Four regional experts were polled on all ten of the state's single-gender groups and all nine of the state's festival mixed groups. These are the results, accompanied by succinct wrap-ups of each season.

PHOTO: Nathan Ensley | Three regional experts ranked 20 of Illinois' best groups across three divisions. These are the results.

PHOTO: Nathan Ensley | Wheaton North solidified its standing at the top, Waubonsie Valley was the surprise choir of the night and Carmel Catholic took its first-ever division win among other stories.

Three regional experts considered 39 groups and ranked 20 across three divisions. These are the results.

Wheaton North, El Paso-Gridley, Noblesville and more square off at Hersey, while Clinton and Mt. Zion grace the stage at Glenwood.

A no caption victory at El Paso-Gridley Showdown shakes up the rankings in the third edition of HomeRoom's Illinois Poll Rankings.

18 Groups representing four states competed at the El Paso-Gridley Show Choir Showdown this weekend, and the results certainly present a lot to talk about. Final Results GC: Dwight D. Eisenhower “Express” 1RU: Troy Buchanan “Express” (BV) 2RU: Mt. Zion “Swingsations” (BC) 3RU: Sparta “Upstage Adrenaline” (BB) 4RU: Manteno “Magic”  5RU: Mt. Zion “You’ve Got Male” Single Gender 1st: Mt. Zion “You’ve Got Male” (BV,BC) 2nd: Mt. Zion “Les Femmes” 3rd: Sparta “Rise Of Adrenaline” (

Dylan Moss - Illinois Contributor This is the second edition of Homeroom’s poll rankings of Illinois for the 2026 season, covering and considering results from the week of 2/14 and earlier. Three regional experts considered 39 groups and ranked 20 across 3 divisions. Championship Mixed Wheaton North “Flight” (NC) Mt. Zion “Swingsations” (NC) El Paso-Gridley “Modulations” (NC) Mundelein “Sound” (NC) Dwight D. Eisenhower “Express” (+2) Glenwood “Titan Fever” (-1) Wheaton Warren

Mt. Zion, Troy Buchanan, Sparta, Dwight D. Eisenhower and more will show their stuff on one of Illinois' most centrally-located stages.