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Grayslake, Illinois • January 20–24, 2027

Five all-breed shows. Five winter days. Three clubs, one fairgrounds — the Midwest’s big January circuit in Lake County, Illinois.

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What is this show?

The Grayslake Cluster is five all-breed AKC conformation shows in five days at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois — hosted by the Kenosha Kennel Club, the Park Shore Kennel Club, and the Chain O’Lakes Kennel Club. Wednesday through Sunday in the middle of January, the three clubs run one of the largest winter circuits in the Midwest.

Big entries are the hallmark here: the 2019 edition drew entries toward 5,600 dogs across the five days, with exhibitors traveling from all over the country. The indoor fairgrounds setup makes it a true winter circuit — five majors-possible days without worrying about January weather at the rings.

At a glance

  • Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 (indoors)
  • When: Wednesday, January 20 – Sunday, January 24, 2027
  • Entries close: Friday, January 1, 2027 (superintendent Onofrio Dog Shows)
  • Entry fee: pending the 2027 premium
  • Format: 5 all-breed shows, one per day

Why go?

Five shows, one trip, deep entries. That is the Grayslake formula: exhibitors from across the Midwest and beyond converge on Lake County for five straight days of all-breed judging, which means majors are genuinely in play for class dogs.

The winter proving ground. January is quiet on the show calendar; Grayslake is where serious campaigns start the year — big judging panels, big rings, and a crowd that came to compete.

Indoor and efficient. The Lake County Fairgrounds hosts the whole circuit under cover, so the showing goes on regardless of what Lake County weather is doing outside.

Day by day

One all-breed show each day, January 20–24. Day-by-day club assignments arrive with the 2027 premium.

Who’s judging?

The 2027 premium list is not yet published. Best in Show, group, and breed judge assignments will be listed here when the premium is out; ring times arrive with the official judging program. See the ThePetAdvisor show page for this event for updates.

How to enter (entries close January 1)

Entries close Friday, January 1, 2027, through superintendent Onofrio Dog Shows, L.L.C. — online at onofrio.com or by mail. Note the holiday mail warning from the superintendent: allow extra time for entries sent by mail. Entry fees and classes will be published in the 2027 premium list.

Staying in Grayslake

The cluster is held at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030. From I-94 take exit 64 (Buckley Rd/IL 137/Peterson Rd) west about 4.3 miles, then continue on Peterson about 1.75 miles to the fairgrounds.

Hotels: pet-friendly options near the fairgrounds include the Comfort Suites Grayslake (two dogs of any size, $20 per pet per night), DoubleTree by Hilton Libertyville–Mundelein, Super 8 Mundelein/Libertyville, and Motel 6 Libertyville. Fly into Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Milwaukee (MKE). January in northern Illinois means winter driving — allow extra time. Always confirm the current pet policy when booking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Grayslake Cluster?

It is a five-show all-breed AKC cluster held January 20–24, 2027, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois — hosted by the Kenosha Kennel Club, Park Shore Kennel Club, and Chain O’Lakes Kennel Club. One all-breed show per day, Wednesday through Sunday.

When is the 2027 Grayslake Cluster?

Wednesday, January 20 through Sunday, January 24, 2027. Day-by-day club assignments will be confirmed when the 2027 premium publishes.

Are entries still open for the 2027 Grayslake Cluster?

Yes — entries close Friday, January 1, 2027, through superintendent Onofrio Dog Shows (online at onofrio.com or by mail). Entry fees are pending the 2027 premium.

Why do exhibitors go to Grayslake in January?

Deep entries and five straight days of majors-possible all-breed judging make it one of the Midwest’s key winter circuits — many campaigns start their year here. The indoor fairgrounds setup keeps the showing on regardless of January weather.

Can I attend if I did not enter a dog?

Yes. Dog shows are open to the public and spectators are welcome at the rings — five days of all-breed judging is a great way to see the sport.

Where do exhibitors stay for the Grayslake Cluster?

Pet-friendly options near the fairgrounds include the Comfort Suites Grayslake, DoubleTree by Hilton Libertyville–Mundelein, Super 8 Mundelein/Libertyville, and Motel 6 Libertyville. Fly into Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Milwaukee (MKE).

Planning your show season?

Create your free ThePetAdvisor account — track your dogs, plan your weekends, and never miss a closing date.

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See the full show page: dates, clubs, fees, specialties, and the judging programs