Pledging Sigma Chi at Western Illinois University

What is a pledge?

Sigma Chi, like many organizations, employs a probationary period for prospective members before their initiation into full membership. This period, called "pledge-ship" serves to begin his lifelong journey and to educate the potential brother in Sigma Chi before he joins. The essence of the journey is the Sigma Chi experience and the objectives of Sigma Chi can be achieved only when members have a thorough understanding of the extent and depth of their obligations as brothers. Therefore pledge-ship extends for an adequate period to allow potential brothers to fully grasp these important elements.

The process of pledge-ship consists of intellectual exercises, shared experiences and cultivation of friendships of a higher order - all working toward enlisting worthy men in a meaningful commitment of lifelong duration. Learning the history, operational workings and support programs of the Fraternity is an important aspect of pledge-ship. Pledges are asked not merely to consume facts, but to thoughtfully consider the relevance of those facts to Sigma Chi and to their own lives.

While the overriding purpose of pledge-ship is to prepare men for brotherhood in Sigma Chi, there are other important objectives that coincide with the aims of higher education; including success in academic endeavors, development of leadership skills and social responsibility, and service to the community.

What is NOT a pledge?

A pledge is not subservient. Hazing and humiliation does not promote brotherhood and are in direct conflict with the ideals we espouse - as such, these activities are not permitted or tolerated in Sigma Chi nor in the Iota Omicron chapter at Western Illinois University. While we do host parties, they are a celebration of our brotherhood - not the objective thereof - so you will never be required to drink. Click here to see our official policy against hazing.

How do I become a pledge?

The first step is to get to know us. Our house is located at 830 N Avery St, Macomb, IL 61455, right across the street from Delta Zeta sorority house and next door to the Delta Upsilon fraternity house. Guests are welcome throughout the year but our interest meetings/activities, known in Greek life as "Rush" or "Recruitment Week" will be held during the 2nd or 3rd weeks of each semester.

We're looking for leaders among men. We require all members to have a GPA no lower than and evaluate all potential members against Sigma Chi's  Jordan Standard.

A bid is a formal offer to pledge Sigma Chi, but it is not a guarantee of membership. If you accept the bid, you will begin your pledge-ship, which usually takes eight weeks. Pledging, of course, culminates in initiation into Sigma Chi Fraternity. There is no age requirement for membership; we welcome freshmen, transfer students, veterans, and male students at any level of their undergraduate studies.

While the pledge process is as rewarding as it is challenging; we emphasize that your academics come first. Accommodating obligations to your classes, your family or  a collegiate athletic program is not a problem.

In order to participate in Greek recruitment, our governing body, the Interfraternity Council, would prefer if you filled out this form.  You can learn more about Western Illinois fraternities at the Greek Life page of the Western Illinois University website.