Wrestling colleges in Illinois (12)

Illinois splits into a Chicago-area cluster and a downstate spread. The 2 Division II programs are both in the GLVC and both downstate: McKendree in Lebanon near St. Louis and Quincy on the Mississippi. Of the 10 Division III programs, six are in the CCIW: Augustana (IL) in Rock Island, Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, Millikin in Decatur, North Central in Naperville and Wheaton (IL). Aurora is listed under the NACC, the University of Chicago under the MWC, and Blackburn and Eureka in the SLIAC. Every listed program is private, and the CCIW schools with full profiles mostly report a Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian or evangelical heritage.

The CCIW is where the recorded results are. North Central won the 2026 CCIW championship, its fourth straight tournament title, sent six wrestlers to the 2026 NCAA championships and produced a 2026 NCAA champion; our profile rates its roster depth very strong and early lineup opportunity limited. Millikin finished second in 2026 (runner-up four straight seasons after winning in 2022) with a 15-4 dual record. Aurora placed third at the 2026 CCIW championship and Elmhurst fifth under Steve Marianetti, head coach since 2002. Illinois Wesleyan (eighth) and Wheaton (ninth) are rated limited on competitiveness but very strong on academic selectivity.

Federal average net price runs from about $14,860 at Chicago (4.5% admit rate) and $17,349 at Eureka to $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan; most CCIW schools land between $21,000 and $27,000. 6 of the 12 programs publish a recruiting form, and ten sponsor women's wrestling. If you want a shot at an early lineup spot, read how to read a roster and check the class-year mix before choosing between the top-tier CCIW programs and the rest.