How to Join Sigma Chi Fraternity: Complete Rush Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about joining Sigma Chi, one of North America's largest and most prestigious fraternities. Learn the Jordan Standard and discover how to become part of this exceptional brotherhood from someone who guided 200+ men through the process.
What You'll Learn About Sigma Chi
- • The Jordan Standard and Sigma Chi's founding principles
- • Sigma Chi's unique recruitment and pledge process
- • What makes Sigma Chi different from other fraternities
- • How to excel in Sigma Chi rush events
- • The White Cross education program
- • Real insights from current brothers and alumni
About Connor Mitchell
Connor Mitchell is a Sigma Chi alumnus from Northwestern University who served as Grand Pledge Educator (recruitment chair) for three terms. During his tenure, he mentored over 200 new members through their journey to brotherhood and helped establish best practices for recruitment that are still used today. Connor now works in management consulting and serves as an alumni advisor for Sigma Chi chapters in the Midwest.
About Sigma Chi: The World's Largest Fraternity
Founded in 1855 at Miami University in Ohio, Sigma Chi is the world's largest fraternity with over 370,000 lifetime initiates and more than 240 active undergraduate chapters. Known for producing leaders in business, politics, entertainment, and sports, Sigma Chi has a rich tradition of excellence spanning nearly 170 years.
The Jordan Standard
Sigma Chi's core values of friendship, justice, and learning, established by founder Michael Jordan, guide every aspect of brotherhood.
Athletic Excellence
Home to more Olympic athletes than any other fraternity, including Michael Jordan, John Wayne, and countless professional athletes.
Huntsman Cancer Foundation
Sigma Chi's international philanthropy has raised over $4 million for cancer research and patient care programs.
Notable Alumni
Presidents, CEOs, entertainers, and athletes including John Wayne, David Letterman, and Jordan Spieth represent Sigma Chi excellence.
The Jordan Standard: Sigma Chi's Core Values
The Jordan Standard, named after founder Michael Jordan (not the basketball player), represents Sigma Chi's commitment to the highest ideals of manhood. These three core values define what it means to be a Sigma Chi:
Friendship
The sacred bond that unites Sigma Chis across all backgrounds, ages, and locations. This isn't just social networking - it's a commitment to supporting your brothers through all of life's challenges and celebrating their successes as your own.
Justice
Treating all people fairly and standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult. Sigma Chi expects its members to be men of integrity who hold themselves and others to the highest ethical standards.
Learning
The pursuit of knowledge and personal growth throughout life. This includes academic excellence, but extends to developing leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and wisdom.
Sigma Chi's Recruitment Process
Sigma Chi recruitment focuses on finding men who exemplify the Jordan Standard. The process is designed to be mutually selective - you're evaluating Sigma Chi just as much as they're evaluating you:
Phase 1: Initial Interest and Information (3-4 weeks before rush)
- • Attend Sigma Chi information sessions and meet-and-greets
- • Participate in informal activities like pickup basketball or study groups
- • Learn about the chapter's involvement in campus and community
- • Complete the interest form and provide academic transcripts
- • Begin building genuine relationships with current brothers
Phase 2: Formal Recruitment Week
- • Welcome Event: Introduction to all brothers and overview of Sigma Chi
- • Jordan Standard Workshop: Deep dive into Sigma Chi's values and expectations
- • Activities Night: Showcase chapter's involvement in sports, academics, and service
- • Brotherhood Dinner: Formal meal and conversations about life goals
- • Preference Interviews: One-on-one conversations with chapter leadership
Phase 3: White Cross Associate Member Education
- • Accept your bid and begin the associate member program
- • Complete the White Cross education curriculum over 6-10 weeks
- • Learn Sigma Chi history, traditions, and brotherhood principles
- • Participate in service projects and leadership development
- • Prepare for initiation into full brotherhood
What Sigma Chi Looks for in Members
Based on my experience as Grand Pledge Educator, here are the qualities that successful Sigma Chi recruits typically demonstrate:
Strong Character
Integrity, honesty, and moral courage. Sigma Chi wants men who will uphold the Jordan Standard in all aspects of life.
Academic Excellence
Commitment to learning and academic achievement. Most chapters require a minimum 2.75 GPA for membership.
Leadership Experience
Evidence of leadership in high school, college, work, or community service. Sigma Chi develops future leaders.
Brotherhood Mindset
Genuine interest in building meaningful friendships and supporting others. The bonds of Sigma Chi extend far beyond college.
Campus Involvement
Active participation in college life through academics, athletics, student organizations, or community service.
Personal Growth Mindset
Willingness to challenge yourself, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve as a person and leader.
How to Excel in Sigma Chi Recruitment
Insider Tips from a Former Grand Pledge Educator
- • Understand the Jordan Standard: Be able to articulate how friendship, justice, and learning guide your life
- • Research the chapter: Know their achievements, philanthropic efforts, and campus involvement
- • Be genuine in conversations: Sigma Chi values authenticity over trying to impress
- • Ask meaningful questions: Show genuine interest in how Sigma Chi can help you grow
- • Demonstrate your values: Share specific examples of how you've shown leadership, integrity, and friendship
- • Show commitment: Express willingness to invest time and energy in the brotherhood
- • Connect with multiple brothers: Build relationships beyond just one or two members
The White Cross Education Program
Once you receive and accept a bid, you'll begin Sigma Chi's associate member education program called White Cross. This comprehensive program prepares you for full initiation:
Program Components
- • Sigma Chi history and traditions
- • Leadership development workshops
- • Academic support and study skills
- • Community service projects
- • Brotherhood development activities
- • Personal goal setting and accountability
Expected Outcomes
- • Deep understanding of Sigma Chi values
- • Strong bonds with your pledge class
- • Enhanced leadership and communication skills
- • Preparation for lifelong brotherhood
- • Network of mentors and supporters
- • Foundation for future success
Financial Investment in Sigma Chi
Typical Sigma Chi Costs (Per Semester)
- • International Dues: $350-$450 paid to Sigma Chi International
- • Chapter Dues: $500-$1,500 depending on chapter and services included
- • New Member Fees: $300-$700 for initiation, badge, and educational materials
- • Social Activities: $200-$600 for formals, brotherhood events, and social functions
- • Sigma Chi Merchandise: $150-$400 for letters, apparel, and fraternity gear
Important: Many chapters offer scholarship opportunities and payment plans for members in good standing.
Sigma Chi Brotherhood Success Story
"Joining Sigma Chi at Northwestern was transformational. The Jordan Standard became my personal compass, guiding decisions in college and beyond. Through White Cross, I developed leadership skills that helped me become chapter president, and the brotherhood provided mentorship that led to my career in consulting. Five years later, my Sigma Chi brothers are still my closest friends and strongest professional network."
- David Park, Sigma Chi Northwestern '20, Bain & Company Consultant
Begin Your Sigma Chi Journey
Ready to Explore Sigma Chi Membership?
- ✓ Learn about your local Sigma Chi chapter through their website
- ✓ Attend recruitment information sessions and events
- ✓ Connect with current brothers and ask about their experiences
- ✓ Reflect on how the Jordan Standard aligns with your values
- ✓ Prepare examples of how you demonstrate friendship, justice, and learning
Optimize Your Recruitment with Rush+
Whether you're navigating Sigma Chi recruitment as a prospective member or managing rush as a chapter, Rush+ provides powerful tools to make the process more organized, effective, and meaningful for everyone involved.