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.

Stock image: Derrick Knight | Carthage took their first win since 2019, and out-of-state groups Broken Arrow and Mt. Zion outpaced great Missouri ensembles.

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.

Predictions and analysis about the 19 groups that will grace the Grand Ole Opry stage in March 2026.

Another incredibly deep lineup of choirs is set to take the stage in Chicagoland this year to round out their competition seasons.

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.

Choirs from everywhere will converge on Central Illinois this weekend for the Mt. Zion Midwest Invitational.

Linn-Mar, Gretna, Wheaton Warrenville South, and Broken Arrow all took convincing wins over quality competition this past weekend.

Iowa and Nebraska concentrate their heavy hitters in one place, while choirs around the country flock to Illinois and Minnesota.

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

Contenders from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Alabama, and Mississippi will challenge for spots in two different finals rounds.

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.

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.

Once Marion won at Bishop Luers in 1976, the chase has been on to topple the group that beat the previous top dog. This is that history.

Photo: Nathan Ensley | Illinois show choir faces an identity crisis heading into the 2025 beyond.

33 groups are ranked: all of the state's varsity mixed groups, all of the state's single-gender groups, and 10 of the state's small groups.

Eighteen high school groups will lay it all on the line at Show Choir Nationals this upcoming weekend.