In a city as big and busy as Chicago, recognition matters. Whether you’re organizing a youth sports league, planning a corporate awards banquet, or honoring volunteers in your community, having the right trophy store makes the entire process smoother, and the final product more meaningful.
Chicago is home to dozens of events, tournaments, and organizations that rely on high-quality trophies and awards year-round. And while plenty of national chains offer basic options online, there’s something valuable about working with a trusted local provider who knows how to get things done, fast, accurate, and exactly the way you envisioned.
In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the best trophy stores in Chicago, whether you’re looking for sports trophies, corporate plaques, crystal awards, or completely custom designs.
What to Look For in a Great Trophy Store
Before you dive into picking a provider, it’s worth knowing what separates an average trophy shop from a great one. The best trophy stores offer more than just products, they offer experience, flexibility, and guidance throughout the entire process.
Wide Product Selection
Look for shops that carry more than just plastic sports trophies. The best stores offer crystal awards, acrylic pieces, plaques, medals, glass engravings, and corporate recognition options, covering everything from youth sports to black-tie galas.
Customization & Engraving
The engraving makes the award personal. Great providers offer multiple engraving options, whether it’s laser engraving, 3D etching, logo reproduction, or detailed personalization that makes each award unique.
Turnaround Time
When events get scheduled, deadlines come fast. Strong local providers can often turn around orders quickly without sacrificing quality, especially for last-minute events or growing teams that add players late.
In-Person Service
Having a showroom or physical location allows you to see and feel the awards before committing. If you’re ordering high-end crystal or custom acrylics, this hands-on experience can make a big difference.
Budget Flexibility
From youth leagues operating on tight budgets to corporations planning large-scale banquets, a good trophy store offers options across price points. Whether you’re spending $10 or $300 per piece, they should have solutions that fit.
The Best Trophy Stores in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of trophy shops, but these are the providers that stand out for their quality, service, and ability to deliver whether you’re ordering one custom piece or hundreds.
Viking Awards
Viking Awards has earned a strong reputation for offering one of the most complete selections of awards in the Chicago area. From crystal trophies and acrylic awards to plaques, medals, and custom sports trophies, Viking covers nearly every type of recognition need. Their ability to blend premium craftsmanship with flexible pricing makes them a go-to for both corporate buyers and event organizers alike.
Strengths:
- Extensive product catalog across multiple award styles
- Full customization options (logos, engraving, 3D laser etching)
- Fast turnaround, even for larger orders
- Great for corporate awards, sports leagues, banquets, and nonprofits
Visit: Viking Awards
Chicago Trophy & Awards International
Serving Chicago for decades, Chicago Trophy & Awards International is known for its deep roots in the local community. What makes them unique is their walk-in showroom, which allows customers to see options in person before placing an order. They work closely with schools, businesses, and event planners across the city and suburbs.
Strengths:
- In-person showroom experience
- Fast, reliable local production
- Wide variety of sports, academic, corporate, and community awards
Crown Trophy Chicago (Multiple Locations)
As part of a national chain, Crown Trophy combines local service with a larger production network. They’re especially popular for youth sports leagues, schools, and tournaments thanks to their affordable pricing, simple ordering process, and reliable delivery.
Strengths:
- Budget-friendly for schools and leagues
- Great for bulk orders and participation awards
- Consistent production quality across multiple locations
Personalization House Chicago
For customers who want something more custom and unique, Personalization House offers highly specialized engraving and design services. They work on glass, crystal, acrylic, and wood, and are especially good for one-off custom projects or smaller corporate orders that need attention to detail.
Strengths:
- Detailed custom engraving and personalization
- Flexible design consultations
- Excellent for corporate gifts, employee milestones, and custom donor recognition
Awards & Fine Gifts by John Roberts
If you’re looking for a boutique-style trophy and award experience, John Roberts is worth considering. They specialize in higher-end awards and executive gifts, offering personal service and elegant packaging. Their awards are often used for major corporate events, donor programs, and upscale nonprofit galas.
Strengths:
- Boutique approach with a focus on upscale recognition
- Custom packaging and presentation options
- Great for executive-level awards, board member gifts, and premium event honors
R.S. Owens / St. Regis Group
R.S. Owens, now part of St. Regis Group, is one of the biggest names in the award manufacturing world, and they’re headquartered right here in Chicago. Known for producing some of the most prestigious awards in the country, including famous televised event trophies, they handle large-scale, highly customized projects for national and global organizations.
Strengths:
- High-profile custom manufacturing
- Large-scale production capacity
- Known for 3D crystal, metal, and glass awards
With this wide range of trophy stores, Chicago buyers can easily find a provider that fits their event size, budget, and customization needs, whether it’s a youth soccer league or a corporate black-tie event.
What Types of Trophies Are Popular in Chicago?
One of the reasons Chicago has so many great trophy providers is because there’s real demand across a wide range of industries, events, and organizations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of trophies and awards people shop for locally:
Sports Trophies
From youth leagues to adult tournaments, sports trophies make up a huge portion of the market. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey leagues across Chicago order thousands of trophies each year for:
- Team championships
- MVP and positional awards
- Participation medals for younger age groups
- Tournament winners and runner-ups
Shops like Crown Trophy and Chicago Trophy specialize in fast, affordable solutions for sports programs of all sizes.
Corporate Awards
Many of Chicago’s businesses turn to trophy stores for professional awards that go far beyond plastic trophies. These typically include:
- Employee recognition
- Years of service
- Sales performance awards
- Leadership honors
- Retirement gifts
Viking Awards, John Roberts, and Personalization House all offer a variety of corporate-focused options, from crystal awards to high-end executive gifts.
Academic Awards
Schools, universities, and educational programs also make up a significant customer base for Chicago trophy shops. Common academic award types include:
- Honor roll plaques
- Graduation awards
- Student leadership trophies
- Departmental honors
- Teacher appreciation gifts
These types of awards are often highly personalized and designed to become keepsakes for students and faculty alike.
Nonprofit & Community Recognition
Chicago’s many nonprofits, community groups, and fundraising organizations frequently purchase awards to honor volunteers, donors, and civic leaders. These can range from simple appreciation plaques to high-end crystal or glass pieces for major donors.
Providers like John Roberts, Viking Awards, and Personalization House often serve this market with boutique, customized pieces.
Crystal, Glass & Acrylic Awards
Many corporate and nonprofit events in Chicago prefer the sleek, professional look of crystal, glass, or acrylic over traditional trophy designs. These awards work especially well for:
- Executive awards
- Board member recognition
- Donor gifts
- High-end corporate banquets
Companies like Viking Awards and St. Regis Group offer full customization on these high-end recognition pieces.
Custom Trophies & One-of-a-Kind Pieces
For clients who want something fully unique, several Chicago providers offer fully custom design services. These one-of-a-kind awards are often used for:
- National award shows
- Industry recognition events
- Company-specific branded awards
- Limited-run or specialty projects
Providers like R.S. Owens (St. Regis Group) handle many of these large-scale custom designs.
Final Tips for Ordering Trophies in Chicago
Even with so many great options available locally, a little planning can make the entire process smoother. Whether you’re ordering for a small event or a large awards program, here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your order:
Start Early If Possible
While many Chicago trophy stores offer fast turnaround, giving yourself extra time allows for more customization, engraving proof approvals, and any unexpected adjustments. This is especially important if you’re ordering for:
- Large corporate banquets
- School ceremonies with multiple categories
- Custom crystal or acrylic designs
- Seasonal youth sports banquets
Double-Check the Engraving Details
Most issues with awards come down to simple typos or missing information. Always review your proofs carefully before final production, and have a second person review them too if possible. Getting the names, titles, and dates right is what makes the award personal.
Ask About Volume Discounts
Many local shops offer discounted pricing for larger orders. If you’re ordering awards for an entire league, department, or school program, don’t hesitate to ask about volume pricing.
Take Advantage of Local Pickup
One of the big benefits of using a Chicago-based trophy store is the ability to avoid shipping delays and simply pick up your order in person, especially helpful for last-minute events or orders that require small adjustments after production.
Visit Showrooms for High-End Orders
If you’re investing in crystal, glass, or fully custom awards, visiting a showroom can help you see the scale, weight, and clarity of the pieces in person. Viking Awards, Chicago Trophy, and John Roberts all offer excellent local consultations for more premium orders.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Guidance
You don’t need to be an awards expert. The best trophy stores have experienced teams who can help recommend materials, engraving styles, and design layouts based on your event and budget. Lean on their expertise.
Conclusion
In a city as busy and diverse as Chicago, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate great work, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or inside the boardroom. Having the right trophy store behind you can turn those recognition moments into something lasting.
From youth sports leagues ordering dozens of participation trophies to companies investing in high-end crystal for executive awards, Chicago offers some of the best local providers for any type of recognition you need. Shops like Viking Awards, Chicago Trophy, Crown Trophy, and several boutique providers make it easy to find awards that fit your event, your budget, and your style.
The real value of working with a local trophy store isn’t just the product, it’s the experience. You get personal guidance, flexible service, fast turnaround, and the peace of mind that comes from seeing your awards before your event.
So whether you’re planning next month’s awards banquet or building an ongoing recognition program, start with one of Chicago’s trusted trophy stores, and make your next celebration one people will remember long after the event is over.
