The University of Illinois at Chicago, or UIC, is a state-funded public research university located in the Near West Side of Chicago. It is the second member of the University of Illinois system and is the largest university in the Chicago area serving approximately 25,000 students within 15 colleges, including the nation's largest medical school with research expenditures exceeding $290 million. Playing a critical role in Illinois healthcare, UIC also operates the state’s major public medical center and serves as the principal educator of Illinois’ physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals. UIC is also accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

UIC participates in NCAA Division I Horizon League competition as the UIC Flames in several sports, most notably Basketball. The UIC Pavilion is not only the home to all UIC Flames basketball games, it also serves as the home for the Chicago Sky and several concerts throughout the year.