EVENT INFO

ILLINOIS STATE YO-YO CONTEST

Presented by Duncan Toys

WHEN

Nov. 7-8, 2026

The two-day event features Trick Ladder divisions, a compilation of workshops and a pro yo-yo showcase on Saturday, Nov. 7, followed by the 1A, Dual Hand (2A + 3A), 4A, 5A, Sport Freestyle and Doc Lucky’s Duos divisions on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Kendama Speed Trick Ladder and “Expression Session” performance divisions are also available on Saturday.

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. 8-9 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 yo-yo players.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHITAG & PURCHASE TICKETS

2025 RESULTS + PERFORMANCES

Scoresheets are posted and all 2025 freestyle performance videos are live via Doc Lucky’s Yo-Yo Talk YouTube Channel. Tap the button below to check them both out.

Check Out The 2025 Contest

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 $20.00* 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 Yo-Yo Champion in their division.
While you can compete in multiple divisions, you cannot combine a 1A or X Freestyle division with Sport Freestyle division. 1A and X Freestyle competitors can also not compete in the Beginner’s Luck Trick contest.
The registration fee for competing in both the 1A Freestyle Open and X-Freestyle Open Divisions is $60 for the combination.
All competitors must register and check-in day-of at the event in order to compete. Each competitor will receive:
- A 2026 Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest event yo-yo
- One (1) complimentary one-day pass into the Chicago Toy & Game Fair
CLICK HERE to submit your desired music for your routine(s) at the 2025 Illinois State Yo-Yo contest.
The track should be edited to play as you would like it to play for your contest routine. To help ensure the correct music is played for your routine, please rename the song to:
YOUR FULL NAME - DIVISION NAME
If it is for the 1A Freestyle Division, add at the end of the file name: - PRELIM or FINALS
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.
- The only division that does not require a song is the Beginner's Luck Trick Contest.
- 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 yoyo@totnevents.com -- no sign-up is required and upload should be free.
SONG LENGTH / NUMBER OF SONGS NEEDED:
- 1A FREESTYLE: Two songs are needed – one should be pre-cut to 1 minute for Prelims and the other for 2 minutes for Finals
- CHAMPIONS FINALS - DUAL HAND (2A + 3A), 4A, AND 5A FREESTYLE: One song must be pre-cut to 2 minutes
- SPORT FREESTYLE: One song must be pre-cut to 1 minute
- DOC LUCKY'S DUOS: One song must be pre-cut to 2 minutes