Meet Chef Aiden – An 11-Year-Old Pitmaster with Big Dreams

At just 11 years old, Aiden is proving that passion, dedication, and heart can outshine even the biggest challenges. While most kids his age are focused on video games or sports, Aiden has found his calling behind the grill and smoker.

From a very young age, he fell in love with cooking and BBQ, and in 2025 he entered his very first competition — and walked away with 1st place in the Meat Fest Green Bay Cooking Competition (ages 8–12). Since then, he’s gone on to win and place in multiple contests, even against adults, earning 2nd place People’s Choice in a rib competition and 2nd place in KCBS Kids Q.

But Aiden’s journey isn’t just about trophies. He’s been using his skills to give back, catering on his own dime for the local fire department and providing meals for the Oshkosh North High School Wrestling program. He’s also started taking on catering clients — because when Aiden cooks, it’s always with passion and generosity.

Along the way, Aiden has been blessed with the encouragement of mentors and BBQ legends. Tim Schopp has been a huge mentor, guiding Aiden through the world of competition BBQ and sharing wisdom that only comes from years of experience. He’s also had the support of Heath Riles, BBQ Mike & Jamie from Too Sauced To Pork, and many BBQ friends who have encouraged him with advice, flavors, and inspiration. Sponsors like Tim Schopp, Hollander Ag, Sloan Seasonings, and Black Raven Pit & Purpose have also believed in Aiden’s journey, helping him continue to grow.

Now, Aiden’s dream is growing even bigger. He’s been invited to appear in two live cooking show segments next month, giving him the chance to showcase his skills on an even larger stage. To keep building momentum, his next big step is owning a fully functional food trailer — a mobile kitchen that will allow him to serve his award-winning BBQ at competitions, events, and throughout the community.

But to make this dream a reality, he needs your help. A food trailer, permits, and proper equipment come with a hefty cost, and every donation — big or small — brings Aiden one step closer to achieving his dream.

Aiden isn’t just cooking food. He’s building a future, one plate at a time. With your support, he can take his passion, his talent, and his incredible drive and turn them into something that inspires others and serves the community.

Please consider donating today to help Aiden fire up his dream. Together, we can make sure this young chef’s future is as bright as the flames in his smoker.