Ribfest Chicago unofficially kicks off with the annual Amateur Rib-Eating Contest, 6:30 p.m., June 6, at Black Rock Pub and Kitchen, 3614 N. Damen Ave.

Watch competitors go hog wild as they pork out on as many pounds of ribs as their guts can hold. Warning: It isn't pretty.

The winner earns the right to do it all over again at RibMania IV, Ribfest's official Major League Eating contest — featuring the No. 1-ranked eater in the world, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut — 6 p.m., June 7.