Phi Kappa originated as a local club for Catholic students at Brown University called Phi Kappa Sigma, meaning "Fraternity of Catholic Students".

[1] Its founders were:[1][a] From the beginning the organization emphasized loyalty to alma mater and remained a home for Catholic students who were otherwise unable to join other fraternities.

[1] Expansion was sought out at large schools, and not specifically Catholic institutions.

Its Beta chapter was placed at the University of Illinois in 1912 with the adoption of the local Loyola Club.

[2] Phi Kappa joined the North American Interfraternity Conference in 1916.