The 2026 National Final of the Bailliage’s Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition was held in The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College during a Culinary Weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

But first, let’s see how the National finalists were selected.

Bailliage Provincial of Far West - March 28, 2026
Cole Johnson, Bailli of Salt Lake City, reported that the Province convened in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the Provincial Final organized under the leadership of Bailli Provincial FW Sheral Schowe, with the experienced guidance of Conseiller Culinaire Provincial Robert Phillips and Conseiller Gastronomique Provincial Christian Clinton. The competition was hosted at the University of Nevada’s culinary facilities and was graciously supported by Bailli Bernie Schwartz and the Bailliage of Las Vegas. Four competitors participated in the day’s competition. Antonio Cruz of the Bailliage of Salt Lake City was named the winner.

Bailliage Provincial of Hawaii/Pacific Islands - March 27, 2026
Bailli Provincial John Magauran reported that Province’s Final was hosted by the Bailliage of Kaua‘i/O‘ahu at Leeward Community College. The competition took place in the college’s teaching kitchens during the morning, followed by the Jeunes Chefs Competition Dinner at Pearl Restaurant in the evening. Six competitors took part. representing a broad spectrum of
training and professional experience within Hawaii’s culinary community. At the conclusion of the evening, the results of the regional competition were announced with Kobelyn Guerrero being declared the winner. Her performance throughout the day reflected strong technical command, composure, and clarity of execution across all phases of the competition.

Bailliage Provincial of Midwest - March 20-21, 2026
Bailli Provincial Greg Wallis reported that the Bailliage of Indianapolis welcomed three competitors along with Chaîne members and friends from eight different local Bailliages. The competitors represented the Bailliages of Des Moines, Iowa; Madison, Wisconsin; and Toledo, Ohio. Judges awarded the winner’s medal to Ellie Van Dyke from Des Moines. Since the Provincial Final competition, Chef Ellie accepted an opportunity to do a stage in France and would therefore be unable to attend the National Final. Based on points Chef Ean Dawton of Madison was named as the Province’s representative in her place.

Bailliage Provincial of Northeast - April 11, 2026
William M. Harris, Chargé de Presse Provincial and Helen Cappuccino, Bailli Provincial reported that the Newport County campus of the Community College of Rhode Island was the location for the Province’s Final. The event was hosted by ACF Rhode Island President Ken Watt CEC. Competitors were Devin Sierra (originally from Long Island), J'Quann Fleming (originally from Connecticut) and Hayleigh Clark (originally from Rochester).
When the marks were totted up, it was confirmed that Chef Devin Sierra was the winner.

Bailliage Provincial of Pacific Northwest
The Bailliage Provincial’s selection process saw Sydney Hilzendeger, a former student at the Seattle Culinary Academy, chosen to represent the Province at the National Final.

Bailliage Provincial of Southwest - March 6-7, 2026
Penny Shipp, Chargée de Presse Provincial, reported that San Antonio, Texas, has a way of welcoming you before you’ve even arrived. It is a city where the echoes of the Alamo mingle with the scent of the River Walk and the warmth of its storied streets invites you to slow down and take it all in. Saturday morning brought guests to the St. Philip's College School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, where three talented young chefs: Charles Cherry (Austin), Korey Glover (Houston) and Jose Lopez (Lacs et des Bois) competed. At the end of the Gala evening, Conseiller Culinaire Provincial Patrick Mitchell announced Korey Glover was the winner.

Bailliage Provincial of Southeast - March 28, 2026
William Paul, Conseiller Culinaire Provincial, reported that the Province’s Final was held at Keiser University’s Training Facility in Sarasota, Florida. This competition featured three outstanding young chefs: Jack Lewis, Katie Said and Joey Spencer. As the competition unfolded, Chaîne members, supporters, and friends were invited to observe the action firsthand, offering a rare glimpse into the intensity and precision required at the highest levels of culinary competition. Jack Lewis was named the winner.

NATIONAL FINAL in Philadelphia - June 4-6, 2026
The 2026 National Final of the USA Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition was held in The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as part of the Nationa Culinary Weekend.

At the Awards and Presentations Ceremony, the 1-2-3 was announced …

Winner
Antonio Cruz representing the Far West Province. Antonio also won the award for Best Featured Course which this year was the dessert.

Runner-up
Devin Sierra representing the Northeast Province.

Third Place
Sydney Hilzendeger representing the Pacific Northwest Province. Sydney also won a special award for the best use of one of the mystery ingredients sponsored by RAPA Scrapple.

Congratulations went to all the finalists! The judges agreed that it was an incredibly close competition and one of the most talented groups of chefs the National Bailliage has ever had.

As National Winner, Antonio Cruz will go on to compete at the next International Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition, location to be determined.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer based on the detailed reports of the Finals around the USA which appeared in the June 2026 edition of “Cuvée”, the monthly e-magazine which is the official publication of the National Bailliage of USA.