The Queen Contest
A cherished tradition honoring young women of Irish heritage who represent the spirit and pride of Chicago's Irish-American community.
Claire Cahill
Congratulations to Claire Cahill, who was crowned the 2026 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen on January 11, 2026! Claire emerged from a field of talented young women of Irish heritage to claim the crown, and she will represent the parade and Chicago's Irish-American community throughout the 2026 parade season.
As Queen, Claire will lead the parade procession alongside Grand Marshal Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. and Guest of Honor The Shannon Rovers, riding in a place of honor down Columbus Drive on March 14, 2026.
Claire and her court have already been busy representing the parade at community events across the Chicagoland area, spreading Irish pride and building excitement for parade season.
Watch the Crowning
ABC7 Chicago covered Claire Cahill's crowning as the 2026 Parade Queen
Video courtesy of ABC7 Chicago
The 2026 Queen & Her Court
Claire and her court representing the parade across the Chicagoland area
About the Queen Contest
A tradition of grace, heritage, and community pride
The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen Contest is one of the most prestigious traditions associated with the annual parade. Each year, young women of Irish heritage from across the Chicagoland area compete for the honor of being crowned the Parade Queen.
The Queen Contest celebrates the values of Irish culture — grace, intelligence, community spirit, and pride in one's heritage. Contestants are evaluated on their knowledge of Irish culture and history, their involvement in the community, their poise, and their ability to represent the parade and Chicago's Irish-American community throughout the year.
The reigning Queen leads the parade procession alongside the Grand Marshal and Guest of Honor, riding in a place of honor through the streets of downtown Chicago. She serves as an ambassador for the Irish community at events throughout the year, representing the best of Chicago's Irish-American heritage.
Interested in Competing?
The Queen Contest is open to young women of Irish heritage from the Chicagoland area. Registration typically opens in the fall for the following year's parade. The 2027 contest is expected to take place in January 2027 — registration details will be announced this fall.
Contact us at parade@chicagostpatricksdayparade.org for more information about future contests.
Past Parade Queens
Honoring the remarkable women who have represented our parade through the years
Claire Cahill
CurrentClaire was crowned the 2026 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen, continuing the proud tradition of celebrating young Irish-American women in Chicago.
Parade Queen 2025
Represented the best of Chicago's Irish-American community during the 2025 parade celebrations.
Parade Queen 2024
Reigned over the 2024 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade with grace and pride in her Irish heritage.
Parade Queen 2023
Carried on the tradition of the Queen Contest during the 2023 parade season.
Kelley Leyden
Kelley Leyden was crowned Queen of the 2022 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, representing the spirit of Irish Chicago.
Parade Queen 2021
Even during challenging times, the tradition continued with the 2021 Parade Queen.
Parade Queen 2020
Selected as Queen for the 2020 season, a year that showed the resilience of the Chicago Irish community.
Parade Queen 2019
Reigned over one of the largest parades in recent history during the 2019 celebration.
Parade Queen 2018
Represented the parade with distinction during the 2018 festivities.
Parade Queen 2017
Carried on decades of tradition as the 2017 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen.
Parade Queen 2016
Crowned in 2016, continuing the cherished Queen Contest tradition.
Parade Queen 2015
The 2015 Parade Queen added her name to the proud list of past queens.
We are actively compiling the complete historical record of all Parade Queens.
If you are a past Queen or have information about past Queens, please contact us to help preserve this important history.
Want to Be the Next Queen?
Registration for the next Queen Contest opens in the fall. Stay connected to be the first to know when applications are available.