Who Is RRlug

Our Humble Beginnings

Rock River Linux Users Group (RRLug) is a diversely talented group joined together by a shared interest in Linux and Free/Open Source Software (F/OSS). RRLug was started by Sam Williams (samiam@gmail.com) and has grown from a casual conversation to a technical organization that is still growing  strong.  2025 is our 27th year as RRLug which makes us one of the oldest and longest lived Linux Community Organizations in the world! We strive to get better each and every year!

Back in 1998, we were briefly called Northern Illinois Linux Enthusiasts (NILE), but were  asked to change the name to minimize confusion with a similarly named LUG in Chicago (which ironically no longer exists). We have been the Rock River Linux Users Group every since. Along the way we absorbed the membership of two other smaller LUGs making us the only LUG in the North Central area of Illinois.

RRLug is located in Rockford, Illinois which is  85 miles west of Chicago. All visitors are welcome, especially those near the Illinois / Wisconsin border. We cordially invite anyone to come out any time to discuss, learn, and just have fun with Linux and Open Source Software….