Illinois BBQ Fans Rejoice: Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit Is Now Open

Need another sign that summer fun is just around the corner in Illinois? Here's a great one: Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit is now open for the 2026 season!

Signs of Summer in Illinois

Some people say you know summer is coming in Illinois when the trees bud and tulips bloom, but to me, that just means spring has arrived.

The real sign that summer fun is almost here is when summer camps and activities get announced, and when favorite local ice cream shops and seasonal restaurants start flipping their signs to “OPEN”.

And guess what? Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit in Belvidere is already OPEN for the 2026 season, and yes, your taste buds should be very excited about it.

Reasons to Love Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit

If you’ve lived in the Rockford area for any amount of time, you probably already know the deal. Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit isn’t just about BBQ, mac and cheese, and ribs. It's a beloved warm-weather tradition and the go-to place for summer party catering in the Stateline area.

READ MORE: Belvidere's First Chipotle Is Now Open

The second the open sign goes up, people start lining up for the tender, fall-apart pulled pork that they've been waiting for all winter, and there's one more major reason to love Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit: how much they do to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital all season long.

Throughout the season, Smokin’ Coop helps raise money for St. Jude kids by selling root beer floats and Klondike bars.  So yes, you can absolutely justify dessert…because it’s for a good cause and calories don't count!

Smokin' Coop also does 50/50 drawings during the cruise nights they host every Wednesday, so please make plans to stop out this summer, and don't forget to bring LOTS of cash!

Bottom line: great food, great people, and great vibes are back at Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit in Belvidere for 2026.

I'll see you in line there soon.