March 13–14, 2027 · Chicago Area, Illinois
Illinois Massage
Championships
Professional Massage Competition · Chicago Area, Illinois. Compete, learn and connect with massage therapists, judges, educators, massage schools and industry professionals from Illinois and across the United States.
Where massage professionals rise.
The Illinois Massage Championships 2027 bring together talented massage therapists, students, educators, judges, massage schools, and industry professionals from Illinois, the Chicago area, and across the United States. Competitors showcase their massage and bodywork skills in a professional and supportive environment, receive valuable feedback from experienced judges, and connect with the wider massage therapy community. Our mission is to elevate the massage profession by promoting excellence, education, innovation, ethical practice, and continued professional growth..
Competitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a structured championship environment, receive professional evaluation and experience different approaches to massage therapy and bodywork.
Our goal is to support professionalism, education, innovation, ethical practice and continued professional development throughout the massage community.
Championship sponsors & partners.
The Illinois Massage Championships are made possible through the support of our sponsors and industry partners.
Official OrganizerSave Body
Save Body is a Chicago-area massage therapy and education company specializing in therapeutic massage, lymphatic techniques, body contouring and professional continuing education.
Official OrganizerSkyLight Body Therapy
Professional massage therapy, bodywork and wellness education focused on relaxation, pain management and overall well-being.
Official OrganizerWorld Massage Festival
Elevating the industry and its professionals through global unity, education, and fun. American Massage Championships: July 23 to 25, 2027Festival: July 25 to 30, 2027
Elevating the Massage Profession.
Our goal is to support professionalism, education, innovation, ethical practice and continued professional development throughout the massage community.
The Illinois Massage Championships advance the massage therapy profession through structured competition, professional evaluation, continuing education, innovation, ethical practice, and meaningful community connections.
Professionalism
Upholding high professional standards.
Education
Supporting continuing education and learning.
Innovation
Encouraging effective new approaches.
Ethical Practice
Promoting safety, integrity, and respect.
Community
Connecting massage professionals nationwide.
Professional Growth
Helping practitioners develop and succeed.
A championship with national reach.
Based in Illinois and welcoming qualified massage professionals from across the United States.
Illinois Massage Competition
The championships provide massage professionals throughout Chicago, the suburbs and communities across Illinois with an opportunity to compete, learn and showcase their professional skills.
Massage Competition USA
Qualified massage professionals from other U.S. states are invited to travel to the Chicago area and participate subject to official eligibility rules.
Why compete?
Take your professional skills beyond the treatment room and experience massage therapy from a new perspective.
Challenge Yourself
Demonstrate your skills in a professional competition environment.
Professional Evaluation
Gain another perspective on your technique, flow and presentation.
Learn & Discover
Experience different styles and ideas from other professionals.
Build Recognition
Strengthen your professional portfolio.
Build Your Network
Connect with therapists, educators and industry professionals.
Grow Your Career
Build confidence, connections and opportunities.
9 championship categories.
Final category requirements, permitted techniques, competition timing and judging criteria will be published in the Official Competitor Guide.
Swedish Massage
Technique · Rhythm · FlowTechnique, rhythm, flow, transitions, ergonomics and overall professional presentation.
Clinical Massage
Assessment · Technique · ReasoningAssessment, technique selection, execution and professional therapeutic reasoning.
Body Sculpting
Contouring · Tissue · AestheticsMassage and bodywork techniques focused on contouring, tissue shaping and aesthetics.
Wellness Massage
Wellness · Flow · Client-centeredWellness-focused technique, flow and client-centered application.
Sports Massage
Movement · Preparation · RecoveryTechniques appropriate to movement, preparation, recovery or performance.
Facial Massage
Precision · Flow · PresentationPrecision, flow, technique and professional presentation.
Chair Massage
Seated · Ergonomics · AdaptabilityEffective seated technique, ergonomics, adaptability and flow.
Freestyle Massage
Western · Creative · TechnicalCreative use of approved Western-inspired techniques.
Freestyle Massage
Eastern · Creative · TechnicalCreative use of approved Eastern-inspired approaches.
Judging & evaluation.
Competitors are evaluated according to standardized competition criteria designed to support consistent and professional judging.
- TechniqueQuality, precision, control and appropriate application of professional techniques.
- Flow & TransitionsRhythm, continuity, organization and transitions throughout the performance.
- ErgonomicsProfessional body mechanics, positioning and efficient movement.
- SafetyAppropriate handling, hygiene, communication, draping and professional boundaries.
- CreativityIndividual professional expression and innovation where applicable.
- Professional PresentationConfidence, professionalism, organization and overall quality.
Apply to become a championship judge.
The Illinois Massage Championships welcome experienced massage professionals, educators and qualified competition judges interested in supporting professional standards and a fair competition experience.
- Professional massage experience
- Professional massage education
- Strong professional ethics
- Objective evaluation skills
- Category expertise preferred
- Judging experience preferred
Championship directors & organizers.
Founder & Championship DirectorViacheslav Khomutets
Owner of Massage & Spa Save Body, licensed massage therapist, educator and international championship judge dedicated to advancing professional standards and massage education.
Founder & Championship DirectorRay A. Williams
Massage professional and competition leader committed to fairness, education and an outstanding experience for every competitor.
Co-OrganizerShannon Tetteh, LMT, DAOM
Licensed massage therapist, certified instructor and owner of Golden Palm & Needle, bringing expertise in Tui Na, Asian bodywork, acupuncture and Qi Gong.
Excellence recognized.
Competitors across all nine championship categories are eligible for awards recognizing technical mastery, professional presentation, and overall excellence.
Category Champion
Highest-scoring competitor in each category.
Silver Medalist
Second-highest-scoring competitor.
Bronze Medalist
Third-highest-scoring competitor.
Overall Championship Winner
The highest overall score.
Best Technique
Exceptional technical quality.
Professional Excellence
Outstanding professionalism and presentation.
Learn from the best.
Educational workshops led by experienced practitioners and educators.
Advanced Swedish Technique
Refine rhythm, flow and ergonomics.
Sports Massage & Recovery
Pre-event, post-event and recovery protocols.
Clinical Assessment Skills
Assessment, technique selection and reasoning.
Professional Ethics & Business
Ethics, communication and business development.
The standard of competition.
All competitors are expected to review and adhere to the official championship rules.
- 01 · EligibilityValid massage therapy license or enrollment in an accredited massage program.
- 02 · Competition FormatEach category features a timed practical session under standardized conditions.
- 03 · Time LimitsEach category has a defined time limit. Overtime may affect scoring.
- 04 · EvaluationJudges evaluate technique, flow, ergonomics, safety, creativity and presentation.
- 05 · Code of ConductAll participants must maintain professional conduct, respect and ethical standards.
- 06 · Appeals ProcessA formal review process is available for procedural concerns.
Choose how you participate.
Competitor Registration
Showcase your massage skills and compete in approved categories.
Register to CompeteJudge Application
Experienced professionals and educators may apply to the judging panel.
Apply to JudgeSponsor / Vendor
Massage schools, wellness companies and professional organizations may apply.
Sponsor / VendorFrequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about competing, judging, attending and joining the 2027 championship.
Step into the championships.
Join massage professionals from Illinois and across the United States for competition, education, professional development and community.