Our Story
The Dale and Lorna Thayer Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl began in 1983 as a small academic competition in northern Illinois with a simple but powerful mission: to recognize and celebrate academic excellence among Illinois high school students. What started as a local initiative has grown into one of the premier scholastic competitions in the state and one of the largest Masonic-sponsored academic programs in the nation.
Today, the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl brings together hundreds of high schools from across Illinois in a fast-paced competition that challenges students in history, science, literature, mathematics, fine arts, current events, and more. Each year, sectional tournaments are hosted throughout the state, culminating in a highly competitive State Tournament held in Bloomington, Illinois.
More than just a competition, the Academic Bowl exists to encourage students who pursue knowledge, teamwork, discipline, and intellectual curiosity. Thousands of students, coaches, volunteers, parents, and educators have participated in the program over the past four decades, making it a respected tradition within Illinois scholastic competition. The tournament has become known not only for its competitive excellence, but also for the sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed by participating teams.
The tournament is coordinated through the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois and is made possible through the support of hundreds of local Masonic Lodges throughout the state. These lodges provide financial support, volunteers, tournament locations, hospitality, and encouragement to participating schools and students. Each year, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, awards, and tournament support are provided through the generosity of Illinois Freemasons.
Over the years, the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl has evolved alongside Illinois Scholastic Bowl competition itself. Schools from small rural communities, large suburban districts, and major urban centers all compete together through a class-based tournament structure that allows students from every corner of Illinois the opportunity to excel on a statewide stage.
The Academic Bowl continues to serve as a bridge between education and community involvement. For many schools, the support of local Masonic Lodges helps provide resources, recognition, and opportunities that strengthen scholastic competition programs and encourage students to pursue lifelong learning.
As the tournament continues into the future, the mission remains the same:
to recognize academic achievement, encourage educational excellence, and invest in the next generation of Illinois leaders.
The Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl is more than a tournament. It is a tradition of excellence, scholarship, competition, and community that continues to shape students across Illinois year after year.