THE ICONIC RAGS TO RICHES BALL, 23rd Anniversary - Chicago, IL (RECURRENCE)

Join Us For the 23rd Installment of The Iconic RAGS TO RICHES WEEKEND……..
November 14th in Chicago, IL
The 5x Time Hall of Fame, Mayor of Chicago, and Midwest BluePrint Marco
Presents
"RECURRENCE"
THE ICONIC RAGS TO RICHES BALL
Doors Open: 5 PM!
$40 Entry All Night
$25 Parking Lot Access (Only 50 Spots Available)
NO APPLE, CASHAPP, ZELLE, PAYPAL, OR ANYTHING ELSE - CASH ONLY - CASH BAR!
There is plenty of street parking available, early arrival strongly recommended.
Categories:
GRAND PRIZE $10,000
Legendary Realness With A Twist”
{THE 23%}
MARCO IS THE PERSON that placed the SPOTLIGHT on the Realness With A Twist Category. The very first $1000.00 awarded for REALNESS With A TWIST occurred at THE BALL “I” CREATED.
RAGS is the Ball that created some of the greatest trends and moments in ballroom history; whether it was PRE-PARTIES, Rumble Balls, Ball Aftermaths, or Vogue Nights – They all began during an annual RAGS WEEKEND. With RAGS as the 3rd oldest ball in ballroom, hosted by the same host, it’s only fitting that another trend begins 23 YEARS LATER – THERE IS A TWIST!
The following 23 Esteemed Individuals have been influential and instrumental in the continued success of RAGS to RICHES and its longevity. As a Thank you, I’ve decided to give these people ONE INVITATION EACH.
There are almost 100 individuals deemed Legendary for Realness with a Twist, but these 23 can invite “ONE PERSON” to compete for THIS category. Their invitation can ONLY be distributed to A CERTIFIED LEGEND of REALNESS WITH A TWIST!
The Grand Prize Twister winner will receive $5,000 ; and the person that invited them WILL ALSO RECEIVE $5,000 (The Invite Holder MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE to receive their $5,000 and the battles will be chose by the Luck of the Draw!)
1. Alvernian 007
2. Andre Mizrahi
3. Jack Gucci
4. Jeynce Mizrahi
5. Ddolazs
6. Neal Platinum
7. Shannon Garcon
8. Berlin Ebony
9. Rodney Balmain
10. Ricky of The Agency
11. Tyanna Lanvin
12. Milan Schiaparelli
13. Amari 007
14. Demario Prodigy
15. Harold Balenciaga
16. Derrick Chanel
17. Larry Chapple
18. Kenny Alain Mikli
19. Meeka Alpha Omega
20. Kelly Gucci
21. Uncle Mike West
22. Pooda 007
23. Tim Cristal
Categories:
Executive Realness – This category is being sponsored by Legendary Father Shaun Reid, $500, bring it as the Mayor of Chicago, the look is completely up to you – Chicago has had both male and female executives.
Please view the past honorees, legends, and Icons awarded at previous RAGS TO RICHES BALLS.
The Icon Marco Herrera Appreciation Award is awarded to an individual to show the full implication of their worth and the value that they add to ballroom. This individual is selfless, and significant to the culture of ballroom.
2026 Honors: Ken Beach
The Icon Andre Mizrahi Ballroom Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual with significant contributions over the course of their time participating in ballroom. This individual has demonstrated a commitment to the growth and excellence of ballroom for generations to come.
2026 Honors: Milan Schiaparelli
Past Honoree
Kenny Alain Mikli
Goddess Rodeo
Wardell Avant Garde
The Icon Ira Aphrodite Imprint Award is awarded to an individual that is forever embedded within their respective talent or craft. This individual will be listed as one of the greatest of all time because of the indelible mark that their impact has made.
2026 Honors: Ricky of The Agency
Past Honoree
Berlin Ebony
Tyanna Ebony
Ken Amiri
The Icon Jack Gorgeous Gucci Vanguard award is issued to an individual that has led the way in new development, ideas, or ballroom creativity. These individual contributions are noted for their love of ballroom and ensuring that we have a creative outlet for future generations.
2026 Honors: Scott Maison Margiela
Past Honoree
Chronicle Images
Ty With The Live
Kelly Gorgeous Gucci
The Icon Alvernian Dumure Versailles Mayor Award is awarded to an individual that has developed and contributed to an entire community by working as a tireless voice and opening the door for ballroom to be enjoyed in their respective region or area.
2026 Honors: Mechee Basquiat
Past Honoree
Twysted Mugler
Larry Luciano
Ricardo Mizrahi
The Icon Jeynce Lady of Distinction Award is presented to a Lady that exudes class and is blazing a trail for future generations to follow.
2026 Honors: Tatiana Tisci
Past Honoree
Layla Balmain
Myah Balenciaga
Simone
The Icon Mann Prodigy Visionary Leadership Award is awarded to a new generation leader that has shown a commitment to ballroom and continually renew an organization by executing plans and a path for future success.
2026 Honors: Neal Platnium
Past Honoree
Derrick Chanel
Renaldo Alpha Omega
Omari Oricci
The Icon Marcus Escada Ballroom Excellence Award is presented to an individual that has cemented themselves in ballroom and is a force by consistently delivering at a point of excellence.
2026 Honors: Zakee Balmain
Past Honoree
Duke Garcon
Leon Lanvin
Lil Ant
The Icon Victoria LePaige Herrera Miss Continental Award is presented to an individual that has continued to bridge the gap between pageantry and ballroom at a level that is CONTINENTAL.
2026 Honors: Reco Chapple
Past Honoree
Monica LaMonico Revlon
Jazelle Tisci
Latoya Iman Davenport Prodigy
LEGENDS AND ICONS DEEMED AT RAGS TO RICHES
Icon Skittles
Icon Amari West
Icon Tracy Balmain
Icon Zo Balmain
Icon Lil Ant
Legendary Pooda
Legendary Antonio Lauren
Legendary Scoota Ebony Balmain
Legendary Tony Escada
Legendary Sir King Ebony Balmain
Legendary Mikey Gucci
Legendary Deon Chanel
Legendary Maya Ninja Escada
Legendary Hasan Garcon
Legendary Marcus Alpha Omega
Categories:
Women
Face – Bring it to the runway in a stunning red dress with complimenting accessories.
Sex Siren – Bring it to us in a sext 2-piece and show us tonight who will reign supreme. Remember sex always sells.
Runway - Show us that your walk is turning it in a complimenting outfit and a boot.
Body- In animal print
Butch Queen in Drag
Realness – Bangy girls bring us a look “like none other”, Classy girls, bring us a look that expresses who you truly are. Who will be the realest of the real tonight. Will it be the Bangy (Rags) or the Classy (Riches) *2 Trophies
Face- You are doing it real big in Vegas. Bring us a showgirl look with your face “painted for the Gods”.
Performance- Bring it to the battle zone in all green and show you are worth every dollar. East Vs West vs Midwest vs South.
Runway- Bring us a nasty wicked effect in all “Black”. Be creative and make us know it.
FEMME QUEENS and TRANSWOMAN
Realness- In a dress that shows off your banging body and those sharp curves. Will you upset the party?
Face- Bring us a flawless presentation with an evening gown to compliment your overall look
Sex Siren – Bring it in S&M attire and show us why you are the only total dominatrix.
Performance- Bring it to the battle zone in a cheerleading outfit and make sure your overall performance is on point.
Body- In Sexy Green lingerie, Models Vs. Luscious (2 Trophies)
Runway- Bring us a nasty wicked effect in “Red”. – ONE SIX FOOT TROPHY
BUTCH/STUD and TRANSMAN
Realness – In Black Formal Wear
Face – Rich with masculinity, Is your face that of a beautiful man? Come sell your face in a suit
Body – In Blue Boxers or Briefs
LEGENDS
Male Figure Face and Female Figure Face – In All Black (2 Trophies)
Male Figure Realness – In All Black
Female Figure Realness – In All Black
OTA Performance – You guessed it, In All Black
OPEN TO ALL
Best Dressed Spectator – You are the belle of the BALL, but you only came to watch!
Bargain Shopper – We knew you were done for under $100, bring receipts!
Face As a House – With a Theme of your own, 3 faces w/at least 1 female figure.
Bizarre – Bring us a creation with counterfeit bills
Sneaker Vs Sneaker - In a HOT pair of sneakers with a matching shirt.
BUTCH QUEENS
Sportswear - Bring us mild to wild, please bring something new fall 2026/27 pieces only.
F.E.B - Framed, Belted, and Booted, Fall 2026/27 only.
Labels – Well suited with an overcoat and Hat.
Streetwear- Streetwear at its finest.
All American Runway- Bring it to the runway like an Abercrombie and Fitch model.
Sex Siren – Bring it in a Brand-New Pair of Timbs, Designer Briefs, and Oiled to Perfection
Body – Models vs Muscular (2 Trophies)
Realness- Beverly Hills Schoolboy Prep Vs Brooklyn Thug Vs. Southern Prettyboy (3 Trophies) –
Face- Come dressed to impress with a rose and give it to your favorite judge of the night
New Way- Come ready to battle in army fatigue
Realness W/Twist- Get your tens as a street thug and then come back as a high-priced hooker with a prop.
_________________________________________________________
Mini-Grand #1
$500.00 and One Six Foot Trophy
Male Figure Versus Female Figure Executive Realness
Male Figure Versus Female Figure Executive Realness - The Mayor is the Chief Executive of any City, bring it as if you are preparing to issue an executive order impacting the LGBTQ community. This category is being sponsored by Legendary Shaun Khan
Mini-Grand #2
One Six Foot Trophy
BQ European Runway
Two Words, Well Tailored, Big with green accent vs tall with red accent vs small with pink accent color.
Mini-Grand #3
One Six Foot Trophy
BQ Vogue Femme Performance
Men In Black, you must possess all elements of vogue femme performance, this is the BALL and the Category that sealed RICKY OF THE AGENCY as the RAGS VOGUE FEMME CHAMPION, in honor of the 2026 Ira Aphrodite Award Recipient, Bring It in All Black. This is the greatest Midwest Vogue Femme Battle of All Time (GOOGLE IT).
Mini-Grand #4
One Six Foot Trophy
BQ Oldway
Fully concealed from head to toe, we should not see any skin! From the beginning of the category until the end of the category, do not reveal yourself AT ALL!