Wise Words: Great Lakes Griots Slam
Schedule
Thu, 18 Sep, 2025 at 07:00 pm to Sun, 21 Sep, 2025 at 11:59 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Chicago, Illinois, USA | Chicago, IL
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Tickets for teams, spectators, vendors, and sponsors available now! https://www.theboboenterprise.com/event-details/wise-words-great-lakes-griot-slam-1The Wise Words: Great Lakes Griot Slam is a dynamic, regional team poetry slam rooted in the storytelling traditions of the Midwest and the Great Lakes. This two-day competition invites some of the dopest teams from across the region and beyond to battle it out for a $1500 grand prize, the title of Griot Slam Champion, and poetic bragging rights that ripple through the culture.
This is not just a slam, it’s a gathering of wordsmiths, warriors, and witnesses. Inspired by the griot tradition, where the poet is a vessel of history, soul, and truth, this event uplifts original voices that speak to both legacy and liberation. Whether you're repping the rust belt, spitting from the soul of Chicago, or bringing that lakefront lyricism, this is where the region meets the mic.
🔥 Slam Format:
This is a teams-only competition (no individual slammers).Each team must have 3–5 poets. Teams may perform group or solo poems in any round.
Saturday: Rounds 1 & 2
Teams compete
First cut: 8
Second cut: 4
Sunday: Final Bout
4 rounds with 4 finalist teams
Highest scoring team takes the crown and the cash
Time Limit: 3 minutes per poem with a 10-second grace period. Time penalties apply.
Judging: 5 audience judges, high and low dropped.
🏆 What’s at Stake:
1st Place: $1500
A celebration of the best poetic voices in the Midwest and Great Lakes region
🗓️ Full Slam Weekend Experience:
Make it a weekend of art, community, and culture:
Thursday, Sept 18: Padded RoOm Open Mic
Friday, Sept 19: Workshops & Meetups at the Emporium
Saturday, Sept 20: Slam Rounds 1 & 2
Sunday, Sept 21: Finals + Cookout Afterparty
📍 Who Can Register:
🟡 Regional Registration Opens June 17th
Teams from the following states are considered in-region and get early access:
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
🟠 Out-of-Region Registration Open July 1st
If your team is not from the states listed above — don’t worry. Spots open nationwide on July 1st.
🔑 This Event Is For You If:
You are ready to represent your city with your words
You value community and competition equally
You believe poetry is sacred, powerful, and a tool for change
You’ve got a team that’s ready to move a room — together
🚫 This Event Is NOT For:
Solo competitors (this is a team slam only)
Performers who disregard community values and safe space standards
Anyone who cannot respect the rules, the mic, or the artform
Come spit truth. Come build legacy. Come win. This is Wise Words: Great Lakes Griot Slam!
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Where is it happening?
Chicago, Illinois, USA, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
