Police Investigate Alleged Sexual Assault at University of Chicago Fraternity House

Chicago police are investigating an alleged sexual assault at a University of Chicago fraternity house after a 21-year-old woman reported being attacked during a party early Sunday morning, prompting the fraternity's national organization to halt all chapter events.

The alleged assault occurred around 1:50 a.m. on October 11, 2026, at the Lambda chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi, located at 5625 South University Avenue in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. According to a university safety alert, an unidentified man fled the house after another individual intervened.

The woman, who is not affiliated with the university, received medical treatment at the University of Chicago Medical Center after a campus police officer was alerted to the incident and arranged transportation. Chicago Police Department Area One detectives are investigating with assistance from university police.

University officials said an initial review of security footage showed a person matching the suspect's description running from the house. Witnesses described the man as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short hair on the sides and longer curly hair on top, wearing a black T-shirt, black jogging pants, and white shoes.

Alpha Epsilon Pi's national headquarters instructed the chapter to stop holding events and programs pending the investigation's outcome. Jonathan Pierce, the fraternity's chief communications officer, said the organization learned of the allegation Sunday afternoon and began coordinating with local chapter leadership.

Pierce said members were cooperating with university officials and law enforcement, while a national representative was meeting with the chapter. Under Alpha Epsilon Pi's policies, members found responsible for sexual misconduct can face expulsion, and the organization can impose sanctions on chapters, including revoking their charters.

The reported assault occurred during a fraternity gathering advertised as "Pi2K," which began around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. A banner promoting the event remained outside the house Sunday afternoon, according to The Chicago Maroon, the university's student newspaper.

The University of Chicago identified the residence in a community alert issued Sunday afternoon and confirmed that fraternities operate independently of the institution. Although the university does not formally recognize fraternities as student organizations, enrolled members remain subject to its conduct and disciplinary policies.

UChicago's sexual misconduct policy covers certain incidents at private off-campus residences, including allegations involving students at parties. It also permits investigations when an accused student is involved in an incident with someone unaffiliated with the university, potentially allowing campus disciplinary proceedings alongside the criminal investigation.

The university's authority in such cases depends on the circumstances of the alleged misconduct and the individuals involved. Its policies allow disciplinary findings and sanctions through procedures separate from criminal prosecution, while Chicago police and prosecutors determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges.

As of October 12, police had not announced an arrest or identified a suspect publicly. University officials have not confirmed whether they have opened a separate disciplinary investigation. The national fraternity's restrictions on chapter events remain in effect as detectives continue examining the allegation.