The Quarterly

Brothers from the Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of Houston have rallied in support of alumnus Brother Jerome “YoJ” Ronquillo as he courageously battles pancreatic cancer. Through the combined efforts of the active chapter, alumni chapter, Cavalier Cookers, and countless generous supporters, the chapter raised more than $38,000 in net proceeds to assist with Jerome’s medical care and quality-of-life needs during treatment. More importantly, the effort served as a powerful reminder that no brother fights alone, as the “YoJ Army” continues to stand faithfully beside him throughout his journey

Brother Alex Duron recently earned his first gold medal in competitive powerlifting at the 2026 USAPL Summer Power Fest, held June 20. Competing head-to-head in his weight class, Alex posted an impressive combined total of 1,355 pounds across the squat, bench press, and deadlift, highlighted by lifts of 513 pounds in the squat, 358 pounds on the bench, and 485 pounds in the deadlift. What makes the accomplishment even more remarkable is the dedication behind it. Over the past six months, Alex balanced rigorous training with full-time work, coursework at the University of Houston, participation in the Zeta Chi Chapter’s candidacy process, and training with the UH Powerlifting team. Congratulations and Hi Rickety to Brother Duron on an outstanding achievement and a strong start to his powerlifting career.

For the third consecutive year, the Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of Houston earned the Archegos Award for Fraternal Excellence, recognizing the chapter’s sustained commitment to leadership, accountability, scholarship, and service. The chapter also celebrated individual honors, as Brother Alex Koennecke was named IFC Man of the Year. These achievements reflect the collective efforts of the chapter’s undergraduate members, alumni, and advisors, who continue to push the chapter toward excellence.

Zeta Chi Chapter alumnus Greg Schwarz (Houston) recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica with his wife, Renee—but this adventure carried a purpose far greater than exploration. Alongside them, they brought two meaningful symbols: the Sigma Nu flag and the YoJ Strong flag. These flags were carried in honor and support of fellow Zeta Chi alumnus Jerome “YoJ” Ronquillo as he courageously battles pancreatic cancer. YoJ ( “YoJ” ) is Jerome’s nickname among his chapter brothers, and the YoJ Army represents the many brothers, friends, and supporters standing faithfully beside him in this fight.

In advance of the Houston vs. Oklahoma State football game on October 11, Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of Houston continued its signature Trek for Troops fundraiser, completing a 560-mile, 48-hour bike ride from UH to Stillwater, Oklahoma. First launched in the 1970s as a game-ball relay run, the event was revived in 2023 with a new mission to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, supporting injured veterans and service members. This year’s ride marked the most ambitious yet, as Zeta Chi brothers invited the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State to join the effort. The two chapters met at the Texas-Oklahoma border and finished the journey together. In total, the collaboration raised more than $7,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Late last fall, the brothers of the Zeta Chi Chapter partnered with the University of Houston chapters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Tau Kappa Epsilon to serve the Houston community ahead of the colder months. Through a collaborative campus drive, the chapters collected approximately 500 pounds of winter clothing and an additional 250 pounds of non-perishable food to support individuals and families in need.

During the holiday season, the Zeta Chi Chapter hosted its annual Alumni & Parents Holiday Party, bringing together collegiate members, parents, and alumni for an evening of connection and celebration. The festive gathering welcomed a record 200 guests—an exciting reflection of the chapter’s growing engagement across generations. Beyond strengthening relationships, the event also made a meaningful investment in the chapter’s future, raising more than $10,000 to support the active chapter. Funds will help advance alumni engagement initiatives and programs designed to foster lifelong connections among Zeta Chi brothers.

Ahead of the Houston vs. Oklahoma State football game on October 11, Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of Houston continued its signature Trek for Troops fundraiser, completing a 560-mile, 48-hour bike ride from UH to Stillwater, Oklahoma. First launched in the 1970s as a game-ball relay run, the event was revived in 2023 with a new mission to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, supporting injured veterans and service members. This year’s ride marked the most ambitious yet, as Zeta Chi brothers invited the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State to join the effort. The two chapters met at the Texas-Oklahoma border and finished the journey together. In total, the collaboration raised more than $7,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.