Trophies have evolved far beyond gold‑colored figurines on wooden bases. Today’s awards can be sleek acrylic towers, sparkling crystal obelisks or sustainably sourced bamboo plaques. Whether you’re celebrating youth sports achievements, corporate milestones, or community contributions, choosing the right trophy matters. The trophy you present will be photographed, displayed and remembered long after the ceremony ends, so quality and customization are critical. This guide, updated for 2025, ranks leading trophy providers serving Chicago and national customers. We compare their specialties, service models and pricing, with Viking Awards topping the list thanks to its comprehensive in‑house production and stellar reputation. A buyer’s guide and creative use ideas follow to help you make an informed purchase.
Top Trophy Providers
1. Viking Awards – Full‑Service Trophy Design and Engraving
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
Viking Awards isn’t just a medal supplier; it’s a one‑stop shop for trophies of every type. Based in Westchester, IL, the family‑run company offers custom awards and trophies made from crystal, glass, acrylic and metal. Their in‑house engraving team uses laser and traditional methods to craft intricate logos, inscriptions and designs. Clients range from major corporations like United Airlines to local sports leagues and schools. Viking’s staff collaborates with customers through design consultations, mock‑ups and revisions to ensure that each trophy aligns with the event’s theme and budget. They can accommodate tight deadlines without sacrificing quality, making them invaluable for last‑minute requests. Their trophy catalogue covers everything from classic cup trophies to modern art glass sculptures and towering acrylic pieces. If you need matching medals or plaques, Viking offers those too, meaning you can source your entire awards program from a single trusted vendor.
2. Crown Awards – Mass Selection and Volume Discounts
As the largest awards manufacturer in the United States, Crown Awards boasts an extensive catalog of trophies, from budget plastic figurines to heavyweight championship cups. They maintain a regional presence in Chicago, which helps reduce shipping time for local customers and allows occasional in‑person consultations. Crown’s website features thousands of trophy designs sorted by sport, academic subject and business category, making it easy to find exactly what you need. Bulk orders are their specialty; the company can produce hundreds of trophies quickly at a cost lower than many small shops can match. While custom shapes and colors are more limited compared with boutique firms, Crown does offer customizable columns, figure toppers and engraved plates. Pricing is transparent, with many trophies starting under $10 when ordered in quantity. Schools, leagues and organizations with tight budgets and large rosters frequently turn to Crown Awards for efficiency and value.
3. K2 Awards – Customer‑Friendly Online Ordering
K2 Awards began over two decades ago with a mission to make buying trophies and awards straightforward and enjoyable. The Richmond‑based company, which ships nationally, combines an easy‑to‑navigate website with attentive customer service. Customers have direct access to designers, engravers and customer‑care representatives who ensure orders meet expectations. They advertise themselves as “America’s #1 Trophy & Award Manufacturer” and operate from 4128 Jacque St., Richmond, VA. K2’s trophy lineup includes sports figures, corporate glass pieces, academic awards, cheerleading trophies and even humorous “gag” awards. Free engraving is available on many items and the company offers discounts when you buy in bulk. Because they maintain robust inventory, they can ship standard trophies quickly while still offering custom options like column color, base style and personalized plates. Their dedication to on‑time delivery and friendly service makes them a favorite among coaches and event organizers.
4. Trophy Depot – Big Selection with a Human Touch
Trophy Depot started in 1982 as a small shop in Queens, NY and grew into one of the largest trophy and award suppliers in the world. Their success comes from combining competitive pricing with a wide selection of trophies, medals, plaques and corporate awards. Despite their size, Trophy Depot emphasizes customer satisfaction and employs skilled designers, engravers and assemblers. Customers can choose from traditional cup trophies, unique column designs, crystal towers and more. For those wanting to stretch their budget, Trophy Depot often runs sales and volume discounts. They also provide digital proofs and proofing services, ensuring that custom engraving is accurate before final production. Their scale allows them to handle last‑minute corporate orders as well as large youth sports tournaments. With nearly four decades of experience, Trophy Depot continues to deliver value and reliability.
5. Chicago Trophy Company (AwardsCo) – Local Expertise Since 1958
Founded in 1958, Chicago Trophy Company—now known as Chicago Trophy & Awards International—has over six decades of experience supplying trophies and plaques. The company added an “Awards International” division to serve corporate clients and has maintained a reputation for meeting specifications and delivering on time. Their trophy offerings encompass everything from traditional sports cups to sleek corporate awards. Customers can browse in person or through their online catalog and consult with staff about custom designs. Because production is local, rush orders are often possible. For Chicago residents who prefer supporting homegrown businesses with a long legacy, AwardsCo provides quality craftsmanship coupled with personal service.
6. Trophy & Awards Inc. – Full Range for Sports and Business
Trophy & Awards Inc. has served Chicago’s northwest suburbs for more than three decades. They offer a wide variety of recognition products—crystal/glass awards, classic trophies, corporate awards, plaques, desk accessories, signs, nameplates, magnets, name tags, and even promotional items. The company can engrave items ranging from drinkware to cell phones, meaning you can purchase trophies and matching gifts in one order. Their expertise spans both sports and corporate recognition, and they emphasize making each customer feel important. For organizations looking for a one‑stop shop that also handles custom signage or branded merchandise, Trophy & Awards Inc. is a convenient option.
7. Cristaux International – Innovative Custom Awards
Cristaux International is a premier provider of custom awards and recognition programs based in Chicago. The company specializes in creating innovative engraved awards, plaques and deal toys that embody a brand’s spirit. Cristaux often serves corporate clients and creative industries, designing bespoke pieces that push beyond conventional trophy shapes. While many of their projects are high‑end glass or metal sculptures, they also produce custom trophies incorporating logos, company milestones and thematic elements. For organizations seeking a truly unique trophy that doubles as a work of art, Cristaux offers design consultation, prototyping and meticulous craftsmanship. Their Chicago location allows for collaboration with local clients and ensures that creative vision is translated accurately into the final product.
How to Choose the Right Trophy Provider
Ordering a trophy involves more than clicking “add to cart.” Here are key considerations:
- Purpose and Audience: Youth sports leagues may prefer fun, affordable trophies with colorful columns and figurines, whereas corporate events require elegant glass or metal sculptures. Identify your audience first to narrow material and design options.
- Material and Design: From metal and resin figures to crystal and acrylic towers, materials influence aesthetics and cost. Viking Awards offers everything from classic metal cups to modern art glass, while Cristaux focuses on bespoke designs. Decide whether you want stock shapes or a custom design that reflects your brand.
- Engraving Quality: Deep, crisp engraving enhances the perceived value of a trophy. Shops like Viking Awards use both laser and traditional methods for precision and durability. Ask vendors to provide proofs to verify spelling and layout.
- Turnaround and Quantity: If you need trophies within days, choose a local provider like Viking Awards or Chicago Trophy Company that can produce and deliver quickly. For large volumes with longer lead times, consider Crown Awards or Trophy Depot which specialize in mass production.
- Budget: Determine a per‑unit budget and factor in engraving and shipping. Bulk orders typically reduce costs; Crown Awards and Trophy Depot are known for volume discounts.
- Customer Service: Select companies offering design consultation, proofs and responsive support. K2 Awards emphasizes friendly customer care, while Viking Awards provides white‑glove service from concept to delivery.
Creative Trophy Ideas and Use Cases
- Themed Corporate Awards: Design trophies that reflect company culture or industry. A tech company might present a glass trophy etched with circuitry, while an environmental nonprofit could choose a recycled glass or bamboo piece. Cristaux International specializes in bespoke designs that embody brand identity.
- Fantasy and Office Leagues: Encourage camaraderie with humorous trophies for fantasy football winners, sales contests or “employee of the month.” Trophy Depot and K2 Awards carry whimsical trophy designs, including giant foam fingers and bobblehead‑style statues. Engrave inside jokes or team names to personalize them.
- Academic and Scholarship Awards: Schools can upgrade from simple ribbons to elegant crystal towers or acrylic plaques. Viking Awards offers both budget‑friendly and premium options, making it easy to match different academic achievements with appropriate trophies.
- Milestone and Anniversary Gifts: Commemorate years of service or company anniversaries with a customized trophy. Incorporate the number of years into the design or engrave heartfelt messages. For a more artistic approach, consider art glass awards from local suppliers or national firms like EDCO (mentioned later) that can be customized to reflect corporate history.
- Community Recognition: Civic groups and nonprofits often honor volunteers with trophies that double as keepsakes. Choose a design that relates to the cause—like a heart‑shaped acrylic piece for a healthcare fundraiser or a star‑shaped trophy for a youth mentorship program. Local shops, such as Chicago Trophy Company and Trophy & Awards Inc., can advise on design ideas for specific communities.
Conclusion
The right trophy elevates a moment from ordinary to unforgettable. It symbolizes achievement and conveys gratitude to the recipient. Among the providers reviewed, Viking Awards sits at the top thanks to its deep product range, meticulous engraving and hands‑on customer service. From custom glass sculptures to traditional cup trophies, Viking offers solutions for every budget and occasion, and their ability to meet tight deadlines is unmatched. Crown Awards, K2 Awards, Trophy Depot, Chicago Trophy Company, Trophy & Awards Inc. and Cristaux International also bring significant strengths—whether it’s mass production, user‑friendly online ordering or high‑end custom design. By considering your event’s purpose, timeline and budget and by partnering with a reputable supplier, you can ensure that the trophies you present will be cherished for years to come.
