I was a Sig Ep, graduated in 2003. I could tell you a lot about that chapter, if you want more information PM me. It's hard for me to comment much on what the chapter is like now since I've been away for several years, but I can tell you that the guys in there are pretty good guys from what I've heard. The house is just completing a major renovation and it will be one of the nicer Greek facilities on campus when it is finished, in the body of a major historical house. We partied pretty hard, I'm sure they have fun still but I think the house will be dry now with the renovation, although I'm sure they will find a way to party off campus or something. Location on sorority circle certainly doesn't suck either.
Myself and several of my closest friends there were definitely not your typical fraternity people, most people are surprised that I was in a fraternity. I am very proud to be a Sig Ep.
That said, the chapters you listed are decent ones, or at least were ten years ago. I had several friends who were Delts. Didn't know many Pikes but they have a good national chapter as a whole. The few SAEs I knew I didn't think much of, but that was more of a personality thing and hopefully wasn't representative of their chapter.
Again, feel free to PM me (or skibumspe for that matter) and I'd be happy to tell you more about Sig Eps.
I'd agree w/everything Kendall says. I look at most of the guys who were in the house during my time (nine years in Ames going to school & running a bar) & I'd have to say that a majority of the guys in the house then weren't your typical 'fratter douchebags' that tend to give outsiders a negative view.
I can assure you, most Sig Ep's didn't ever plan on being a fraternity man when they came to college but. for whatever reason, the house seemed like a good fit. I'd think most Sig Eps you talk to who've graduated in the past 15 years would say it was one of the best decisions they've ever made & are very proud of it, even if (like Kendall mentioned) most people wouldn't guess them to be 'frat guys.'
Sure, you probably won't be best friends w/everyone in the house (whatever house you choose) but I'd make sure to find one where you feel comfortable w/a majority of the guys & could see yourself spending time w/long after your college days are over.
If you're just looking to party & pull trim, that's possible in nearly every house on campus with any sort of social calendar but don't make that your deciding factor. I know plenty of guys who joined various houses simply to party & either hated the other facets involved or flunked out. The parties will happen regardless, so prioritizing that as the end all isn't the best plan.
As I said before, get to know as many guys in each house before making a decision as these will be your brothers for the rest of your time in college and in life after college.
Also, when you join a house, be open to meeting people throughout the Greek system & foster those relationships as well. Aside from tremendously genuine & loyal friendships made at Sig Ep, I'd count nearly two dozen friends from other houses (fraternities & sororities) as truly important in my life, too. It also doesn't mean you can't have friends that are 'independent' of the Greek System. Be the 'frat guy' who isn't exclusive, it will help keep things in perspective.
The renovations look pretty amazing from what I've seen - stopped through last summer but I've only seen picture updates since coming to Korea in Dec.
Let me know if you have any questions. I was the VP of Recruitment for two years & could answer most any question you might have, specific to Sig Ep or in general about Greek Life. Either way, best of luck in your decision.