Concordia University-Chicago Athletics

Concordia University-Chicago competes in NCAA Division III, where sports focus on personal enrichment rather than big-money athletics. The school offers no athletic scholarships and emphasizes the student-athlete experience over packed stadiums. With 389 athletes across 20 varsity sports, about 29% of the 1,337-student body participates in athletics. The Cougars compete in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference alongside other Midwest liberal arts schools. This high participation rate reflects Division III's inclusive philosophy where students can pursue competitive sports while prioritizing academics. The athletic program aligns with Concordia's Lutheran values, emphasizing character development and community building. River Forest's suburban setting provides quality facilities for training and competition without the pressure of major college sports programs.