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 In the 2007-2008 season, approximately 90 fencers aged 8 to adult participated at Windy City, with more than 40 competing in United States Fencing Association Tournaments. Of these, 18 qualified for and competed at the 2008 USFA Summer National Tournament, 9 had USFA ratings, and 8 were nationally ranked in their age group. We have the largest and most successful youth fencing program in Chicago.
Windy City Fencing classes are held at our partner, the Menomonee Club, conveniently located in the heart of Chicago, at 1535 N. Dayton Ave., one block from the North & Clybourn redline station.
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Philosophy
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- To introduce the sport of fencing in Chicago to a wider audience.
- To use fencing to teach respect, self-control, good sportsmanship, and teamwork.
- To allow youth fencers to participate, progress, and compete at their pace, with the strongest coaching support possible.
- To develop nationally competitive epee fencers.
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Program in Brief
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- Training in epee, one of the weapons of modern fencing and the weapon used in the modern pentathlon.
- Beginner classes for fencers of all ages, from age 8 through high-school and adult.
- Team format, involving multiple practices per week, for fencers that wish to advance rapidly or to compete locally, regionally, or nationally.
- Private lessons for students.
- Classes and instruction provided by Windy City Fencing - Chicago, Inc., in partnership with the Menomonee Club.
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A Brief History
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- Windy City Fencing, was founded in 2002 by three U.S. Modern Pentathletes, Josh Holmstrom, Barry Matchett, and Jeff Ulmer, each of whom had extensive fencing experience and each of whom was committed to introducing fencing to youth in Chicago, where fencing was relatively unknown.
- Josh, Barry, and Jeff dedicated their free time to building and expanding Windy City Fencing, coaching all of the classes, and growing the program to the point where fencers were competing in regional and national tournaments. In 2005, they were able to hire Tsanko Hantov as a full-time coach. In 2007, Tsanko Hantov became the owner of Windy City Fencing - Chicago, Inc.
- Team format introduced in 2005 to support competitive fencers.
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