Fencing in Chicago?

[Boo Boo]

Can anyone recommend a fencing club in Chicago (preferably around - or easily reachable from - the suburb of Lincolnshire)?

It looks as though I will be going there for a few days in a couple of weeks and trying to work out if it is worth taking my kit with me.

Thanks,
Boo

[engardemisami]

The closest one that I know to Lincolnshire is Illinois Fencer's Club in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. See <a href="http://www.totheescrime.org/ifc/" target="_blank">http://www.totheescrime.org/ifc/</a>

[mifencer]

I would recommend Fencing 2000. It is located in downtown Chicago. Great facility and nice people. It's a competitor club, at has produced people to show for it. If I lived in the Chicago area, that would be the club I would belong to. Goto the USFA website and you can get the address and phone number.

Good Luck. Enjoy your stay. Visit Rush/Division street at least once to get all the cheesy bar scene out of you.

[Sara]

I would also recommend f2k, because I go there. there pretty much isnt anywhere else to go that is as easy to access through public transportation (the train) or several major expressways. the coaching is great,t eh facilities are too, and there is a healthy fun atmosphere that is present in any weapon. its good for kids too. call diane for times when you can come in a nd bout. usually thursdays for epee and foil, saturdays for foil,and sunday mornings for epee. but im not sure on sabre. come on in! we'd be glad to have you.

[DamedEscrime]

Hmmm..I've fenced F2K a few times. Only one problem... no AC. Last time I was the the heat index was 97. Otherwise they are a nice bunch. There is als the the Chicago Fencers Club and Illinois Fencers club.
As a side note,I'm moving up that way in a few weeks so I'll be looking you up and also offering my armouring services.

[Sara]

yes yes i agree that no AC is a problem...but it's not too shabby in the mornings and on cool days. and we got these huge fans that are taller than me. it's tolerable.

[Boo Boo]

Unfortunately have decided against taking my kit with me to Chicago....

I am coming all the way from the UK and will only be there for 4 days (arriving Sunday night, returning home Thursday afternoon). This, combined with flying to Florida (holiday) a week after I get back from Chicago, means that it is just too much hassle to fence this trip.

However, am sure that I will be going back again some time (probably not in the too distant future), so will remember the advice given here for next time :-)

Thanks everybody for their replies.

Boo

[mifencer]

The heat? I LOVE it! Before, during and after fencing, the heat makes it feel like a great workout. It makes you sweat, makes you feel like all the work was for something. It's instant gratification -- whereas most of the time fencing is a long and slow process.

But drink a lot of water, it sucks having a headache from dehydration.

[fred]

Never thought of this as a feature, but I fence at IFC, and can report that it's fully climate-controlled. We're also part of the same facility as the local Mt. Prospect Park District's wave pool and some nice tennis courts, for the complete resort experience

[schlager7]

Isn't Fencing 2000, Tim Glass' club?