Elk Grove class can make you a BBQ judge

Do you think you have the chops to be a barbecue judge?

The grills will be fired up for a one-day barbecue university today in Elk Grove Village.

A "master certified BBQ judge" from the renowned Kansas City Barbecue Society will host a class from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rainbow Falls Community Center, 200 Reverend Morrison Blvd. in Elk Grove Village.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Elk Grove, anyone can participate in the class today to be certified as a barbecue judge.

Completing the class will allow one to judge at one of Illinois' 18 barbecue contests this year.

Of course, you must be serious about barbecue.

"You're allowed to put a sauce on, but it can't be pooled. It must be brushed on," said Ron Nunes, who is chairman of Rib Fest at Rotary Fest in June.

But considering the curriculum, you can expect some fun, too.

"It's fun and you get to learn a lot -- and you get to eat a lot," Nunes said.

The class costs $75 for non-Rotary members and $40 for members.

Illinois has churned out its share of national barbecue competitors. Last year, six of the 60 teams that competed in the national championships of barbecue, the Jack Daniel's Invitational in Lynchburg, Tenn., came from Illinois.

Barbecue class

Time: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today at Rainbow Falls Community Center, 200 Reverend Morrison Blvd., Elk Grove Village

Cost: $75; $40 for Rotary members