"Illini", "Fighting Illini" and Chief Illiniwek FAQ

Over the years, staff at the University Archives have answered numerous questions regarding the origin of the terms "Illini" and "Fighting Illini." We also provide access to documentation concerning Chief Illiniwek and the Chief Illiniwek controversy. This website answers some of the most frequently asked questions on these topics by summarizing evidence found in the University of Illinois Archives. Links to digitized sources are provided. Many additional sources may be consulted by students, faculty, and members of public during the Archives during our normal hours, 8:30-5 pm, Monday through Friday, in Room 19 Library, 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801.

When and how did the term "Illini" originate?

The earliest recorded usage of the term "Illini" was in January 1874, when the student newspaper changed its name from The Student to The Illini. An editorial and prospectus in this edition (Volume 3, Issue 1) imply that the term was coined specifically to refer to the newspaper and had not formally existed prior to that usage.

To whom did the term "Illini" apply?

During the late 19th century and the first years of the 20th century, it was often used to refer to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University, as well as to the campus as a whole.

When was the term "Illini" first applied to the University's Athletics teams?

Application of the term specifically in reference to athletic teams seems to have began during the 1914, 1915, and 1916 football seasons. Daily Illini articles and football programs prior to these dates do not extensively cite the term, at least to the extent of our staff's knowledge. Other terms (such as the "Indians" "our men" and the "homecomers" were sometimes applied to the team as well as the term "Illini". These documents provide some examples from the period:

• Football Program 1
• Football Program 2
• DI Article

When was the phrase "Fighting Illini" first used. When was it adopted as the school's nickname?

The answers are complicated, but the term "Fighting Illini" was used beginning in 1921. In the period between 1921-25, it seems to have been adopted by general consensus as an unofficial nickname for the University's athletic teams.

Where did the term come from?

The best evidence suggests that it was used as part of a the fundraising campaign preceeding the construction of Memorial Stadium.

• An article from the Illinois Alumni News (April 1925, p. 221) regarding the stadium reads in part: "How the stadium idea, when it started some years ago, did possess the imagination of us all! It was a slow day indeed whose setting sun did not mark another period of slogans. Everybody composed them, especially during a prize contest that was held. Out of this came the battle cry of the stadium campiagn: "Build that stadium for fighting Illini." Since the stadium was built to honor alumni, staff, and students who who died during World War I, the term "Fighting Illini" was seemingly being linked to military service. At the same time, the term was broad enough to be of general applicability.
• The term appears as a headline in the July 15, 1921 edition of the Illinois Alumni Quarterly and Fortnightly News (p. 279) publicising the stadium drive.
• It was also used extensively in publication used to solicit funds for the construction.
• An the sentiments behind the slogan found their way into a song sung at the dedication of the stadium
When it was developed, did the term "Fighting Illini" refer to the Illiniwek or other Native Americans?
The question is open to interpretation. The use of Indian imagery was common throughout society and the University at the time the Fighting Illini" nickname developed. Therefore, it is not suprising that Native American imagery came to be associated with the Stadium Drive campaing and its slogan. Here are several examples:
Early in its usage, the term fighting illini was also linked to Native American images, although less commonly so than to the idea of honoring wartime valor.