Just like the Classic days of early strongman, we’re lifting heavy stuff in a tavern!

It’s time once again for llinois Strongest Man, and this year we’re beating the summer heat with an indoor climate controlled competition at Steam Hollow Brewing in Manteno. Eat, drink, and lift heavy!

We’ve got kegs, we’ve got tires, we’ve got a whole lot of fun, and the overall winners will have the titles of Illinois Strongest Man and Illinois Strongest Woman for 2023!

Event 1:  Axle Press with Tires

Clean and press a 2” axle overhead for max weight. All weights will be on the axle bar, with everything over 220 pounds on an axle with tires. Weight will start at 70 pounds and go up by 10 pound increments.  Call the weight you want when you hear it, 3 attempts total. Wessels rule applies.

Event 2:  Rising Weight Basket-o-Kegs Deadlift

14” deadlift that lifts a basket of kegs behind you. You’ll add weight plates (most likely 35 pounds) after each rep to increase the weight each time. 60 second time limit to do as many rising weight deadlifts. You may use straps, wraps, etc., but no deadlift suits.

Event 3: Jeep Hold

We’re finalizing the exact vehicle details, but JFB Off Road will be bringing over one of their awesome Jeeps to use for a timed hold. Chalk is fine, but no straps or tacky.

Event 4: Keg Over Bar Series

Four kegs of increasing weight will be placed in front of a 46” high beam, and you’ll go down the line loading them over as fast as you can. 60 second maximum.  You can douse yourself in chalk if you’d like, but no tacky.

Scores will be calculated within your weight class, and an overall Illinois Strongest Man and Illinois Strongest Woman winner will also be announced.

This is a USS sanctioned event, and a qualifier for 2024 USS Nationals.

Weigh-ins will be available just before the competition, or early weigh-ins will be the day before at Steam Hollow  between 4:30-5:30

Parking is free and available in front of Steam Hollow and down the street.  Spectator admission is also free, so bring your friends and family to cheer you on.

Steam Hollow is a veteran-owned and operated family-friendly microbrewery, and will have a number of beer and other beverage options available for purchase, including gluten free and gluten reduced options.  The Neighborhood Kitchen food truck will be in attendance serving American comfort food-style egg rolls.