Our History

The History of Christian Fraternal Brotherhood

Nearly two centuries ago, the modern Greek system was created at several universities and colleges around the United States. These organizations were established with Christian virtues and morals as a strong foundation for their futures. Many founders saw Christianity as the cornerstone of the future greatness of their organizations. At some point, fraternities began to move away from their intended purposes and act in opposition to the gospel in many way.

Kappa Chi traces its origins back to 1925 and the beginning of the "Christian Fraternity Movement" of the time period that attempted to restore the fraternal rite back to its intended purpose. Men began to search for a more fulfilling fraternal brotherhood in Jesus Christ. Soon this era saw a steep decline in the 1970's as Christian influence throughout the country waned on college campuses.

In the later portions of the 20th century, this vision for Christian fraternal brotherhood was once again revived and would make its way to Gainesville as six men established Kappa Chi at the University of Florida with the vision of Christian brotherhood in mind. Now in 2009, we have seen God take the idea of Christian fraternal brotherhood and transform it into a life changing experience. Kappa Chi's seek to be equipped to reach and influence the Greek community, while being internally focused on discipleship and passion for Jesus Christ. Kappa Chi's are trained to make a difference in the world for the gospel and be better husbands, fathers, and leaders in their church and community for the glory of God.

In order to ensure the numbers of alumni our chapter produces continues to grow and all of our brothers feel confident in their faith and in their ability to be a leader in the World, Kappa Chi brothers concentrate on leadership development at the University of Florida both inside and outside the Christian community. As a result, we have seen brothers participate in UF FCA Leadership, Gator Christian Life Leadership, Gator Greeks for Christ Leadership, Gator Growl Leadership, Florida Blue Key Leadership Honorary Society, Student Government Cabinet, UF Student Senate, Campus Crusade for Christ leadership, Independent Florida Alligator, Architecture College Council as the President, Honors Ambassadors, College Republicans, College Democrats Statewide Executive Board, Freshman Leadership Council, Army ROTC, Navy ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Pro-Life Alliance Leadership, Golden Key Academic Honor Society, the UF Water Polo Team, the UF Rugby Team, UF Paintball Team, Young Life Leadership, Gator Homeless Coalition Breakfast Brigade, First Assembly of God College Ministry Leadership, Dance Marathon and Relay for Life.

But, we know leadership development alone is not what will determine success for our brothers and their ability to leave the University of Florida prepared to be beacons of the faith. We also know academics holds a substantial part in expanding our opportunities. Currently, Kappa Chi holds a 3.4 GPA, which is one of the highest among all brotherhoods. We see our grades as a tool that Christ can use to push us down the right career path for post-collegiate success.

We feel Kappa Chi is fulfilling its mission at the University of Florida with our brother's time on campus and we are beginning to see the effects of our focus on leadership and spiritual development in our alumni. Our Kappa Chi alumni have gone on after their time as a Gator to attend the Georgetown University College of Law, the University of Virginia College of Law and business school at Emory University. We have seen other alumni participate in prestigious organizations such as Teach For America as corps members in the Mississippi Delta and Charlotte, North Carolina, and as officers in the United States Army and the United States Navy. We have also seen brothers become entrepreneurs in start-ups from San Francisco to Tampa Bay and work in the United States Senate in Washington. While each of these situations are unique, we recognize their common starting point as brothers of Kappa Chi at UF.

We recognize our focus and foundation on Jesus Christ and we know by maintaining our mission to develop our brothers as leaders to spread his Gospel, we will continue to see our brothers become successful men of God.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17 (Brotherhood Motto)