The Loyola Ramblers have built a respected legacy in NCAA athletics, representing Chicago with passion and success for decades. Known for their memorable runs in Loyola Ramblers basketball and the vibrant support of the Loyola Ramblers Chicago community, the team continues to inspire fans with its tradition of excellence and competitive spirit.
College Sports Established
1870
Location
Chicago, Illinois
College Name
Loyola University Chicago
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2022 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
2013 - 2022 / Missouri Valley Conference
1979 - 2013 / Horizon League
Nickname
Ramblers - The Loyola Ramblers are one of college basketball's most storied programs, with a history that dates back to the 1920s. But what many fans may not know is the exciting story behind their nickname.
The name "Rambler" was first used in 1923 by members of Loyola University's student newspaper, The Maroon. According to legend, they chose it because they wanted something that reflected the team’s adventurous spirit and willingness to travel far and wide for games against other schools.
Loyola Ramblers Origin
In addition to being an apt description for a traveling sports team, "Rambler" also has religious roots in Catholicism—the faith associated with Loyola University Chicago since its founding in 1870 by Jesuit priests from Europe. In Catholic tradition, rambling refers to wandering on pilgrimages or spiritual quests; pilgrims were known as ramblers long before sports teams adopted this moniker!
That same year (1923), another school—Marian College (now Marian University) located just outside Indianapolis—also began using “Ramblers” as their official athletic nickname when they joined forces with nearby St Joseph College under one athletic department banner: “St Joseph-Marian Ramblers." While there is no direct evidence linking these two teams' nicknames together at this time, it would be hard not to believe there wasn't some connection given how close geographically both institutions were located.
Today, both universities continue proudly carry on their respective Rambler traditions —and while neither can claim exclusive ownership over this famous moniker, each institution had undoubtedly embraced it wholeheartedly and made sure future generations understand why exactly those who came before they chose such an appropriate name.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1963
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1926
- 1949
- 1963
- 2015
- 2018
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Loyola’s men’s basketball team plays its first game
In 1926: Loyola’s men’s basketball team plays its first game, a 30-22 victory over the Chicago Daily News. -
Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship
In 1949: Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, defeating the San Francisco Dons 61-59 in the title game. -
Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the NCAA championship
In 1963: Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the NCAA championship, defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats 60-58 in overtime in the title game. The team’s starting lineup, which included four black players, is credited with helping to break down racial barriers in college basketball. -
Jerry Harkness – Inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
One of the most famous Loyola Ramblers athletes is basketball player Jerry Harkness. He played for Loyola in the early 1960s and was a key member of the team that won the NCAA championship in 1963. Harkness was also a trailblazer, as he and his teammates helped to break down racial barriers in college basketball by playing an integrated style ... -
Loyola Ramblers women’s soccer team wins its fifth conference championship
In 2018: Loyola Ramblers women’s soccer team wins its fifth conference championship in the Missouri Valley Conference and makes its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they lose in the first round to Wisconsin.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Loyola Ramblers History
The Loyola Ramblers are one of the most iconic collegiate athletic programs in Chicago, known best for Loyola Ramblers basketball and their deep roots in city pride. The name “Ramblers” was adopted in 1926 after the football team traveled widely, and Loyola officially entered Division I competition in basketball in the 1960s. The school’s identity has long been tied to its home in Chicago—the Loyola Ramblers Chicago spirit runs deep through its athletic and community traditions.
The Loyola Ramblers basketball program first began in the 1910s, and under legendary coaches like Leonard Sachs and George Ireland, Loyola made a mark early. In 1963, the Loyola Ramblers won the NCAA men’s basketball championship by overcoming defending champion Cincinnati in overtime, becoming the only Chicago university to win a Division I basketball national title. That same season included the “Game of Change” when Loyola, then featuring four Black starters, played against Mississippi State despite segregation orders—a landmark in both sports and civil rights history.
Over decades, Loyola Ramblers basketball experienced ups and downs—but built enduring rivalries, produced NBA stars, and posted strong conference performances. In the 1984-85 season, the Ramblers, coached by Gene Sullivan, won both the regular season and conference tournament titles in the Midwestern City Conference and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.
In recent times, the Loyola Ramblers Chicago program has undergone exciting renewal under coaches like Porter Moser and Drew Valentine. The 2018 Final Four run by Loyola Ramblers basketball grabbed national attention, cemented by the cultural symbol of Sister Jean and the team’s underdog victories. Loyola joined the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2022, bringing new challenges and opportunities for growth in its Loyola Ramblers basketball program.
Ramblers Achievements
The Loyola Ramblers basketball program’s hallmark achievement remains the 1963 NCAA national championship, including a heroic championship game win over Cincinnati. Over time the Ramblers added multiple NCAA tournament appearances, Final Four showings (2018 among them), and conference championships in the Horizon League, Missouri Valley, and now Atlantic 10. Loyola Ramblers basketball has also produced notable players who advanced to professional ranks and earned national honors.
Though Loyola University currently does not field a major varsity football program, its broader athletic profile under Loyola Ramblers Chicago has strength in other sports, including volleyball (national championships in 2014–2015), track & cross country, and strong non-revenue sports. The Ramblers have also leveraged strong facilities, fan support, and institutional backing to maintain competitiveness and visibility in Division I athletics.
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