John Stefanik, a 73-year-old resident of Clarendon Hills, was named the winner of a Mike Ditka lookalike contest held Sunday at Pippin’s Tavern in Chicago’s Rush & Division neighborhood. The event paid tribute to the late Chicago Bears coach who led the team to its only Super Bowl championship in 1986 and passed away on October 9 at the age of 86.
The contest featured four participants, including Stefanik, two men wearing store-provided mustaches, and Bryan Drew, a Republican candidate for Illinois comptroller. Drew, dressed in a gray blazer layered over a Bears sweater similar to Ditka’s signature style, used the occasion to film campaign videos for social media outside the tavern. Another attendee, Mark Boetscher of River North, also sported Ditka-inspired gray hair and a handed-out mustache, though he opted not to formally compete, preferring to socialize quietly with a friend.
Stefanik has been portraying Ditka since the 1980s, citing a natural resemblance in hairstyle, build, and mustache. He recalled an incident from around 1987 when a woman from Florida approached him outside the Chicago Theatre, mistaking him for the coach and insisting on an autograph. Although initially reluctant to perform as Ditka in front of the crowd, Stefanik overcame his discomfort during the contest halftime and delivered a eulogy recognizing Ditka’s lasting legacy.
In his remarks, Stefanik impersonated Ditka, referencing Polish cuisine, health matters, and memories of time with the Bears, before calling for a moment of silence. He described Ditka as "an icon" who has grown even greater since his passing and expressed his hope to carry on the coach’s tradition.
The contest unfolded during halftime of the Bears’ game against the Atlanta Falcons. Participants engaged in spirited shout-outs of “Da Bears” as part of the judging process. Stefanik’s enthusiasm and resemblance earned him the top honor, marking a fitting tribute to Ditka’s impact on the Chicago sports community.