
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private Nazarene university in Bourbonnais, Illinois. ONU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The university's basketball team, the ONU Tigers, previously competed in the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) of the NCAA Division III ranks from 1974–75 to 1995–96. The men's basketball team has achieved notable successes, including earning the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award and advancing to the CCAC Tournament Semifinal in 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University Name | Olivet Nazarene University |
| Location | Bourbonnais, Illinois |
| University Type | Private Nazarene university |
| Year Founded | 1907 |
| Founding Location | Georgetown, Illinois |
| Campus Size | 250 acres |
| Number of Buildings on Campus | 30 |
| Number of Academic Buildings | 7 |
| Number of Gymnasiums | 2 |
| Number of Residence Halls | 6 |
| Number of Intercollegiate Varsity Sports | 21 |
| Basketball Team Name | Tigers |
| Basketball Team Colors | Purple and Gold |
| Basketball Team Head Coach | Nick Birkey |
| Basketball Team Top Players | Eli Edwards, Caleb Swearingen, Caleb Corro, Tyler Curl, Daniel Murphy |
| Athletic Conference | Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) |
| Athletic Association Memberships | National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) |
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What You'll Learn
- The university is a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC)
- The team's name is the Olivet Nazarene University Tigers
- The Tigers previously competed in the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC)
- The Tigers basketball team has competed in the CCAC Tournament
- The university is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene

The university is a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC)
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private Nazarene university in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The university is a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). They have been competing in the CCAC since the 1996-97 academic year.
ONU's basketball team, the Tigers, has had some notable achievements in recent years. In February 2025, the Tigers fought off IU South Bend to advance to the CCAC Tournament Semifinal. Unfortunately, they bowed out of the tournament after a close game against St. Francis (IL).
In addition to the CCAC, Olivet Nazarene University is also a member of other athletic associations. The university is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). In the NCCAA, the university competes as an independent in the North Central Region of Division I.
Olivet Nazarene University offers a range of intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. Women's sports at the university include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, and track & field.
The university's campus features several athletic facilities to support its sports programs. These include two gymnasiums, known as Birchard and McHie, and the Student Life and Recreation Center, which opened in 2012.
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The team's name is the Olivet Nazarene University Tigers
The Tigers compete in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the North Central Region of Division I. In addition to basketball, the university fields teams in 20 other intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball for men, and basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball for women.
The Tigers' home arena is the McHie Arena in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The team's colours are purple and gold, and their head coach is Nick Birkey. Some of the team's top players include Eli Edwards, Caleb Swearingen, Caleb Corro, Tyler Curl, and Daniel Murphy.
Olivet Nazarene University has undergone significant cultural and image changes in recent years, appealing to a more diverse set of students from different Christian denominations. This has been accompanied by several construction projects, including new academic buildings, gymnasiums, and residence halls.
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The Tigers previously competed in the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC)
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private Nazarene university in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).
The ONU basketball team, the Tigers, previously competed in the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) of the NCAA Division III ranks from 1974–75 to 1995–96. During this time, the Tigers established themselves as a competitive force in the NIIC, consistently ranking among the top teams in the conference.
The Tigers' move to the NIIC in 1974 marked a significant shift for the basketball program. Prior to joining the NIIC, the Tigers had competed in smaller conferences, which limited their exposure and opportunities to face tougher competition. However, by joining the NIIC, the Tigers were able to elevate their profile and test their mettle against some of the top Division III basketball programs in the region.
The NIIC provided a platform for the Tigers to showcase their talent and build a strong basketball program. Over the years, the Tigers consistently performed well in the conference, qualifying for postseason tournaments and producing notable players who left their mark on the program. The NIIC also fostered rivalries with other competitive teams, creating an intense and exciting atmosphere for players and fans alike.
During their time in the NIIC, the Tigers experienced success both on and off the court. The team's hard work and dedication paid off, as they steadily climbed the rankings and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The Tigers also placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with players excelling in the classroom and setting a standard for future generations of student-athletes.
In 1996, after two decades in the NIIC, the Tigers made the decision to leave the conference and join the CCAC, marking a new chapter in the history of Olivet Nazarene University basketball.
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The Tigers basketball team has competed in the CCAC Tournament
The Tigers basketball team has a long history of competing in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Tournament. Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), a private Nazarene university in Bourbonnais, Illinois, has been a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since the 1996-97 academic year. The CCAC is affiliated with the NAIA and sanctions play in eight men's sports, including basketball.
ONU's men's basketball team, known as the Tigers, has been a consistent competitor in the CCAC Tournament. With a strong athletic program and a dedication to sports, the university provides a platform for its basketball team to excel. The Tigers have the support of their home crowd in the two gymnasiums on campus, the Birchard and McHie Gymnasiums. These facilities offer a space for the team to practice and host games, fostering a sense of community and pride among students and staff.
The Tigers basketball team has left a mark on the CCAC Tournament throughout the years. While the specific results of each tournament participation may vary, the team's dedication and hard work are evident. The university's commitment to athletic excellence is reflected in its continuous support for the Tigers, ensuring they have the resources and facilities needed to compete at a high level.
The CCAC Tournament provides a platform for the Tigers to showcase their talent and compete against other institutions in the region. The tournament offers a structured format, often with regular-season league play followed by a post-season tournament. This competitive environment allows the Tigers to test their skills, strategize, and strive for victory. The experience gained through these tournaments contributes to the team's growth and development, shaping them into formidable opponents.
The Tigers basketball team's participation in the CCAC Tournament is a testament to Olivet Nazarene University's athletic program and its commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience. Through their involvement in this tournament, the Tigers gain valuable opportunities for growth, both as individual players and as a cohesive unit.
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The university is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private Nazarene university in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It was originally established as a grammar school in east-central Illinois in 1907. The university is named for its founding location, Olivet, Illinois. In the late 1930s, it moved to its current campus in Bourbonnais.
Olivet Nazarene University traces its roots to 1907 when the Eastern Illinois Holiness Association started Miss Mary Nesbitt's Grammar School in a house in Georgetown, Illinois. In 1908, the school's founders acquired 14 acres in the village of Olivet and moved the school to the proposed campus. A Wesleyan–holiness community sprang up around the school. In 1909, the liberal arts college was chartered and named Illinois Holiness University, with A. M. Hills from Texas Holiness University as its first president.
In 1912, the school was given to the Church of the Nazarene and was renamed Olivet University in 1915. In 1921, it was renamed Olivet College. In 1939, the main building on campus was destroyed by fire, prompting the school to move to its current location in Bourbonnais, Illinois. With the move, the school's name was changed to Olivet Nazarene College (ONC). In 1986, the school's name was changed again to Olivet Nazarene University to reflect the advanced academic offerings.
Today, Olivet Nazarene University offers a wide range of academic programs and is organised into seven academic units, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the McGraw School of Business, and the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. The university has a rich tradition of faith and a strong commitment to integrating faith and learning. It welcomes students from diverse Christian denominations and encourages them to attend the church of their choice.
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Frequently asked questions
The Olivet Nazarene University Tigers basketball team is a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).
Olivet Nazarene University is located in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
The Olivet Nazarene University basketball team is called the Tigers.










































