KANAKUK, Mo. — Hundreds of college men from five Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX) chapters gathered for the Central Regional Brotherhood Retreat at Kanakuk, a weekend designed to deepen spiritual formation, strengthen friendships and reinforce the national brotherhood of the Christian fraternity.

BYX members and pledges from the University of Arkansas, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa spent the retreat participating in teaching sessions, cell groups, worship, and a series of competitions known as the “Battle of the Brethren.”

HONEST CONVERSATIONS 

For many attendees, the most significant moments came in established accountability circles known within BYX as cell groups, where men talk openly about their lives, faith and challenges.

“Cell group time was very productive, I grew very close to my brothers in the time we had,” said Joshua Lee, a sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma. 

Others described the conversations as unusually honest and transformative.“Intense vulnerability during cell group,” said Carson Tucker, a junior at the University of Tulsa. 

“Getting close to my brothers during cell group and learning a lot about them was a powerful moment,” said Jackson Davis, a sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma. 

Several men said the extended time together created a depth of connection that is difficult to achieve during a normal semester. “Having a month’s worth of cell group in a single weekend really helped bring us together,” Lee said. 

Others reflected on how those conversations shape the purpose of the fraternity itself. “That BYX is meant to be a place where we can be vulnerable and have accountability while pushing each other towards each God’s given purpose,” said Ryan Murray, a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma. 

PRACTICAL LEADERSHIP 

The retreat also included multiple teaching sessions aimed at helping college men grow spiritually and develop leadership skills. Participants said the sessions provided insight into faith and manhood.

“Sessions were very helpful and gave me a lot of insight,” said Noah Robinson, a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma. Robinson said the teaching particularly helped him think about leadership and faith on campus.“I appreciated the sessions by Jared Musgrove especially on leadership,” he said. 

For some student leaders, the weekend offered encouragement and perspective as they guide their chapters.

“As an officer, sometimes we feel a lot of pressure to steer the fraternity onward,” said Tyler Dunkleberger, a junior at Oklahoma State University. “Getting to meet nationals staff and hearing them talk is calming to know that we have men who’ve been doing this for a long time for us to lean on.” 

BROTHERS BEYOND CAMPUS 

Another defining feature of Regionals is the opportunity to interact with brothers from other universities, something many men said expanded their understanding of BYX.

“The unity between the different campuses and the opportunities to meet people you wouldn’t normally have the chance to,” said Will Boone, a junior at the University of Arkansas. 

Others said the experience helped them see the fraternity from a broader perspective. “It gives perspective outside of the chapter of what exactly BYX is,” said William Harris, a sophomore at the University of Tulsa. “At times you can only see it through a chapter-sized lens, but this showed me what BYX is nationally.” 

One student described how quickly those connections formed during the weekend.

“It’s beautiful to see how quickly men of God can meet and become friends super easily,” said Hayden Chilcote, a senior at the University of Oklahoma. “Especially at an event like this where we all have our organization and our faith in common.” 

For younger members and pledges, the retreat often affirmed their decision to pursue membership in the fraternity. “It affirmed why I’m choosing to rush BYX,” said Roman Soldat, a freshman pledge at the University of Arkansas. 

PERFECT RATIO 

Each chapter also competed in the Battle of the Brethren, a series of athletic competitions and activities designed to build camaraderie and friendly rivalry between chapters. The games, along with recreational activities across the Kanakuk campus, gave men opportunities to spend time together outside of the formal sessions.

Many participants said the balance between teaching, brotherhood and recreation made the weekend memorable.

“Perfect ratio of work and play. Never felt overwhelmed or bored, never felt like any of it was meaningless,” said Elijah Miller, a junior at the University of Oklahoma. 

Others highlighted the simple experience of connecting with brothers from across the region. “Getting to see and meet others from different schools and also bonding more with people from my chapter,” said Landon Hayes, a freshman at Oklahoma State University. 

The retreat was hosted at Kanakuk, a Christian camp known for its strong culture of hospitality and theological training. The location provided space for worship, teaching, and recreation while giving BYX men an opportunity to step away from campus routines. Participants said the environment helped create meaningful moments of connection and reflection.

“Seeing members from so many universities is such a unique experience,” said Dunkleberger. “It’s great to see how this organization has impacted other men differently.” 

By the end of the weekend, many men left with a renewed appreciation for the fraternity’s national brotherhood.

“Continued growing respect for nationals and bigger hope for the greater BYX fraternity,” said Gideon Fox, a junior at the University of Arkansas. 

BYX Regional Brotherhood Retreats take place across the country throughout the year, bringing together chapters to worship, learn and strengthen relationships among Christian men committed to living faithfully and leading courageously.