“Why is it called the Big Ten when it has 18 teams?” someone in the back might ask. It’s a question I hear all the time here at the Big Ten Conference headquarters. The Big Ten Conference has a fascinating history that explains its somewhat misleading name. This athletic conference is the oldest in the United States. It was founded back in 1896, even predating the NCAA. For decades, the Big Ten truly lived up to its name, with ten prominent universities proudly making up its ranks. The conference steadily grew, adding Penn State in 1990 and Nebraska in 2011. It saw another wave of expansion between 2014 and 2024, adding Maryland, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington, bringing it to its current total of 18 member institutions. Today, the Big Ten Conference HQ is right here in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. It’s a hub of activity, overseeing the academic and athletic endeavors of these powerhouse institutions. Despite the name, the Big Ten is a testament to the evolution of college athletics. It represents not just athletic prowess, but also academic excellence, with member universities consistently ranking among the top in the nation.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one