In today’s world of mass-produced beverages and disconnected supply chains, beer lovers often struggle to find truly local craft brews that maintain consistent quality while supporting their community. Many craft breweries claim local roots, but few can truly trace their beer’s journey from farm to glass. For those seeking authentic, scientifically-crafted local beer in Champaign-Urbana, this disconnection has long been a source of frustration. As both a fifth-generation farming family and University of Illinois alumni, the Riggs brothers bring unique credentials to the craft brewing scene. Their journey combines Darin’s Computer Science degree and Matt’s Technical Systems Management education from ACES at UIUC with advanced brewing certifications from Germany’s Doemens Academy and UC Davis’s Master Brewers Program. Today, their scientific approach to brewing, demonstrated in their on-site quality control lab and precise yeast management protocols, reflects the rigorous academic standards of their alma mater and embodies the University of Illinois Spirit of Innovation
In this article, you’ll discover the connection between academic excellence and brewing mastery.
Embody the University of Illinois Spirit of Innovation
- Applies university-level scientific precision to craft brewing
- Maintains the highest quality standards through laboratory testing
- Connects UIUC’s agricultural heritage with modern brewing innovation
- Creates a unique farm-to-glass experience right in the heart of Champaign-Urbana
In the heart of Champaign-Urbana, where academic excellence meets agricultural innovation, Riggs Beer Company stands as a testament to how University of Illinois roots can bloom into entrepreneurial success. This family-owned brewery doesn’t just make beer—it grows it, bringing together cutting-edge brewing science with five generations of farming heritage.
Seeds Planted at the University of Illinois
The Riggs brewing story began just a few miles down the road from their family’s fifth-generation farm at the University of Illinois. Brothers Darin and Matt Riggs, facing the challenges of small-farm economics, heeded their parents’ advice to pursue education at their local university. Both brothers attended on Navy ROTC scholarships, with Darin earning a B.S. in Computer Science and Matt completing his degree in Technical Systems Management.
After graduation, both brothers served their country—Darin as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the Navy and Matt as a Combat Engineer Officer in the Marines. During their combined 20 years of active duty, they developed not just leadership skills but also a growing appreciation for craft beer, particularly during their stations in San Diego’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
The Science Behind the Suds
Today, Riggs Beer Company embodies the University of Illinois’s tradition of scientific rigor and agricultural innovation. Dr. Ken Ringwald, who manages their yeast program, brings a methodical approach to brewing that would make any Illinois professor proud. Their small but efficient lab demonstrates the marriage of traditional brewing techniques with modern scientific precision.
Farm to Foam: The Illinois Agricultural Connection
Perhaps most significantly, Riggs Beer Company represents a full-circle connection to the University of Illinois’s agricultural heritage. The brewery sits just minutes from both their family farm and the university’s agricultural research facilities. They’ve become pioneers in vertical integration, using Riggs-grown grain in their brewing process—a practice that echoes the university’s commitment to sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
Educational Roots Run Deep
The influence of their Illinois education is evident in their approach to brewing. Their scientific methodology in yeast management, quality control, and fermentation processes reflects the analytical thinking cultivated during their university years. The brewery regularly hosts tours and educational sessions, continuing the university’s tradition of sharing knowledge with the community, which embodies the University of Illinois Spirit of Innovation.
Community Impact
Like the University of Illinois itself, Riggs Beer Company has become a vital part of the Champaign-Urbana community. Their taproom and beer garden serve as a gathering place for students, faculty, and locals alike, creating a bridge between campus and community.
The brewery’s commitment to sustainable practices and local agriculture mirrors the University of Illinois’s leadership in agricultural and environmental sciences. Their solar-powered facility and use of locally-grown ingredients demonstrate how academic principles can translate into real-world sustainability.
Looking Forward – Embody the University of Illinois Spirit of Innovation
As Riggs Beer Company continues to grow, their connection to the University of Illinois remains strong. They represent the kind of success story that embodies the university’s mission: taking education and innovation and using it to create something that benefits the local community while pushing the boundaries of their industry.
From their scientific approach to brewing to their agricultural innovations, Riggs Beer Company shows how University of Illinois alumni can transform their education into entrepreneurial success while maintaining deep connections to their alma mater and community. In many ways, every pint they pour is a testament to the power of combining academic excellence with practical innovation—a true representation of the Fighting Illini spirit.
