When Kate Dimmett was Miss Chicago, we guaranteed she would be the next Miss Illinois weeks before she competed. With Miss America 2026 coming up on September 6, we are now predicting that Miss Illinois will be your winner. Miss Illinois Preps for Miss America with Music, Service, and a National MissionMiss Illinois 2026 Kate Dimmett is balancing pageant preparation with a mission that has already impacted thousands of students across the country. Dimmett will represent Illinois during the Miss America competition over Labor Day weekend in West Palm Beach, Florida. Miss Illinois Shows Off Her Fun Side with 'Fast Five'During an appearance with the Q Morning Crew, Johnny V. and Lil' Zim gave Miss Illinois their rapid-fire Fast Five questions, with five seconds or less to respond to each one.