The Soul of the Smoke: Meet Chef Chi
From the Windy City to the Big Easy, and straight to your table.
Dakari Akorede, known to the culinary world as Chef Chi, isn’t just a pitmaster. He’s a storyteller of flavor. Born and raised in Chicago and refined by the vibrant, spice-rich culture of New Orleans, Chef Chi has spent years perfecting the art of Chicageaux BBQ: a bold fusion of Midwest soul and Southern heat.
You might recognize him from Food Network’s BBQ Brawl or have seen him sharing his passion as a culinary educator, but his true home is behind the smoker. Chef Chi believes great BBQ isn’t just about wood selection or temperature control. It’s about bringing people together, creating memories, and serving food that keeps conversations going long after the last bite.
Through years of competition cooking, catering, teaching, and perfecting his craft, Chef Chi has developed a style all his own. Every recipe, rub, and technique reflects his journey from the streets of Chicago to the flavors of Louisiana, creating a BBQ experience that is unforgettable, authentic, and uniquely Chicageaux.
