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Our Timeless Principles
Friendship
When the Founders came together to form the Fraternity in 1855, one of the core beliefs that each shared with the group was a mutual belief in the idea of true friendship. They believed that true friendship is best found through true service to each other by working to lift each other up to be the best versions of themselves. Their quality of character and their practice of core values and proper manners formed a close-knit brotherhood, very similar to the one we promote as a General Fraternity today. We pursue the ideal of friendship through the emulation of character qualities embodied in the Ritual, and we aim to help our fellow brothers achieve their goals as well.
Justice
We continuously pursue the aim of Justice through a commitment of every member of Sigma Chi to promote fairness, decency and good will through our every interaction. Further, justice is found within Sigma Chi through the observance of the Fraternity’s governing laws and through adherence to the decisions of our legislative assemblies, which empower and direct our leadership. Doing the right thing, above anything else, was the sole reason for the birth of the Fraternity and that spirit echoes in Sigma Chi today.
Learning
Sigma Chi believes that learning is constant and is not linear. In Sigma Chi, each man completes a period of education devoted to understanding the Fraternity’s unique history, traditions and practices, which culminates in an opportunity to accept a lifelong commitment to the Fraternity and the achievement of its purpose. Along with promoting academic success, the Fraternity also best serves its purpose by developing and implementing world-class programs that foster leadership, build character and promote positive relationship skills, which, in turn, enable our members to become learned, productive and caring participants in their families, colleges and communities
Epsilon Phi Chapter
Epsilon Phi Chapter
Between 1891 and 1892, a group of twelve men founded the Benton Literary Society at the Normal School, aiming to promote literary pursuits, particularly debate and oratory. The society was named in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a distinguished orator and political leader who served in the Missouri legislature and the U.S. Congress. Their motto, "Once a Benton, always a Benton," reflected their strong sense of identity and commitment.
During the early years of the college, literary societies played a central role in both the social and academic life of students. However, as classroom space became more limited, social interests evolved, and enthusiasm for debate and scholarly activities declined, literary societies gradually faded in prominence. Over time, fraternity houses emerged as their replacements.
By the late 1950s, the Benton Literary Society sought to transition into a fraternity and formally petitioned to become part of Sigma Chi. On April 10, 1960, the society officially became the Epsilon Phi chapter, marking the establishment of the 133rd Sigma Chi chapter in the United States.
The Founding of Sigma Chi
The Founding of Sigma Chi
Sigma Chi was founded at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1855, born from a dispute within the Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) chapter over whether merit or loyalty should guide decisions. Six members—Caldwell, Jordan, Runkle, Scobey, Cooper, and Bell—advocated for merit, leading to tensions within the fraternity. When DKE alumnus Minor Millikin attempted to expel them, Ben Runkle defiantly tore off his badge, rejecting conformity.
Determined to build something greater, the six men joined with William Lewis Lockwood, whose business acumen helped structure their new fraternity. Meeting in a second-floor room near Oxford’s public square, they designed the White Cross badge and laid the foundation for Sigma Chi. On June 28, 1855, they proudly wore their badges for the first time, introducing a fraternity built on friendship, justice, and learning.
Sigma Chi was established to uphold integrity, foster lifelong brotherhood, and embrace differences rather than demand conformity. The Spirit of Sigma Chi emphasizes individual character and personal growth, values that continue to shape the fraternity today. More than a century later, Sigma Chi remains a lasting testament to the ideals of its Seven Founders and their unwavering commitment to principle.
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