EVENT INFO

ILLINOIS STATE KENDAMA CONTEST

Presented by Sweets Kendamas

WHEN

Nov. 7-8, 2026

The two-day event features the Kendama Speed Ladder and “Expression Session” performance divisions alongside a compilation of kendama and yo-yo workshops on Saturday, Nov. 7, followed by the 1A, X, Sport Freestyle and Doc Lucky’s Duos yo-yo divisions on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Check out the “SCHEDULE” page for complete details.

WHERE

The contest is taking place on the main stage at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG). CHITAG is on Nov. 7-8 at the Donald E. Stephen’s convention center in Rosemont, located at 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018.

CHITAG is North America's largest toy & game fair open to the public with experiential and immersive events, interactive exhibits and activities for all ages.

ADMISSIONS

Grab your tickets now to CHITAG to hang out, watch and cheer on their favorite kendama players.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHITAG & PURCHASE TICKETS

Lock in your spot to compete

Don’t miss out on your chance to compete at the Illinois State Kendama Contest! All interested competitors must register online, prior to the event.

REGISTER NOW

Schedule

Divisions

VENUE INFORMATION

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center conveniently located in Rosemont, IL -- five minutes from O’Hare International Airport and just 20 minutes from Chicago’s downtown area.
There are several hotels in the area; we have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted rate of $159/night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport - Rosemont. The discounted rate expires on October 10, 2026.
Lock in Your Room:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/chidtdt-yoy-bf70d39f-efb6-4e81-84a5-979cf0e1a93a/
If you run into any challenges with the room block, contact Vanessa Berumen at
- Email: Vanessa.Berumen@Hilton.com
- Phone: 847-928-7648 or 1-800-222-TREE
Hotel Address:
5460 N River Rd.
Rosemont, IL 60018
Public parking is available in the William St. Garage and East Parking Garage.
Parking is $12.00* for 24 hours, no in & out privileges.
Click here to view of map showing where parking is located in relation to the convention center.
*Rate is subject to change
Pick up & Drop off areas are located at the main circular drive entrance at 5555 North River Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018
Also, Rosemont's FREE Pace 811 bus starts at the Convention Center's main entrance and takes you around the circle of entertainment areas, including: Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District, and CTA Blue line station (Rosemont stop).
The Chicago Toy & Game Fair will have a few food & beverage options on-site. There is also a Starbucks located in the lobby, before entering the fair.
ATMs are available on-site. The lllinois State Yo-Yo Contest info./merch. table will be able to process credit cards and accept Apple Pay, Venmo, Paypal and Zelle payments. Be prepared with cash for other purchases from Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest vendors.

FAQs

Yes, but the top ranking Illinois resident will be named the top Illinois State Kendama Champion in their division.
CLICK HERE to submit your desired music for your “Expression Session” routine at the 2025 Illinois State Kendama contest.
Your song should be pre-cut to 90 seconds or set to begin at the start of the song. To help ensure the correct music is played for your routine, please rename the song to:
YOUR FULL NAME - DIVISION NAME
IMPORTANT DETAILS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- Music should be submitted by Wednesday, Nov. 5. Any music submitted after that date may not make it into the playlist for your routine.
- No profanity is allowed.
- If you do not submit a song for one of your divisions, we will have a song ready for you.
- If you have any trouble uploading your music via this Google Form, please submit them via WeTransfer.com to kendama@totnevents.com -- no sign-up is required and upload should be free.