BBQ Smoking Classes

Not a competition cook? So what! Why not learn from the best.

BBQ smoking and grilling have become one of the fastest growing hobbies in North America.  Whether you want to be the envy of your neighborhood or grab the Blue Ribbon at a local BBQ contest these classes are for you.

Who should attend?

• Men and women who want to master methods and techniques used by a BBQ Champion and to be the hero among friends, family, and neighbors
• Men and women who are tired of burnt / undercooked / tough / lack-of-flavor BBQ.  Any backyard BBQ enthusiasts who have hit-the-wall in improving their barbeque

*All classes are held at qualified BBQ stores across the country year round, so check the calendar out to see if a class is in your area.

*Custom One on One class, team building, Restaurant Pit Master training classes are also available upon request.

Video of what what we teach during a class:

Students Comments from BBQ Class:

Hi Chris,

I can’t thank you enough for openly sharing your knowledge at the recent BBQ class at the Heat Exchange. I had a great time learning about the “science” of great BBQ techniques. I really had no idea it could be that fun and easy. Before the class, I had been WAY overthinking this as you mentioned, all the while, not knowing why I was doing what. Your experience, knowledge and love of BBQ was very evident in the way you presented information at the class, it was both easy to understand and a complete joy to taste. I left the class both with a full brain of new BBQ knowledge and a full stomach to back it up! I can’t wait to fire up the smoker and fire up some of my new-found techniques. Thanks again and already looking forward to your next class!

Thanks for the Power Point!

Best Regards,

Mike

New BBQ Classes 2025:

January 18^th Helping You BBQ, BBQ Beef Ribs, Pork Belly, Beef, Pork Tenderloin, Omaha NE.

Click Here for Class info:

February 1^st , Backyard BBQ, All Brisket Class, Wilmette IL.  Click here for Class info:

April 3^th BBQ Authority, BBQ 101, Lisle IL. Click here for Class Info:

April 25^th, BBQ Maestros, BBQ 101, Indianapolis IN.  Click here for Class Info

April 26^th BBQ Maestros, BBQ 102, Indianapolis IN.  Click here for Class Info

May 8th BBQ Authority, BBQ 101, Lisle IL. Click here for Class Info:

May 9^th Heat Exchange, BBQ 101, Cleveland OH. Click Here for class info: 

May 10^th Heat Exchange, BBQ 102, Cleveland OH. Click Here for class info: 

May 24^th Backyard BBQ, BBQ 101, Wilmette IL.  Click here for Class info:

June 14th Ignite Grills & More, Branson West Mo. Click Here for Class info:

June 19^th BBQ Authority, BBQ 102, Lisle IL. Click here for Class Info:

June 27^th The Pit Stop, Layton UT    Click Here for Class Info:

June 28th The Pit Stop, Lehi UT        Click Here for Class Info:

September 16^th, Backyard BBQ, BBQ Class, Wilmette IL.  Click here for Class info:

September 26^th BBQ Maestros, BBQ 101, Indianapolis IN.  Click here for Class Info

September 27^th BBQ Maestros, BBQ 102, Indianapolis IN.  Click here for Class Info

November 6^th BBQ Authority, BBQ class, Lisle IL. Click here for Class Info:

Classes Offered:

BBQ 101 – Ribs & Chicken:

Class Description: The entire smoking process is covered and topics such as different types of smokers, woods, charcoals and common mistakes when smoking.

Topics Covered:

• Baby back ribs from start to finish. (Hands-on)
• Pork Spare Ribs
• Chicken
• Types of grills and smokers
• BBQ techniques
• Types of wood
• Fuel
• Common mistakes
• And much more

BBQ 102 – Brisket and Butts:

Class Description: In this sequel to the chicken and ribs class, Chris will teach you how to smoke incredible beef brisket and pork butt.

Topics Covered:

• Cuts of Meat
• Preparation
• Cooking Techniques
• Finishing Techniques
• And much more

BBQ 103 – Tenderloin & Beef and Pork

Class Description:  You’ll learn smoking and grilling techniques for Pork Tenderloin / Loin and Beef Tenderloin (also known as fillet mignon).

Topics Covered:

• Tenderloin Preparation
• Cooking Temperatures
• Marinating
• Different glazes
• Butter flying  and tying methods
• Tips for grilling pre-prepared pork tenderloin

BBQ 104 – Turkey & Whole Chickens

Class Description:  You’ll learn smoking and brining techniques for Turkey, Turkey Breast, and Whole Chicken.

Topics Covered:

• Turkey/Chicken  Preparation
• Cooking Temperatures
• Brining
• The butterfly cut
• Injection Methods
• And much more

BBQ 201 –Competition Meats Class

Class Description:  The Class Covers cooking the four KCBS meats and preparing boxes in the same time frame as a real KCBS contest and knowing what to expect once you enter a contest.

Topics Covered:

• Prep and cook all four competition meats
• Timing
• Holding
• Side Categories /People’s choice
• Right amount of smoke
• Understanding Judging
• Presentation
• Planning for contests
• Perfecting your flavor profile
• Selecting Meats
• Regional variations
• Cook solo vs team