What Does Rock Chalk Jayhawk Mean in the Chant at KU Games? University of Kansas Traditions
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Rock Chalk Jayhawk Chant: What Does Rock Chalk Mean at KU Games?Every time I am watching a Kansas Jayhawks game and I hear "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!" I get very pumped up! What does this chant mean and where did it come from?
In this article we will discuss the origin of the famous Rock Chalk chant and its definition, give you the lyrics to the cheer, find out when it is used during games and there will also be a YouTube video of the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant at a game for you to watch. |
The Rock Chalk chant is one of the most well-known traditions in college basketball. The next time someone asks you "What's with the Rock Chalk thing?" you'll be able to answer!
What are the Kansas Jayhawks Rock Chalk Chant Lyrics to the Song?
The lyrics to the Jayhawk's chant are pretty difficult, but I think you can handle them:
Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU (Woo!)
It seems silly when we're breaking it down like this, but it actually is quite a unique, fun and powerful cheer! In order to do the chant, you repeat the phrase above slowly twice and then at a faster pace three more times prior to a game under the direction of the cheerleaders (and the Jayhawk mascots!). The part where you cheer loudly each time the line is said (Woo!) is under debate because some think that it takes the eerie quality out of this unique cheer. I say have fun and cheer because there will be a lot to cheer about for this school! In Kansas Jayhawk basketball games, "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU" is repeated indefinitely after the two minute warning once the game has been secured.
You can hear the chant in the YouTube video below.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU (Woo!)
It seems silly when we're breaking it down like this, but it actually is quite a unique, fun and powerful cheer! In order to do the chant, you repeat the phrase above slowly twice and then at a faster pace three more times prior to a game under the direction of the cheerleaders (and the Jayhawk mascots!). The part where you cheer loudly each time the line is said (Woo!) is under debate because some think that it takes the eerie quality out of this unique cheer. I say have fun and cheer because there will be a lot to cheer about for this school! In Kansas Jayhawk basketball games, "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU" is repeated indefinitely after the two minute warning once the game has been secured.
You can hear the chant in the YouTube video below.
What are the Origins of the Rock Chalk Jayhawk Chant?The first time that I heard the story of where the term "Rock Chalk" came from was during my freshman orientation at KU. I was told that a geology professor held up a piece of limestone and asked the students to give another name for it. "Rock," one student answered. "Chalk," said the next. Another student trying to be funny said, "Jayhawk!" since it rhymed with the first two. This caused a few other students to shout, "Go KU!"
Upon further research, while that was a good story, it may not be the actual one. There are several versions out there, but here are the most common... In 1886, professors from a University of Kansas science club were on a train bound for Lawrence, KS (home of the Kansas Jayhawks) after attending a conference together in Wichita, KS. They had some time on their hands, so they decided to come up with a cheer they could use for the KU science club. Chemistry professor E.H.S. Bailey is the one credited with coming up with "Rah, rah, Jayhawk, go KU!" The reason they used the word "rah" is because it has the same vowel sound as the ending of Jayhawk. The chant is also based on the beat of the sounds they heard while on the train that day in staccato. This phrase was repeated only three times. Listen again in the YouTube video below and you will hear the beat of the train tracks as you listen to the end of the cheer. |
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Where Did the Saying Rock Chalk Jayhawk Come From? (Continued)This is where the story of how the final version "Rock Chalk" replacing "Rah, rah" becomes unclear. Here is what we do know:
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Rumor Has It...Regarding the Rock Chalk chant, rumor has it that...
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The rest of the story of the actual origin of the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant is a mystery. Professor Bailey claims that the geology department came up with the final version. However, others say that an English professor suggested "Rock Chalk" rather than "Rah, rah" because it rhymed with Jayhawk (and because of the Chalk Rock in the area).
At the time the chant was created there was no football team. However, four years later the fans picked up the saying as a way to cheer for the newly formed team. This spread to other sporting events and is probably best known now as a chant performed before and during KU basketball games.
Fans did not begin to chant during basketball games until the early 1980s, when they began to say "Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU" very, very slowly in unison once they knew the Jayhawks would be victorious. It is so eerie when the whole crowd is doing it. I imagine it sends shivers down opposing teams' spines.
At the time the chant was created there was no football team. However, four years later the fans picked up the saying as a way to cheer for the newly formed team. This spread to other sporting events and is probably best known now as a chant performed before and during KU basketball games.
Fans did not begin to chant during basketball games until the early 1980s, when they began to say "Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU" very, very slowly in unison once they knew the Jayhawks would be victorious. It is so eerie when the whole crowd is doing it. I imagine it sends shivers down opposing teams' spines.
What Does Rock Chalk Mean?
Rock Chalk has no real meaning other than the fact that the University of Kansas is located in an area that is dense with limestone called Mt. Oread. However, if I had to create my own definition for the term Rock Chalk it would be "keep being awesome." I know it's not very classy, but when you get down to it the keep up the good work, work hard, do great kind of pat on the back is the feeling behind the phrase for me personally. It's a one-of-a-kind school with amazing opportunities and a tight-knit community that rallies around one another. Rock Chalk is a greeting, a war cry and a way to signal victory.
I also think that KU kind of likes being a mystery and being original. Not only do we have this puzzling chant, but our mascot, the Jayhawk, is a mythical bird. The Jayhawk and our chant are unique *cough* unlike Tigers and Wildcats which are found ALL over the country *cough.* Sorry, couldn't help myself there!
I also think that KU kind of likes being a mystery and being original. Not only do we have this puzzling chant, but our mascot, the Jayhawk, is a mythical bird. The Jayhawk and our chant are unique *cough* unlike Tigers and Wildcats which are found ALL over the country *cough.* Sorry, couldn't help myself there!
Every Time I Travel With a KU Shirt On, People Always Shout "Rock Chalk!"It always amazes me how many times people shout "Rock Chalk!" as they pass me when I'm traveling in different parts of the country. Jayhawk pride is strong no matter where you go.
I was on a trip for work recently in Austin, TX and was sporting my Jayhawk shirt as we toured San Antonio. I kid you not, four separate people passing by said the chant during only a few blocks (and I wasn't even on the Riverwalk so there weren't that many people around!). The first time my colleagues heard it, they asked "Do you know that guy?" Of course I didn't, but we had immediately connected over the team we love! Another time, I was shopping and a man from Bulgaria stopped me. He pointed at my KU shirt and said, "Everyone in Bulgaria likes KU! Rock Chalk!" I guess that speaking KU jibberish is a universal language! By the way, ever since I typed the words "people always shout" I've had the John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt song in my head (his name is my name too!). Now you do too. You're welcome! |
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Rock Chalk Jayhawk Shirt
You can find shirts that say "Rock Chalk" all over the Lawrence and Kansas City areas at stores like the KU Bookstore and Kansas Sampler, but if you're looking for a Rock Chalk Jayhawk shirt online, I found these cool ones on Amazon seen below (click the photo you like to be redirected to Amazon):
What Does it Feel Like to Hear the Chant at a Game?
If there is one thing that I would like every Kansas Jayhawk fan and enemy to get a chance to experience, it would be 16,300 fans singing the Rock Chalk Chant in unison in Allen Fieldhouse (where the Jayhawks play basketball). You don't only hear the chant, but you can actually feel it. There is a soft vibration that rumbles through the air that gives you chills. It is so powerful and moving that you almost want to shed a tear. It is also very eerie and a little bit creepy!
Even though the words themselves don't make sense together, when these words are combined they have a meaning of their own.
Even though the words themselves don't make sense together, when these words are combined they have a meaning of their own.
Video on the History of the Rock Chalk Chant
GO KU!Thanks for taking the time to learn a little about something that is very important to my favorite team. Be sure to say "Rock Chalk!" when you see me wearing my crimson and blue Jayhawk shirts!
-Kansas Jayhawks What does "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, go KU!" mean to you? |
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