You can definitely substitute drained and rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans or black beans in this chili. Any of your favorite beans can work. Occasionally, I will mix several different kinds. I, personally, don't care for the tougher skins on kidney beans. So, I look for red beans or black beans or even cannellini or great northern beans if I'm not using beans in chili gravy. If you don't mind the skin texture on kidney beans, they are definitely traditional in many chili recipes. Still, for convenience and flavor I usually choose the beans in chili gravy when I'm in a hurry. Keep in mind if your kidney, black or pinto beans are drained and rinsed, you won't have that additional "gravy" liquid, so will want more of the V-8 juice and maybe even extra chili powder or chili seasoning.