NIU Tugs

A Legendary History of Tradition, Competition, and Brotherhood

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About NIU Tugs

The Tradition

What started in 1967 as a friendly tug-of-war match over the East Lagoon during NIU’s Spring Fest, has now become and a battle of brotherhood's between Fraternities across campus.

Brotherhood

More than just a competition, Tugs builds lasting bonds within fraternities. The months of training leading up to matchweek create unforgettable memories and bring Alumni together, strengthening the Greek community.

Philanthropy

NIU Tugs raises significant funds for charitable causes, and brings the Undergrads, Alumni, and Community together, making a real difference in the lives of others.

How It Works

  • A First rope and Second rope each compete in 20 minute matches(7v7).
  • 2 points awarded if the entire rope is taken, 1 point if the knot is on your side at end of time.
  • To win a round, a team must get 3 points, if neither team does so, then First rope goes again for an "overtime" Third rope, until one team takes the rope.
  • Annual tournament features single elimination bracket, seeding is determined by placement of previous years tournament.

2026 Tournament Schedule

April 13–18, 2026

Tournament Week

All matches — from preliminary rounds through the championship — are conducted during tournament week.

NIU Campus

Championship History

Year 🏆 Champions 🥈 Runner-Up
2020s
2025Phi Kappa PsiDelta Chi
2024Sigma NuPhi Sigma Kappa
2023Sigma NuPhi Sigma Kappa
2022Sigma NuPhi Sigma Kappa
2021Phi Sigma KappaAlpha Sigma Phi
2020No Tournament (COVID-19)
2010s
2019Sigma NuPhi Kappa Psi
2018Phi Sigma KappaPhi Kappa Theta
2017Phi Kappa ThetaSAE
2016Phi Sigma KappaSAE
2015SAEPhi Sigma Kappa
2014Phi Sigma KappaSAE
2013Phi Sigma KappaPhi Kappa Theta
2012Phi Sigma KappaPike
2011Sam-PsiPhi Sigma Kappa
2010Phi Sigma KappaPKPS
2000s
2009PikePhi Sigma Kappa
2008PikePhi Sigma Kappa
2007SigEpPike
2006SigEpPike
2005SigEpPike
2004PikeSigEp
2003SkullsPike
2002PikeSkulls
2001PikeSkulls
2000PikeSkulls
1990s
1999PikeSigma Pi
1998PikePhi Sigma Kappa
1997PikeDelta Upsilon
1996Delta UpsilonPike
1995Delta UpsilonPike
1994PikeDelta Upsilon
1993PikePhi Sigma Kappa
1992PikeSigEp
1991PikeDelta Upsilon
1990PikeSigEp
1980s
1989PikeSigEp
1988PikeSigma Chi
1987PikeSigma Pi
1986Sigma PiPike
1985PikeSigma Pi
1984PikeSigma Pi
1983PikeSigma Pi
1982PikeSigma Pi
1981PikeSigma Pi
1980PikeSigma Pi

Get Involved

Interested in participating or learning more about NIU Tugs?

Email: [email protected]

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