In 1921 Pi Kappa Phi first came to the University of Illinois, making us one of the earliest Pi Kapp chapters and earning us a single letter chapter designation (Upsilon). The chapter thrived on campus for many years, but because of low recruitment in the late 90's the chapter couldn't maintain itself. The brothers returned their charter to the national headquarters and asked for it to be recolinized a few years later.
Three years passed. It was time to bring Upsilon back to campus. Many men were interested, but only 10 were strong enough to carry the dream into reality. For two years these men gave their dedication, hard work, and sacrified time to building the chapter.
On February 19, 2005, twenty-seven men initiated into Pi Kappa Phi and earned the Upsilon charter back.
Pi Kappa Phi started as an idea of three friends at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. In 1904, we were founded as Nu Phi, the "non-fraternity." Since then, over 90,000 men have initiated into Pi Kappa Phi, and over 120 chapters across the nation bear out letters. This past winter, Pi Kapps celebrated our 100th anniversary. Learn more about our past and present at national's website: www.pikapp.org