What is Derby Days?

A Sigma Chi philanthropy where several soroities compete against each other in a themed contest

Sigma Chi Derby Days
      The tradition of Sigma Chi's Derby Days began in the spring of 1933 at the Alpha Beta chapter at the University of California-Berkeley, under the name "Channingway Derby." Located on Channing Way, the Alpha Beta Sigma Chis sponsored an event composed of a series of humorous skits. In fact, one publication later cited the "Channingway Derby" as California's most amusing tradition.
      In the spring of 1935, after receiving reports of the "Channingway Derby", Beta Sigma chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville made plans for a similar event. But instead of presenting skits, the event was planned around an all-day track and field competition between the pledge classes of the nine sororities at Tennessee. More than 1,000 people were in attendance on the big day, November 1, 1935, to witness the first Derby involving campus sororities. Coincidentally, on that day four Sigs from Delta chapter at the University of Georgia were visiting Knoxville and witnessed the festivities. The brothers took the idea back to their campus and named their production “Sigma Chi Derby,” which seems to have stuck.
      Today, Sigma Chi Derby events are held to assist a number of charitable causes, some allocating a percentage of the proceeds to a local philanthropy and part to the Children’s Miracle Network. Since Sigma Chi began raising money for charitable causes, the Fraternity has raised well over $2 million for these groups. During the 1999-2000 year, Sigma Chi chapters donated over $600,000 to CMN hospitals.
      The Alpha Chi Chapter at Penn State annually raises over $3,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. Events that take place during the week long event include: Derby Day, Skit Night, Spirit Night, and Game Day.