CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY

ABOUT CHICAGO STATE

Nestled in Chicago's South Side since its founding in 1867, Chicago State University operates one of the smallest Division I athletic programs with just 2,238 students supporting 13 varsity sports across the Northeast Conference. The Cougars field competitive teams in traditional sports ranging from baseball and basketball to cross country and swimming & diving, with women's athletics representing half of the varsity offerings. Despite limited enrollment compared to peer institutions, Chicago State maintains full NCAA Division I status and continues competing regionally in conference play.

Chicago State's athletic footprint emphasizes dual-sport participation opportunities, particularly in cross country and track-related disciplines where both men and women compete. The university's commitment to maintaining 13 varsity programs reflects a deliberate focus on athletic access for its student-athlete body, with basketball and soccer serving as primary revenue drivers among the 13 teams. Located in one of America's largest metropolitan areas, the Cougars draw from Chicago's substantial talent pool while competing against established Northeast Conference programs in both team and individual sports.