Custom Sports Medals in Chicago – Best Medal Suppliers

From 5K charity runs and corporate wellness challenges to youth tournaments and academic competitions, custom medals are a tangible way to honor participants and winners. In Chicago, where community events and corporate outings are plentiful, demand for high‑quality medals has never been greater. A custom medal can feature your organization’s logo, reflect your event’s theme and become a keepsake that participants cherish long after the finish line. Crafting these medals requires a combination of artistic design, durable materials and precise manufacturing.

Selecting a medal supplier involves understanding the different manufacturing methods (die‑struck vs. insert), finish options (gold, silver, bronze, antique brass), ribbon colors and minimum order quantities. Local companies can offer face‑to‑face consultations, quick pickups and the ability to match Chicago themes or landmarks. National suppliers provide economies of scale, advanced manufacturing techniques and a wide array of shapes and sizes. This guide highlights the best custom medal suppliers for Chicago customers, focusing on product quality, customization capabilities, service reliability and proximity. Viking Awards, with its full‑service production in Westchester, Illinois, once again tops our list.

Quick Buyer’s Snapshot

• Event type: Determine whether your event is a fun run, a corporate wellness challenge, a school competition or a youth sports tournament. Casual events might prefer lighter medals with fun designs, while prestige events require heavier medals with intricate details.
• Design complexity: Die‑struck medals are cast from a mold, producing raised and recessed areas and a three‑dimensional look. Insert medals include a printed insert in a generic medal frame. Die‑struck medals offer more customization but require larger quantities and longer lead times.
• Material and finish: Common finishes include gold, silver and bronze plating, antique brass, black nickel and full‑color enamel. Choose a finish that complements your event colors and conveys the level of achievement.
• Size and thickness: Standard medal diameters range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches; thickness ranges from 2 mm to 4 mm. Heavier medals feel more substantial but cost more to produce and ship.
• Ribbon colors: Ribbons are available in solid colors, patterns or custom prints. For school and corporate events, choose colors that match branding. Ensure the ribbon width and length suit your participants (longer ribbons for adults, shorter for children).
• Timeline: Custom die‑struck medals require design approval and mold creation, taking 6–8 weeks. Insert medals and stock designs can be ready in 2–3 weeks. Plan ahead to avoid rush fees.

Top Providers for Custom Sports Medals in Chicago (2026 Rankings)

1. Viking Awards – Chicago’s Medal Customization Experts (Westchester, IL)

Overview: Viking Awards stands at the top of our list for custom medals because of its local presence and full‑service capabilities. Their design team collaborates with clients to create unique medals featuring event logos, mascots or Chicago landmarks. In‑house manufacturing means Viking can produce die‑struck medals, high‑relief castings, and colored enamel finishes. Their facility near Chicago allows for quick consultations and rapid turnaround. Viking’s emphasis on quality craftsmanship and precise engraving ensures that each medal not only looks impressive but also withstands years of display.

Best for: Chicago events that want locally crafted medals and hands‑on design assistance; clients who need quick turnaround.

Notable products: Die‑struck medals with raised designs, full‑color printed medals, custom ribbon medallions, lapel pins and challenge coins.

Turnaround & customization: Viking can produce standard medals within 2–3 weeks and will provide design proofs for custom projects. Complex die‑struck medals may take 6–8 weeks. Engraving and ribbon assembly occur on site.

Location: Elmhurst, IL.

https://viking-awards.com/

2. Chicago Award Source – Trusted Custom Engraver Since 1981 (Chicago, IL)

Overview: Chicago Award Source has provided custom engraving and awards for Chicago clients since 1981. A MapQuest listing reveals that the shop is located at 1627 N Clybourn Ave in the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and has been a trusted provider of custom awards, plaques and trophies. The listing notes that Chicago Award Source offers fast turnaround times and personalized customer service; they have completed more than half a million engravings for local and worldwide events. In addition to trophies and plaques, they produce custom medals and engravable gifts. Their experience and location make them ideal for Chicago customers who prefer face‑to‑face interaction.

Best for: Customers wanting a local engraver with decades of experience; events requiring personalized service and quick turnaround.

Notable products: Custom die‑cast medals, engraved name plates, corporate plaques, engraved gifts like watches and travel mugs.

Turnaround & customization: Chicago Award Source offers same‑week turnaround on many orders, with personalized assistance to ensure design accuracy. They handle custom engravings on a variety of materials, from metal to wood.

Location: 1627 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614.

3. Awards International & Chicago Trophy Co. – Variety & Experience (Niles, IL)

Overview: Awards International, also known as Chicago Trophy & Awards International, offers a broad selection of custom awards and medals. The MapQuest listing for their Niles location states that the company offers trophies, plaques, certificates and accessories for corporate events and children’s sports competitions. They provide bobble‑head trophies, pins and custom medals for various occasions. With more than 60 years of history, Awards International is adept at serving both large organizations and small community events.

Best for: Organizations seeking a large catalog of medal styles; customers who want to browse many options in person.

Notable products: Custom die‑struck medals, bobble‑head trophies, plaques, certificates, lapel pins, accessories.

Turnaround & customization: Awards International offers engraving and custom medal design services. They help customers select finishes, sizes and ribbon colors appropriate for each event.

Location: 6333 W Howard St, Niles, IL 60714.

4. Trophy & Awards Inc. – Full‑Line Awards Shop on Northwest Highway (Chicago, IL)

Overview: Trophy & Awards Inc., located at 5860 N Northwest Hwy in Chicago, has provided quality service in the awards industry for over 30 years. Their website states they aim to make customers feel like the most important part of the business and offer a wide range of awards—from classic trophies and corporate awards to signs, nameplates, magnets and promotional items. They invite customers to visit their showroom to see their extensive product line. The company offers custom medals with engraving, as well as other award products.

Best for: Customers who prefer a local shop with a large showroom; clients needing a variety of award products besides medals.

Notable products: Custom engraved medals, classic trophies, corporate plaques, glass awards, embroidered apparel and promotional items.

Turnaround & customization: Trophy & Awards Inc. provides personalized service and will work with customers to design and engrave medals. They emphasize quality and aim to enhance customer satisfaction.

Location: 5860 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631.

5. Crown Awards – National Medal Manufacturer with Chicago Reach (Hawthorne, NY)

Overview: Crown Awards offers a huge selection of custom medals and inserts that can be shipped anywhere in the United States, including Chicago. Their medal department provides options for full‑color inserts, die‑cast medals, bright finishes and custom shapes. Because Crown has a large inventory and multiple distribution centers, they can fill large medal orders quickly. Crown also allows customers to upload logos and customize inserts directly on their website.

Best for: Large events or organizations wanting a one‑stop shop for a wide variety of medal styles; customers needing fast production and shipping.

Notable products: Full‑color insert medals, star‑shaped medals, custom die‑struck designs, ribbons in dozens of color combinations.

Turnaround & customization: Orders often ship within a week. Custom inserts and die‑struck medals require extra design time. Volume discounts apply for large orders.

Location: 9 Skyline Dr, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

6. K2 Awards – Budget-Friendly Custom Medals (Richmond, VA)

Overview: K2 Awards’ medal selection includes die‑cast, insert and printed medals at competitive prices. Their online design tools let customers upload logos and choose ribbon colors, making the process straightforward. Free engraving is included on many medals. Although K2 is based in Virginia, they ship to Chicago and handle orders of any size.

Best for: Schools, clubs and non‑profits looking for affordable custom medals; customers comfortable ordering online.

Notable products: Die‑cast medals with laurel borders, 3D printed medals, dog tag–style medals.

Turnaround & customization: Many medals ship within a few days. Free engraving and volume discounts help keep costs low.

Location: 4128 Jacque St, Richmond, VA 23230.

7. Trophy Depot – Proofing & Variety for Custom Medals (Belmont, NC)

Overview: Trophy Depot manufactures medals in addition to trophies and plaques. Customers can choose between stock dies or create their own designs with the help of Trophy Depot’s designers. Proofing services allow clients to view their medal artwork before manufacturing. According to their contact information, Trophy Depot’s headquarters is located at 646 Cason St in Belmont, NC.

Best for: Customers who require proof approvals for custom medal designs; events ordering both medals and trophies.

Notable products: Economy insert medals, premium die‑cast medals, custom 3D designs, and medals with glitter or glow finishes.

Turnaround & customization: Insert medals ship quickly, while custom die‑cast medals require 4–6 weeks. Proofing ensures designs meet expectations before production.

Location: 646 Cason St, Belmont, NC 28012.

8. EDCO Awards – High‑End Custom Medal Options (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Overview: EDCO provides premium custom medals made from metals, acrylic and crystal. Their design team can produce unique shapes and incorporate full‑color printing or translucent inserts. As the largest trophy manufacturer in Florida, EDCO offers free engraving and same‑day service on many awards. For Chicago events requiring top‑tier medals with a polished, professional look, EDCO is a strong option.

Best for: Corporate events and elite competitions requiring elegant medals; organizers who value premium materials and finishes.

Notable products: Crystal medallions etched with logos, metal medals with antique finishes, acrylic medals with inserted photos.

Turnaround & customization: In‑house manufacturing enables fast production for standard designs; custom medal projects may take several weeks. Free engraving is standard.

Location: 3702 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

9. QuickTrophy – Fast Medal Production (Marquette, MI)

Overview: QuickTrophy specializes in fast‑turnaround awards and operates its own manufacturing facility in Marquette, Michigan. They offer stock medals with customizable inserts as well as die‑cast medals in various sizes. Because QuickTrophy controls the manufacturing process, orders ship quickly—often the next business day. QuickTrophy is ideal for Chicago events needing last‑minute medals.

Best for: Events with tight deadlines; organizers seeking cost‑effective medals produced in the U.S.

Notable products: Insert medals with color inserts, die‑cast medals in gold, silver and bronze, colorful ribbons.

Turnaround & customization: Standard medals ship within a day or two; custom designs require additional time. Engraving is done in‑house.

Location: 446 E Crescent St, Marquette, MI 49855.

Medal Design & Purchasing Guide

Die‑Struck vs. Insert Medals

• Die‑struck medals: These medals are made by stamping a metal blank with a custom die that includes raised and recessed areas. Die‑struck medals offer a high‑end, three‑dimensional look and allow for fine detail. They require an initial mold fee and minimum order quantities but result in a sturdy, long‑lasting product.
• Insert medals: Insert medals consist of a generic medal shell with a removable center where a printed insert or sticker is placed. They are less expensive and can be produced quickly in smaller quantities. Insert medals are perfect for fun runs or school events where budgets are limited.

Finishes and Colors

The finish of a medal can enhance its appearance and convey the level of achievement. Options include:

• Bright gold, silver and bronze: Traditional finishes suitable for first, second and third place.
• Antique brass and pewter: Provide a classic, vintage look and hide fingerprints well.
• Black nickel: Offers a sleek, modern appearance; pairs well with neon or bright ribbon colors.
• Full‑color enamel: Adds vibrant color to raised areas and works well for logos or mascots.

Consider matching medal finishes to event branding or using distinct finishes to differentiate categories (e.g., bright gold for champions, antique silver for runners‑up).

Custom Ribbon Options

Ribbon selection can elevate a medal’s presentation. Common ribbon widths range from 7/8 inch to 1 1/2 inch. Solid colors are classic, while stripes or custom prints can reflect school or team colors. Some suppliers offer sublimated ribbons that include full‑color logos or event names. Ensure the ribbon length fits your participants; shorter ribbons work for children, while longer lengths suit adults.

Design Process & Proofing

When ordering custom medals, follow these steps:

1. Conceptualize: Determine your medal’s shape, size, finish and design elements. Consider including city landmarks (like the Willis Tower) or event icons.
2. Choose a supplier: Select a company with the capabilities and timeline to match your concept. Local suppliers like Viking Awards or Chicago Award Source can meet in person, while national suppliers like K2 Awards accept designs online.
3. Submit artwork: Provide vector artwork for logos and specify text. Work with the supplier’s design team to finalize details.
4. Review proofs: Most suppliers provide digital proofs or sample molds. Carefully review these for accuracy before approving production. Trophy Depot and Viking Awards both offer proofing services.
5. Approve and produce: Once approved, production begins. Die‑struck medals may require 4–8 weeks due to mold creation; insert medals are faster.

Pricing & Quantity Considerations

Prices vary based on size, finish and design complexity. Expect to pay:

• Insert medals: $2–$5 per medal; suitable for fun runs and school events. Minimum order quantities are low.
• Standard die‑cast medals: $5–$8 per medal for orders of 100–300 units; includes standard plating and ribbon. Larger orders reduce the per‑unit price.
• Custom die‑struck medals: $6–$12 per medal for orders of 200+ units; includes custom shape and plating. Additional fees apply for enamel colors and custom ribbons.

Factors that affect cost include medal size, thickness, plating finish and the complexity of the design. Custom ribbons and special packaging (e.g., presentation boxes) add to the total cost. Shipping charges depend on weight and distance; local pickup from Chicago suppliers eliminates shipping fees.

Choosing the Right Medal Supplier

1. Proximity vs. selection: If you need hands‑on design assistance and quick pickup, choose a local shop like Viking Awards or Chicago Award Source. National companies like Crown and K2 provide more options and often lower prices for large orders.
2. Production capabilities: For complex die‑struck medals, ensure your supplier has the equipment and expertise to handle high‑relief designs. EDCO and Viking Awards specialize in premium materials.
3. Minimum order quantity (MOQ): Die‑struck medals require larger MOQs because of the mold cost. If you only need 50 medals, consider insert medals or local suppliers who may offer smaller MOQs.
4. Turnaround time: Confirm the production timeline and factor in shipping. QuickTrophy is ideal for rush orders.
5. Customer service: Read reviews and ask about proofing. A supplier that communicates well and provides detailed proofs will reduce errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I design a medal shaped like my logo? Yes. Many suppliers can create die‑struck medals in custom shapes. Submit vector artwork and expect a mold fee.
2. What is the minimum order for custom die‑struck medals? Most suppliers require 100–200 pieces for cost‑effectiveness. Insert medals can be ordered in smaller quantities.
3. How long does it take to produce custom medals? Die‑struck medals typically take 4–8 weeks, while insert medals and stock designs can be ready in 1–3 weeks.
4. What ribbon length should I choose? Standard adult ribbons are about 32 inches long; for children, choose ribbons around 28 inches. Adjustable ribbons are also available.
5. Can I get proof samples before production? Yes. Many suppliers provide digital proofs for free; physical samples may require a fee. Proofing ensures design accuracy.
6. Are there eco‑friendly medal options? Some suppliers offer medals made from recycled metals and ribbons from recycled materials. Ask about sustainability options.
7. How should I clean and store medals? Keep medals in a cool, dry place. Wipe metal surfaces with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints. Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
8. Can I engrave names on medals? Yes. Some medals have space on the back for engraving individual names. This is common for race medals and personalized awards.
9. What is antiqued finish? An antiqued finish uses darker tones in recessed areas to highlight details. It gives medals a vintage, elegant appearance.
10. Do local suppliers charge more than online companies? Not necessarily. While local shops may have higher overhead, they offer personalized service and may waive shipping. Compare quotes to find the best value.
11. What is a challenge coin? A challenge coin is a small medallion bearing an organization’s insignia. Many medal suppliers also produce challenge coins for commemorative purposes.
12. Is rush production available? Many suppliers offer rush service for an additional fee. QuickTrophy and Viking Awards are known for quick turnaround.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Custom medals elevate events by providing participants with a tangible reminder of their achievements. In Chicago, Viking Awards leads the market with hands‑on design consultations and in‑house manufacturing. Chicago Award Source and Awards International offer local expertise and decades of experience, making them ideal for customers who value face‑to‑face service. Trophy & Awards Inc. provides a vast showroom and additional products for corporate events. National suppliers like Crown Awards and K2 Awards deliver a wide selection and competitive pricing, while Trophy Depot and EDCO offer professional proofing and premium materials. QuickTrophy stands out for rush production. When selecting a supplier, weigh your needs for customization, quantity, budget and timeline. With careful planning and the right partner, you can design medals that perfectly capture the spirit of your Chicago event.