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

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” (

Two choirs score their first overall wins in program history and both 4AJC and GTC come out on top of their contests.

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.

This is the first edition of HomeRoom’s poll rankings of Illinois for the 2026 season, covering results from the week of Feb. 7 and earlier. Three regional experts considered 39 groups and ranked 20 of them across three divisions.

Illinois’ competition circuit is finally getting its start at Crete-Monee, now the state’s perennial inaugural competition after Mt. Zion’s move to later in the season. Naturally, many choirs are entering their first competitive outing of the 2026 season, however some have competed already and are looking to either continue their success or in some cases, mark a turning point from a rougher first outing. Nonetheless, storylines will converge, and the Illinois circuit will hav

Illinois retains more than its fair share of national powerhouses heading into 2026 and will also see a handful of elite-caliber events within state lines.

Linn-Mar starts their competition slate off with a sweep, Urbandale shows that they haven’t missed a beat, De Pere goes back-to-back to start 2026 and ATSC shows vintage form at Millard West.

Des Moines heavyweights face off at Johnston, a Midwest mix of choirs collides at Milton, and Nebraska fields two good lineups at Gretna East and Millard West.

By Ethan Parker, Founder Three regional experts considered 39 show choirs from the Land of Lincoln and voted 20 into the rankings across...

Three regional experts considered 39 show choirs and voted 20 into the rankings across three divisions. These are the results.

Three regional experts considered 39 show choirs from the Land of Lincoln and voted 20 into the rankings across three divisions.

Three regional experts considered 39 show choirs from the Land of Lincoln. These are the results.

Three regional experts considered 39 show choirs from the Land of Lincoln and voted 20 in across three divisions. These are the results.

A young Nebraska group and middle mixed Alabama group won for the first time, plus an Ohio group lands on more radars after a second win.

This weekend will begin what may considered a 'sprint' season for Illinois show choir in 2025.

Three Illinois experts rank 20 of the state's best show choirs. These are the results.

Three of the nation’s top groups held firm atop the standings and defended their territory, while four out-of-state groups partied in Wisco.