Don't know if you can get it in VA. but when I make chili I use 2 LBs. of chili grind chuck (very course grind) and 1 Lb. of ground pork (regular grind). Virtually all the grocery stores / markets in this part of the world have chili grind chuck. The whole purpose of chili was a way go use less desirable tougher cuts of meat and chili should be somewhat "chunky" for lack of a better term.. not just all ground beef.
and good luck in the cookoff
