AUTHENTIC.
PIT-SMOKED.
CHICAGO'S OWN.
- Since 2020
Award-winning BBQ. Featured on Food Network's BBQ Brawl.
"I was built for this…to fire up the pit, feed the people, and turn every plate into a story you can taste." — Dakari Akorede
The Heart Behind Chicageaux
Thank you for being here.
Chicageaux BBQ was built from a passion for fire, flavor, and bringing people together. Inspired by the bold spirit of Chicago, the soul of New Orleans, and the hospitality of Atlanta, every dish reflects a journey shaped by culture, community, and craftsmanship.
From backyard gatherings to Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, the mission has remained the same: serve unforgettable food, create memorable experiences, and make every guest feel like family.
We’re glad you’re here.
Dakari Akorede
Founder & Pitmaster
Signature Services
From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, Chicageaux delivers authentic pit-smoked barbecue, bold flavors, and unforgettable experiences.
BBQ Catering
For weddings, parties, tailgates, festivals, and special events.
Authentic pit-smoked barbecue featuring brisket, rib tips, pulled pork, smoked wings, handcrafted sides, and Chef Chi's signature flavors. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, Chicageaux delivers unforgettable barbecue experiences.
Book Catering →
Corporate Catering
Professional catering designed to impress clients, teams, and guests.
Whether it's a company picnic, office luncheon, brand activation, conference, or employee appreciation event, Chicageaux brings premium barbecue, seamless service, and memorable hospitality to every corporate gathering.
Plan Your Event →
Private Events
An interactive dining experience your guests won't forget.
Watch Chef Chi cook over open flames while serving elevated barbecue, specialty meats, and custom menus. Perfect for private dinners, VIP events, luxury gatherings, and unique culinary experiences.
Start Planning →
Private Chef Experiences
Elevated chef-led dining for intimate gatherings and special occasions.
Enjoy a personalized culinary experience with Chef Chi. From private dinners and anniversary celebrations to VIP gatherings and in-home events, every menu is crafted around your guests and prepared with bold Chicageaux flavor, live-fire techniques, and Southern hospitality.
Reserve Your Experience →Signature Chicageaux Meats
Real Reviews. Real Flavor.
"Chicageaux catered our wedding reception and it was the highlight of the night. Guests are still talking about the brisket and rib tips three months later. Chef Chi brought energy, professionalism, and food that felt like it came straight from the soul."
"We booked Chicageaux for our company's annual client appreciation event — 200+ guests. The setup was seamless, the team was on time, and the food was absolutely outstanding. Every exec at that table asked me for the contact info. Already booked for next year."
"I hired Chef Chi for a private dinner for 14 people. He showed up, took over my backyard, and turned it into a full BBQ experience. The beef short ribs alone were worth every penny. Absolutely elite. This is what food is supposed to be."
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking Chicageaux for your next event.
Chicageaux BBQ is a Chicago-based pit-smoked barbecue catering company founded by Dakari Akorede. Inspired by Chicago BBQ tradition, New Orleans soul food culture, and Southern hospitality, Chicageaux specializes in authentic hardwood-smoked meats, signature sides, and full-service event catering — from backyard parties to large-scale corporate and private events.
Chicageaux primarily serves the greater Chicago area and the Southeast, including Atlanta, GA and surrounding cities. We travel for large events and destination catering — contact us for out-of-state availability and travel catering packages.
Visit our Book Events page and submit your event details — date, location, guest count, and type of event. We’ll follow up within 24–48 hours to discuss your menu, logistics, and pricing. For time-sensitive requests, reach out directly through our contact page.
We cater weddings, private dinner parties, corporate events, company picnics, brand activations, birthday celebrations, church events, tailgates, festivals, and VIP experiences. No event is too big or too intimate — our team scales to fit your needs.
Yes — Dakari Akorede, founder and pitmaster of Chicageaux, competed on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl Season 7. His appearance brought national attention to his unique blend of Chicago-style pit BBQ and Southern culinary tradition. Chicageaux’s menus reflect that same competition-level craft and passion.
Our signature smoked meats include brisket, St. Louis rib tips, pulled pork, smoked wings, beef short ribs, and hot links. Every protein is seasoned with our house dry rub and slow-smoked over hardwood. Specialty and custom proteins are available for private events — ask us about our full catering menu.