
Fighting Illini History
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, established in 1867, is a flagship institution of the state. Its athletic programs, known as the Fighting Illini, are self-sustained through athletic revenue.
What is an Illini?
Originally, Illini was a term used to refer to a group of Native American tribes that lived in the Mississippi River Valley. The group of roughly 12 or 13 tribes occupied land in what is now Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. The words “Illinois” and “Illini” were the result of French explorers in the area attempting to spell the native word for the group of tribes: ilinwek.
Due to war and disease, the population of the Illini people declined sharply to just a few hundred in the late 18th century. The last remaining members of the tribe relocated to Kansas and then Oklahoma, where their descendants can still be found today within the Peoria Confederation.
In 1867, about 100 years after the Illini people left the state, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was founded. Seven years later, the school’s weekly student newspaper — which was originally called The Student, changed its name to The Illini. This was the first official use of the word at the university.

Fighting Illini Football
Illinois’ football program, founded in 1890, competes in the Big Ten Conference. The team claims five national championships (1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, 1951) and has appeared in 19 bowl games, winning eight. Notable players include Red Grange and Dick Butkus. Current Head Coach Bret Bielema led the Illini to its first 10 win season in the school’s history during the 2024 season.

Chief Illiniwek (Retired)
Although Chief Illiniwek was retired in 2007 due to controversy, the Fighting Illini maintain strong ties to their heritage and continue to celebrate school spirit through other traditions. Currently the University of Illinois is considering several choices for the mascot.