FINAL EXPLOSION ENTERTAINMENT, A NONPROFIT 501 (C)(3) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FOUNDED ON THE WEST SIDE OF CHICAGO IN 2009.
2026 chicago youth awards
2026 Chicago Youth Awards Nominations are NOW OPEN!
Welcome to the 2026 Chicago Youth Awards, hosted by Final Explosion Entertainment. We are excited to officially announce that nominations for the 2026 Chicago Youth Awards are NOW OPEN! 
This is where we celebrate champions, winners, leaders, and the next generation of industry movers and shakers across the City of Chicago. If you know a young person, youth group, or youth organization that is doing amazing things, NOW is the time to nominate them!
Nomination Guidelines (Please Read Carefully)
Eligibility: Nominees must attend Pre-K through High School at a Chicago school.
Nomination Period: 
January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026. Nomination
Review Process: All nominations will be gathered and reviewed by the Chicago Youth Awards Nomination Committee.
Selection Process (IMPORTANT): 
THIS IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST. THERE IS NO VOTING. Nominees are chosen strictly by the Nomination Committee based on merit, impact, leadership, and excellence.
Final Nominees: The Nomination Committee will select FIVE (5) nominees per category to attend the 2026 Chicago Youth Awards.
Winner Announcement: Winners will be announced LIVE at the 2026 Chicago Youth Awards on July 26, 2026.
Nomination Requirements: Please include a detailed description explaining why this individual, group, or organization should be nominated. 
Blank nominations or one-sentence nominations will NOT be accepted.
NEW CATEGORY ALERT: BEST DRESSED 
Best Dressed (Male & Female) is a brand-new category for 2026! You DO NOT have to be nominated to win Best Dressed. You do not have to be a Chicago Resident. You DO have to be in High School or younger. Winners will be selected on the day of the event. Best Dressed winners will be announced ONLINE ONLY on the night of the Chicago Youth Awards. Come DRESSED 2 IMPRESS and ready for the RED CARPET.
TICKETS: Tickets go on sale April 1st (No, this is NOT an April Fool’s joke).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: If I won a Chicago Youth Award before, can I be nominated again? 
Yes! Previous winners ARE eligible for nomination.
Q: Do nominees need tickets to attend the event? 
No. Each nominee will receive TWO (2) FREE tickets — one for themselves and one for a guest.
Q: What is the dress code? 
Black Tie / Black Tie Formal Attire come DRESSED 2 IMPRESS for the red-carpet experience.
Q: Do performers have to live in Chicago? No. Please complete and submit the Performer Request Form to be considered.
Q: Are there vendor opportunities? Yes — vendors must be YOUTH-OWNED businesses.
Q: Will there be photos and videos? 
Yes! Follow us on Instagram: @ChicagoYouthAwards Subscribe on YouTube: FinalExplosion08
Q: How can my organization be part of the Chicago Youth Awards? 
Email: final.explosion@yahoo.com 
Or leave a message at www.finalexplosionent.com
Q: How can I help or donate? 
Donations can be made using the Eventbrite link below or via Zelle @final.explosion@yahoo.com
The Chicago Youth Awards honor excellence, leadership, creativity, and impact among Chicago’s youth — the true champions and future leaders of our city. 
Nominate today. Celebrate greatness. Support the next generation.
2025 Chicago Youth awards winners
Congratulations to all the amazing winners of the 2025 Chicago Youth Awards! We're so proud of you!
STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (JUNIOR)
-CT Marsmillow
STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (SENIOR)
· Malachi Henigan – Brother Rice HS
YOUTH ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (JUNIOR) )
· Emmy Extra
YOUTH ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (SENIOR)
-Zia Jenaye
YOUTH CHOIR OF THE YEAR
· Leo High School
YOUTH CHEER TEAM OF THE YEAR (JUNIORS)
-Cheer Destiny
YOUTH CHEER TEAM OF THE YEAR (SENIORS)
-Chicago Infinity Cheer
YOUTH SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR (junior)
- Skylar Wallace - Disney Magnet
YOUTH SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR (SENIOR)
· Egypt Murray – Kenwood High School
YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
· Jade & Joy Lee
YOUTH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
· Steppenwolf Theater Young Adult Council
YOUTH CONTENT CREATOR
· Jade & Joy Lee
Youth Hip Hop Artist of the year (Junior)
· LJ, A Chicago Kid
Youth Hip hop artist (senior)
-Litty Gang Twinzz
Youth Dance team of the year (junior)
· Empiire
Youth dance team of the year (seniors)
· Astronaut Flee
Hottest Twins of the year
· Litty Gang Twinzz
YOUTH MVP of the Year
· Collin Williams – University of Chicago Laboratory School
Drill Team of The Year
-South Shore Drill Team
YOUTH CROWD ROCKER
-Khi Got the Clout
CHICAGO YOUTH AWARDS 2025
CROWD CONTROL - MUSIC NOTE KID
CROWD CONTROL - MUSIC NOTE KID
CROWD CONTROL - MUSIC NOTE KID
At just 15 years old, this talented DJ showcases his versatility by mastering seven musical instruments. As a dedicated student-athlete and entrepreneur, he excels academically as an honor student at the prestigious University of Chicago Laboratory School, where he is proudly navigating his freshman year. His impressive skills also extend to event management, as he takes on the important role of overseeing crowd control at the upcoming 2025 Chicago Youth Awards.
Introducing, Music Note Kid.
KHI - HOST
CROWD CONTROL - MUSIC NOTE KID
CROWD CONTROL - MUSIC NOTE KID
Khi, known as "Khi Got the Clout," is an unstoppable force at just 8 years old. This talented actor and hip-hop artist from the vibrant South Side of Chicago is already making waves. Currently in the second grade, he stands out as an honor student at ITAV Charter School, which exemplifies the spirit of community and achievement.
Though he may be small, his talent is immense. Last year, he claimed the prestigious title of "Hip Hop Artist of the Year," proving he’s a true trailblazer in his craft. This year, he’s taking the stage as the charismatic host of the Chicago Youth Awards, where he will inspire and captivate his audience. Keep a close eye on this rising star—his journey is just beginning!
YOUTH IMPACT AWARD
JESSE WHITE TUMBLERS
The Chicago Youth Awards is delighted to present the 2025 Youth Impact Award. This distinguished award celebrates a profound commitment to transforming the lives of at-risk youth throughout the Chicagoland area. This year, we are proud to honor The Jesse White Tumblers, a remarkable organization founded in 1959. Their extraordinary dedication has illuminated the path for countless young men, offering hope, support, and invaluable opportunities when they need it most. The legacy of the Jesse White Tumblers in uplifting at-risk youth continues to inspire us all, reminding us of the power of community and compassion. Please join us in warmly welcoming and congratulating the Jesse White Tumblers for their decades of success and their enduring impact on our community.
Photos from the chicago youth awards 2024
