The time of 'Cobra Chi' descends upon the hill

Fourteen seniors each bought $33 baby blue jackets at the end of October; this small act culminated two years of talk among these men about a satirical fraternal organization and proclaimed its official advent. "It's a high form of satire," stated Brendan Pomeroy, '04, about his 'frat:' the Cobra Chis, otherwise known simply as 'Chi.'

A tri-council, or the 'Foundational 14' comprised of the entire frat sat down during their first candlelit meeting, which spanned 4-5 hours, and came up with the idea for purchasing the jackets.

The Foundational 14, other than its satirical element, also differs from conventional frats in that there is no hierarchy. Every member has equal power; there are no elected officials within the society.

The idea for the Cobra Chis derived from the popular "Karate Kid" movies.

"Most people go into frats looking to meet people and friends," Matthew Crombie, '04 commented, "but with the Cobra Chis we already knew each other; we were friends first."

"It's all about 'dojo': unity." James Prieto, '04 added.

The primary goal of the frat is to support its members. "We're friends having friendly fun," Sean Cohen, '04 said. One of the activities the Chis plan to do is to hand out water during the Boston Marathon, which their fellow Chi, Ryan O'Malley, '03, is partaking in.

The Chi states its sole purpose is about the members; the group has no volunteer or academic purpose unlike most frats. The group pointed out, however, the average Chi G.P.A. is over 3.0.

"We're a good group into academics, athletics and ntramurals," Prieto stated.

"Chi gets down with intramurals," according to Cromby.

Other activities include an upcoming Christmas Cocktail to be held during mid-December, a Cobra Chi Crawl: a pub-crawl covering most of Elm Street with a Chi t-shirt for every participant, and a Chi Spring picnic. Further details will be disclosed concerning these events.

The group chose their distinct blue jackets because, "We didn't want to step on anyone's toes and didn't want to get a color that was too out there," Crombie said. The 14 Chis are partial to the color, and feel it coordinates well with their clothes according to Prieto, Crombie and Cohen.

Concerning the controversy other frats may feel towards these satirical seniors, Prieto stated: "We respect [other] frat[s], and we want the same respect for our frat. Every frat has to start sometime. We may die out or we may survive."

The Cobra Chis will start a campus wide pledge class at the beginning of second semester. Any male is free to pledge. The frat has a few Manchester locals as pending members as well as pub waiter Broderick Lang.

The frat has no hazing rites for its new members or inductees and no requirement other than to buy a Chi jacket.

The Chis do not have a house, unlike most traditional frats. Some members of the Red Keys are members of the Cobra Chis, although the Red Key house is in no way affiliated with the Chis. The group, however, sees no immediate need for a house, as all activities are off-campus.

"And 21 plus" Cohen stated.

Prieto contacted the school's president, Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B. about becoming officially registered with the college. DeFelice, however, did not show sign of encouragement to Prieto to acquire school funding or become affiliated with the college.

The frat, however, wants to promote a positive image and foster healthy alliances with other frats.

"We're just out to have a good time, going through life senior year on Chi control," Mark Daly, '04 said.

The Chis many mottos include 'Cobra Chi is not a frat, it's a lifestyle.' 'What's cooler than cool?' And lastly, 'Ice Chi.'