Chicago Fencing Clubs

Fencing is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has been included in every Olympics dating to 1896. But in Chicago, you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to learn how to fence. A handful of clubs around the city provide instruction. There’s no need to be nervous about getting stabbed or injured. The clubs work with all levels and ages.

  1. Chicago Fencing Club

    • It’s simple to get started—just show up. The club provides equipment for people taking introductory classes. Regular club members have to buy their own equipment, including a jacket, mask, and training weapon. A complete set for beginners costs less than $150 and could last for years, according to the club. Programs are held for kids under-12, under-17, adults and for casual fencers. The club holds practices at Parkview Lutheran Church.

      Chicago Fencing Club
      3919 N Monticello Ave
      Chicago, IL 60618-4127
      (773) 267-0072
      http://www.chicagofencingclub.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=3

    Chicago Lakeshore Fencers Club

    • Beginners could join the Chicago Lakeshore Fencers Club simply to have fun and get a workout. But if you become more serious and seek to compete at a high level, you're in good hands here. Students get coached by men with decades of experience. Bakhyt Abdikulov, the club’s head coach, is a former member of the Soviet team and a World Cup finalist. He’s coached national teams for both the United States and Mexico. Aaron Stuewe, the saber coach, is a former All-American at Penn State. Ed Kaihatsu, the club’s president, is a former college and national-level fencer. The club meets at Lakeshore Athletic Club—Lincoln Park.

      Chicago Lakeshore Fencers Club
      1320 W. Fullerton
      Chicago, IL 60614
      (773) 477-9888, ext. 177
      http://www.chicagolakeshorefc.com/

    European Fencing Club

    • The club welcomes all levels of fencers with four programs. The Club level is for recreational fencing with a more relaxed atmosphere for people over 15. The Junior/Cadet/Open Competitive program is for serious fencers over 15 training to compete in tournaments. A Kids Class is for children under 15 who are beginning or at the intermediate level. The Youth Competitive program is for dedicated fencers under 15. The club is housed at the Jefferson Park Field House.

      European Fencing Club
      4922 N. Long
      Chicago, IL 60630
      (773) 774-1759
      http://totheescrime.org/efc/

    Windy City Fencing

    • Fencers will receive top-notch instruction at Windy City Fencing. The club’s head coach and owner is Tsanko Hantov, a 2000 Olympian for Bulgaria. Windy City claims to have the largest youth fencing program in the Chicago area with more than 60 students between ages 8 and 18. Kids have the option of competing on the club’s teams, which enter competitions. The club also accommodates adults with beginning classes and classes geared for experienced epee fencers. Classes are held at the Drucker Center.

      Windy City Fencing
      1535 N. Dayton Ave.
      Chicago, IL 60622
      (312) 664-4631
      http://www.windycityfencing.com/index.html