2026).
The IBC is the world’s premier blues competition, drawing talent buyers, festival promoters, and blues societies from around the globe. It’s a powerful opportunity to network, gain exposure, and take your career to the next level.
The Chicago Blues Challenge is a timed and judged battle of the blues Bands. Musicians play for the right to represent Chicago at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis next January. (Jan 14-17th 2026) Musical acts are judged on vocal talent, instrumental talent, stage presence, originality and most importantly Blues Content. The judges are record label owners, festival promoters and booking agents, talent managers, and some professional seasoned blues musicians who have been around the world promoting the blues.
The IBC is the world’s premier blues competition, drawing talent buyers, festival promoters, and blues societies from around the globe. It’s a powerful opportunity to network, gain exposure, and take your career to the next level.
Deadline to sign up is October 18th, 2025 (That deadline date is subject to change, best to sign up early).
3 Categories are
1) Youth (must be under 21 on Jan 14th 2026) ($25)
2) Solo or Duet ($25)
3) Band ($50)
The event is Sunday, November 9th at Buddy Guys Legends
Doors open at 5 pm and music until Midnight.
All the performances will be professionally recorded and edited. Each band leader will be given, free of charge, a copy of their performance when the editing is completed.
Musical acts must pay an entry fee and submit their application to enter the Chicago Blues Challenge.
The Winners advance to Memphis and represent Chicago in the International Blues Challenge.
The Windy City Blues Society raises money to help cover the travel costs of the winning acts.
Chicago Blues Challenge FAQ Page with the application and entry fee payments::
The Chicago Blues Challenge Event Page:
MORE INFO FROM THE WINDY CITY BLUES SOCIETY:
Who can enter? If you've never won the IBC or been nominated for a Blues Music Award, you’re eligible. You must enter through your local blues society — that’s us.
Why do musicians hesitate? Honestly, we've seen three reasons:
• Pride — It stings not to win.
• It’s not a paying gig.
• If you win, you’re committing to travel to Memphis.But with the right attitude and good networking, many artists come out ahead — with gigs, connections, and momentum.
Why it’s worth it:
• We hire a pro film crew — you get a high-quality video of your set
.• Winners receive funding to help with Memphis travel/lodging.
• All proceeds go to the winning acts.
• We use fair, unbiased judges who know the scoring system. Integrity matters.
This is a true blues community event — a great night of music, support, and opportunity.
We hope to pack Buddy Guy’s Legends and send strong acts down to Beale Street.
Event Details
Chicago Blues Challenge
Sunday, November 9, 2025
6 PM–Midnight
International Blues Challenge
January 14–17, 2026
Beale Street, Memphis, TN
Entry Fees:
• $50 – Band
• $25 – Solo/Duet
• $25 – Youth Act
To register or learn more, visit https://windycityblues.org/chicago-blues-challenge.
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