The 51st Chicago Show takes place at the Marriott Schaumburg, 50 N. Martingale Rd., Oct. 16-17, 2026
ROOM RESERVATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AT THE DISCOUNTED CLUB RATE; CLICK HERE
(THE DISCOUNTED RATE EXPIRES ON SEPT. 14, SO ACT NOW)
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN; CLICK HERE
(ONLINE REGISTRATION WITH ITS DISCOUNT CLOSES ON OCT.15; AFTER THAT YOU CAN STILL REGISTER WALK-UP AT THE SHOW BUT AT A SLIGHTLY HIGHER COST)
General Show Inquiries: Contact Show Chair Pat Vess at pat@livezey.net
Questions about Judging or Exhibitor Categories: Contact Head Judge Jim DeRogatis at jimdero@jimdero.com
Vendor inquiries: Contact Mike Bennett at bennett3935@sbcglobal.net Press inquiries: Contact Mark Matz at mmsipress@gmail.com
RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE CLUB DINNER ON SATURDAY OCT. 17; USE THE PAYPAL BUTTON BELOW
ABOUT THE SHOW
This show is considered as one of the top-level exhibitions of painted miniature sculptures in the world. Visitors will see many examples of this broad and diverse art form of realistic sculpted and painted miniatures, which range in size from under one inch to over 12-inches tall. The artists' work represents a wide range of historical periods, from ancient to modern times, and includes military, sports, science-fiction, movies, and other topics alongside the increasingly popular fantasy themes. Those submitting their work for exhibition range from youngsters, to adult amateur hobbyists, to world-renowned professional artists, and their work may be painted from commercially available kits, conversions, or original sculptures.
51st Chicago Show Schedule
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Closed to the Public
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Painting Class by Jim Rice, Session 1 (pre-paid attendees only)—O’Hare/Midway Room
Friday, October 16, 2026
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Painting Class by Jim Rice, Session 2 (pre-paid attendees only)—O’Hare/Midway Room
Noon to 3 p.m.: Vendor Set-up—Main Hall
1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Exhibitor Check-In—Entrance Hallway; Set-up—Main Hall until 8 p.m.
3 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Open to the Public ($10 admission, Free for 12 & under and active military with I.D.)
7:30 p.m.: Judges Meeting—O’Hare/Midway Room
8:15 p.m.: Judging Begins
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Hospitality Suite Open (Registered Exhibitors, Vendors & Guests) Room 1223
Saturday, October 17, 2026
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Vendor Set-up—Main Hall
9 a.m. to noon: Exhibitor Check-in—Entrance Hallway; Set-up—Main Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Open to the Public ($10 admission, Free for 12 & under and active military with I.D.)
10 a.m. to 11a.m.: Free Seminar: Gary Baker on solid fundamentals of figure painting—O’Hare/Midway Room
Noon: Judging Deadline for Exhibitions
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: MMSI Painted Figure Auction—O’Hare/Midway Room
1:30 p.m.: Chicago Medalists Caucus—Judges Room
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Free Seminar: Doug Cohen on making and painting flags —O’Hare/Midway Room
4 p.m.: Chicago Medalists Meeting—Judges Room
5 p.m.: Show closes for the day
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Awards Presentation—Main Hall
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Annual Club Dinner (reservation required)—Room O’Hare/Midway Room
9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Hospitality Suite Open (Registered Exhibitors, Vendors & Guests)—Room 1223
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Closed to the Public
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Vendors Open for Registered Attendees (vendors must be out before noon)
9 a.m. to noon: Exhibit Area Open for Pick-up (all exhibits must be removed before noon)
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Seminar: The Judging Process with Jim DeRogatis, Joe Berton and Special Guest Mike Blank—Judges’ Room
Noon: 51st Chicago Show Closes; We’ll see you Oct. 22 and 23, 2027, for our 52nd Show!