Stretch Your Legs – A Chicago Highland Games Reflection

If you’ve been around the pipe band world long enough, you’ve probably experienced the rinse and repeat of Highland games—same venues, same frustrations, same routines year after year. But every once in a while, you go somewhere that reminds you why you fell in love with all of this in the first place. For us, that place was the Chicago Highland Games—and if you’ve never been, we strongly encourage you to consider it.

Photo Credit: Courtney Schnee

📝 Before we go any further, this post is not a shot at any other pipe band association or leadership. We’re simply reflecting on what was, in our experience, an exceptionally well-run event—and sharing what made it stand out.

Ridiculously Well-Organized—In All the Best Ways

From the venue, to the vendors, to the other bands, to the flawless execution by the stewards keeping everything on time—this contest was ridiculously well-organized, and we mean that in all the best ways.

It was efficient, thoughtful, and filled with small touches that showed just how much the organizers care.

Simply a Joy to Attend

Held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, the 2025 Chicago Highland Games were simply a joy to attend. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just another contest. Every detail was considered. Every step made easier. And for once—it felt like we were all truly being taken care of.

Led by Jim Sim and a stellar team of volunteers, the event ran like clockwork. The entry process for bands was clearly laid out in advance, with designated routes and information for both performers and attendees.

Unlike the typical muddy fields we’ve all dragged our gear through, this venue had an actual parking deck. A parking deck. With flat ground and proper access, getting our gear on site Friday was ridiculously simple—we pulled up, unloaded, and got set up with zero stress.

Solo Events on Friday = Focus on Saturday

One of the smartest logistical decisions? Holding solos on Friday. It gave solo competitors the space to focus without compromising their performance—or their instruments—for the band contests on Saturday.

More games should consider this approach. It’s a win-win for players and bands alike.

Adjudication, Feedback, and Real-Time Insight

Now let’s talk about the adjudicators—because this part was a game-changer.

Instead of the usual scribbled score sheets, we received audio recordings of the judges speaking live as they listened to our performances. That’s right—real-time commentary from eight adjudicators per event (MSR and Medley).

Photo by Courtney Schnee

No rushed scribbles. No vague notes. Just clear, candid insights delivered within hours of competing.

We understand this format comes with challenges—especially recalling earlier bands in a packed lineup—but having that immediate, thoughtful feedback was incredibly valuable. And with double panels for piping, drumming, and ensemble, the evaluations felt deep and well-rounded.

Other associations should absolutely consider this approach.

Class, From Top to Bottom

One of the standout moments? Seeing the President of the Midwest Pipe Band Association personally greet every band at the line before they competed.

That level of class and connection set a tone—one of respect and camaraderie—that carried through the entire weekend.

Security was efficient and respectful, ensuring safety without delay. Check-in at the pipe band tent? A breeze—just a name and band name, and in you go.

Parking? Free. Yes, free.

Shade was limited, but like bands always do, we adapted—erecting tents and claiming whatever slivers of shade we could on a warm day.

Full Contest Recordings on YouTube—Fast

And if the judging system wasn’t impressive enough—they posted full contest recordings on YouTube within a day or so.

That kind of transparency doesn’t just help bands relive and learn from their performance—it raises the bar for what a modern competition experience can be.

One Suggestion: Awards Timing

If we had one piece of constructive feedback—it would be this: Consider splitting the awards ceremony. Grade 4 and Grade 5 bands started early in the day and waited until nearly 6:00 p.m. for results. A staggered awards approach—announcing lower grade results earlier—could help bands wrap their day more efficiently.

That said, many made the most of the downtime in the beer tent. So… no complaints there.

Easy to Get To. Hard to Forget.

Whether you’re flying, driving, or hopping on a train—getting to Chicago is easy.

With two major airports (O’Hare and Midway), ample public transit, and highways from every direction, it’s one of the most accessible contests in North America.

So, if you’re looking for something fresh, better organized, and worth every bit of the journey—make plans for Chicago.

Planes, trains, and automobiles—it’s all worth it when the contest is this good.

To Pipe Bands Across North America…

If you’ve been thinking about doing something different—Chicago is the move.

Consider saving your local contest travel budget and making the trip to compete against different bands, with a different panel of judges, and in a refreshing and welcoming environment.

Whether it was the leadership, logistics, or just the overall atmosphere—Chicago delivered.

We’ll be back. And we hope to see you there too.

—Wake & District Pipe Band