About RCOA Canada
Built by pitmasters. Brought home to Canada.
Est. 2023
Where it started
Built By Pitmasters
Dirk Mullins and Jody Harris have more than a decade of experience in competitive BBQ, having competed in KCBS, CBA, IBCA, Outlaw, and SCA. The Rib Cook Off Association was established in 2023, and the duo began shaping the company soon after.
- KCBS
- CBA
- IBCA
- Outlaw
- SCA
One big BBQ family. Around the world.
RCOA started in the USA and now has sister organizations around the globe. Canada is proud to be part of the family.
Meet the head of RCOA Canada
Jess Semack Founder & National Director, RCOA Canada
Jess brought the Rib Cook Off Association north and leads everything RCOA Canada does, from sanctioned events and rules to our provincial reps and promoters.
Every rep, promoter and sanctioned event in Canada comes back to Jess, which means you've always got someone to call. Got a question, an idea or a problem at the pit? Her door is always open.
What Jess is building
- Founded RCOA Canada and secured the licensing to bring the Rib Cook-Off Association north
- Building a national organization of memberships, sanctioned competitions and provincial reps
- Creating the event sanctioning, registration, sponsorship and merch programs
- Connecting Canadian competitors, event organizers and sponsors
- Developing official points and rankings to recognize Canadian cooks
On the circuit: Competed in KCBS, RCOA and SCA
#RCOACanada Cooking, judging or just eating ribs? Tag your posts and show some love.
How RCOA Canada works
One big BBQ family, with a clear line from the pit to the people in charge.
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RCOA
Founded by Dirk Mullins and Jody Harris. The rules, the standards and the spirit of the sport.
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RCOA Canada
Led by Jess Semack. Everything in Canada runs through here.
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Provincial reps
Your local RCOA Canada crew, working events and growing the sport in each province.
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Promoters & cooks
The people who host the contests and fire up the pits. The heart of it all.
Our Mission
"The Rib Cookoff Association is a community built by cooks, for cooks — dedicated to growing the sport of BBQ through inclusive, affordable, and fun competition."
We provide a platform where pitmasters of all levels can showcase their skills, support one another, and give back to the communities that host our events. Through accessible competitions, strong partnerships, and a people-first culture, we're committed to expanding BBQ worldwide — while never losing sight of our #1 rule: have fun.
For Promoters
At the Rib Cook Off Association, our mission is to work hand in hand with promoters like you to organize events that elevate the sport of BBQ ribs and create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for the communities that host them. We believe in bringing people together through the shared love of good food and friendly competition.
Our goal is to raise awareness for the sport of BBQ ribs and to showcase the talent of cooks at every level — seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs alike — giving them a platform to shine and share their flavors with the world.
