Photographer: NG

Memorial Stadium spectators and members of the Block I pay homage to Chief Illiniwek during his halftime performance.

Photographer: NG

Fans ring the court at the Assembly Hall during a performance by John Madigan on Feb. 3, 2001 during halftime of the Illinois-Northwestern game.

Photographer: NG

John Madigan was Chief Illiniwek from 1998-2000.

Photographer: NG

Philo's John Madigan stands still during singing at a 1999 game at Memorial Stadium.

Photographer: NG

Scott Brakenridge, who portrayed Chief Illiniwek from 1996-97, walks off the field at Memorial Stadium.

Photographer: NG

Chief Illiniwek Scott Brakenridge of Western Springs leads the Marching Illini band across the turf of Memorial Stadium at halftime of the November 1997 game against Michigan State.

Photographer: NG

William Forsyth of Springfield was the 24th Chief Illiniwek.

Photographer: NG

After protesters objected to the Chief representation, the University of Illinois chose to strictly limit appearances. Previously, the Chief represented the university at a variety of events, including this visit by Scott Christensen to the governor's mansion of Jim Thompson in 1983.

Photographer: NG

Scott Christensen, right, with Chief Fools Crow at Memorial Stadium in 1982.

Photographer: NG

Peter Marzek of Berwyn performs at a backyard party held at the UI president's home. Marzek was Chief in 1980.

Photographer: NG

Matt Gawne of Cincinnati, was Chief Illiniwek from 1977-79.

Photographer: NG

John Bitzer, right, Chief Illiniwek in 1970-73, followed in the footsteps of his father, Robert Bitzer, who was Chief in 1945-46.

Photographer: NG

John Bitzer discusses the role of Chief Illiniwek with students at Wiley Elementary School in Urbana in November 1970.

Photographer: NG

John Bitzer of Shelbyville, Chief from 1970-1973, dances at the UI Assembly Hall.

Photographer: NG

Gary Simpson, Chief Illiniwek from 1968-1969, ties on his headdress.

Photographer: NG

William Hug, left, smokes a peace pipe with Hope Chief Tomeche.

Photographer: NG

William Hug, Chief Illiniwek from 1951-52, visits Jimmy Hanner, a 4-year-old polio victim of Paris, Ill.

Photographer: NG

Not every performance of Chief Illiniwek was for a sporting event, as this undated photo shows.

Photographer: NG

During World War II, when male students were more scarce, the University of Illinois was represented by a female, Idelle Stitch of Fairfax, Okla., who did the complete traditional performances as "Princess Illiniwek" through the 1943 season.

Photographer: NG

Before the Chief's appearance was strictly standardized, a variety of "looks" were seen from time to time.

Photographer: NG

John Grable portrayed the Chief from 1939-1940.

Photographer: NG

In the spring of 1929, UI student Webber Borchers of Decatur approached the director of bands for permission to raise funds for an authentic outfit. He hitchhiked to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where the outfit was created. He wore it for the first time when he led the band down Fifth Avenue in New York prior to the 1930 Army-Illinois game at Yankee Stadium.

Photographer: NG

The tradition of Chief Illiniwek began as a halftime stunt at the 1926 Illinois-Pennsylvania game. Student Lester Leutwiler, wearing a homemade costume appeared dressed as an Indian, greeting a Penn student dressed as a Quaker.