Delta Chi Fraternity

Building Better Men Since 1890

Founded on October 13, 1890, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Delta Chi was established by a group of law students who believed a fraternity should be built on friendship, character, leadership, and personal growth. Rather than focusing on social status or exclusivity, the founders envisioned an organization where members challenged one another to become better students, leaders, and citizens.

Today, Delta Chi has grown into one of North America's largest international fraternities, with more than 140 active chapters and colonies and over 120,000 initiated members. Brothers can be found in nearly every profession, creating a lifelong network that extends well beyond the college experience.

Photographs of the founders of Delta Chi Fraternity, along with the fraternity crest, and text indicating the event at Cornell University on October 13, 1980.

Our Mission

Delta Chi exists to promote friendship, develop character, advance justice, and assist in the acquisition of a sound education.

These principles shape every aspect of fraternity life, from academic achievement and campus leadership to community service and lifelong brotherhood.

Our Founding Principles

At the heart of Delta Chi are four enduring principles that have guided the fraternity for more than 135 years.

Friendship

True brotherhood begins with genuine friendship. Delta Chi encourages meaningful relationships built on trust, respect, and shared experiences that continue long after graduation.

Justice

Justice represents fairness, accountability, and respect for others. Delta Chi encourages members to lead with honesty, make principled decisions, and treat every individual with dignity.

Large group of young men and boys seated at tables in a conference room, many wearing conference badges. Some are engaging with their phones, while others are smiling and waving at the camera. In the background, there are colorful flags and several people standing.

Character

Members are expected to demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and ethical leadership both on campus and throughout their lives. Character is developed through everyday actions and a commitment to doing what is right.

Education

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of the fraternity experience. Delta Chi supports intellectual growth by encouraging scholarship, critical thinking, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

A Brotherhood for Life

Membership in Delta Chi extends far beyond the college years. The friendships formed during undergraduate membership become lifelong connections supported by an international network of alumni who mentor, encourage, and support one another personally and professionally.

Whether pursuing graduate school, beginning a career, serving in the military, starting a business, or raising a family, Delta Chi brothers remain connected through a shared commitment to the values established in 1890.

Group of teenagers at an indoor event, seated at round tables with cups, with flags in the background, some wearing red shirts and lanyards, engaged and smiling.

Leadership and Service

Delta Chi believes leadership is demonstrated through service to others. Members are encouraged to become active leaders within their chapters, on their campuses, and in their communities.

Across North America, Delta Chi chapters contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year while supporting charitable organizations through fundraising and service projects. Through these experiences, members develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that prepare them for success after graduation.

A Commitment to Excellence

Delta Chi strives to provide every member with opportunities to grow academically, socially, professionally, and personally. Through leadership development, educational programming, community engagement, and meaningful brotherhood, the fraternity prepares young men to become principled leaders who positively impact their communities.

More than a fraternity, Delta Chi is a lifelong commitment to becoming a better friend, a better leader, and a better man.

A man with glasses and a beard wearing a cream-colored suit holding a plaque, standing in front of a light-colored wall at an awards event.

For more than a century, Delta Chi has challenged young men to pursue excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and friendship. Every chapter shares in this mission, carrying forward a tradition that began in 1890 and continues to shape future generations of brothers.