Concordia University, Nebraska and Concordia University Chicago agree to collaboration seeking continuation of CIT

Concordia University Chicago and Concordia University, Nebraska today announced that the two universities have agreed on a collaboration seeking a continuation of the historic and celebrated Concordia Invitational Tournament (CIT). One of the longest running collegiate basketball tournaments in the nation, CIT dates back to 1951, when the first tournament was held in St. Louis, Missouri. The two universities are original members of CIT. 

“Concordia University, Nebraska is delighted to partner with Concordia University Chicago to continue the 75-year legacy of CIT,” said Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull. “While we plan to take a one-year break to prepare for the future of CIT, by God’s grace we look forward to bringing the event back for the 2026-2027 academic year. We don’t have all of the details worked out, but we are intrigued by the idea of rotating CIT between Chicago, Seward and possibly a third location that has a large population of Concordia Nebraska and Concordia-Chicago alumni.” 

“CIT is not just a long-standing tradition, it’s a perennial favorite for players and fans alike,” added Concordia University Chicago President Dr. Russell Dawn. “Dr. Bull and I are of the same mind on this: CIT is great for students, and therefore great for our universities. I’m excited to see how the next phase unfolds.” 

The same four Concordias – Ann Arbor, Chicago, Nebraska and Wisconsin – participated in CIT from 2002 to 2025. Prior to that, additional members of the Concordia University System also took part. In December 2023, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) announced that it would discontinue participation in CIT effective at the conclusion of the 2025 event “to pursue new traditions that better serve our athletic programs and engage our student body.” 

Concordia-Chicago and Concordia Nebraska will announce further details regarding potential future Concordia Invitational Tournaments as details are finalized. The presidents and athletic administrators from both universities will work together closely to map out the future of the event. 

About Concordia University, Nebraska: Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, that currently serves more than 2,500 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

About Concordia University Chicago: For more than 160 years, Concordia University Chicago has prepared the next generation of leaders to live a life fulfilled by purpose and meaning. As a university of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), we hold Jesus Christ at the center of all we do. The University offers more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate-level study to nearly 5,000 students.