The University of Illinois Chicago's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics supports 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs co ... mprised of 300+ student-athletes and 85+ coaches and staff members. Our nickname, the Flames, is a reference to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Our primary school colors are Fire Engine Red and Navy Pier Blue, the latter a nod to UIC's roots on Chicago's iconic Navy Pier at Lake Michigan. UIC competes in the Horizon League, a conference that features 12 public and private institutions that each have impressive academic reputations and a storied tradition of broad-based athletic programs. The Flames have been a competitive force in the Horizon League, capturing more than 70 conference championships and reaching more than 40 NCAA Championships. UIC stands alone as Chicago’s largest institution and only public research university. The 50,000 members of our campus community and our 285,000 living alumni embody the pride and spirit of our great city. We are, and will always remain, For Chicago! read more