The 1897 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois during the 1897 Western Conference football season. In their third season under head coach George Huff, the Illini compiled a 6–2 record and finished in fourth place in the Western Conference. Tackle Don Sweney was the team captain.

The 1897 Western Conference football season was the second season of college football played by the member schools of the Western Conference and was a part of the 1897 college football season.