Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity under investigation

A 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted inside a fraternity house near the University of Chicago campus early on October 11, 2026. Police and university officials confirmed that a person of interest has been identified using video evidence and witness statements, though no arrests have been made.

Alpha Epsilon Pi Party Incident Details and Police Investigation

The incident unfolded during a weekend gathering at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house located at 5625 S. University Ave., according to the Chicago Police Department. The victim, who is not enrolled at the university, arrived at the party on Saturday evening and told police she danced and had drinks before beginning to feel unwell.

The private university, which enrolls approximately 18,000 students, reported that the non-affiliated woman filed her report at about 1:50 a.m. local time. According to information shared by school officials and a police report obtained by local media, the gathering had started at 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Two of her friends attempted to check on her after hearing a small group of men standing outside the door cheering and appearing to encourage the activity inside. Witnesses reported hearing individuals shouting remarks such as When's it my turn? and I want to go in there. When the friends tried to open the door, a man grabbed one of them by the hair while another person picked the lock.

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When one friend told the man to get off the victim, he responded that everything was “cool.” The suspect fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Identification of a Person of Interest and University Response

University of Chicago officials announced that investigators identified a person of interest using witness statements and video evidence gathered from campus cameras and license plate readers.

Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity under investigation — Photo: Firstpost

Because the criminal inquiry remains active and formal charges have not been filed, the university stated it is not at liberty to disclose the name of the person of interest. However, officials confirmed that the individual has been banned from the campus. The Department of Safety and Security shared all collected evidence directly with the Chicago Police Department, which is leading the ongoing criminal investigation.

While the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity is not a recognized student organization at the institution and maintains no formal affiliation with the school, all university students remain subject to campus policies and disciplinary procedures. School leadership described the incident as deeply concerning and reiterated a commitment to addressing sexual misconduct cases.

Sex assault investigation underway after report involving Chicago fraternity

Fraternity Statements and Broader Campus Scrutiny

The local chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi stated that its members became aware of the situation when a sober monitor was called over by the victim’s friend. Members also reported loaning a shirt to the victim while she waited outside for emergency responders.

There is no evidence at all that any AEPi members participated in this assault or were aware of it while it was transpiring.

Jonathan Pierce, spokesman for the national organization, via Firstpost

National representatives for the fraternity condemned the assault and emphasized that the suspect was not a member of the campus chapter. The organization stated that its conditions of membership unconditionally prohibit any conduct considered sexual harassment or sexual assault, including unwanted touching and physical violence. The incident arrived amid heightened national attention regarding fraternity conduct and sexual misconduct allegations on college campuses, closely following a high-profile civil lawsuit involving Cornell University.