Looking Ahead to 2026

End of the Year

2025 is almost over, and it's been another good year for Hooked on Fencing! We've sent fencers all over the country, saw another class of graduating seniors off to college, and found success on the strip at many local and regional events. We've also hosted tournaments, classes, and shared the sport with many new fencers. This December alone, HoF fencers swept our Open Tournament, and Gillian Schultz earned her "B" rating by placing third at the Midwest ROC, while more of our fencers are headed to Virginia this week to compete in the Fairfax Challenge!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season (reminder that we're closed on 12/24, 12/25, 12/31, and 1/1) and as we look towards 2026, here's a few events at HoF and elsewhere to put on your calendar.

Tuesday Night Training

The next session of TNT (Tuesday Night Training) starts on Tuesday, January 6th. These practices are intended for competitive fencers, or fencers interested in competition, age 13 and up, and will focus on conditioning, strategy, and competitive fencing. This session will run every Tuesday through January and February, and this session (8 practices) will cost $120. TNT will run from 6-8:30pm and fencers should plan to be there the entire time. You can sign up for TNT right here. hookedonfencing.org

January Beginner Classes

Our next beginner classes start in January! There is both a youth and adult class starting, so if you or anyone you know is interested in learning to fence, sign up or direct them to this link! hookedonfencing.org January is the perfect time to start a new hobby, and you guys are the best missionaries for the sport of fencing!

HoF Youth Tournaments

We have two Youth events coming up at HoF in the new year--first, an unsanctioned Youth event on Sunday, January 18th, and second, a sanctioned Youth event on Sunday, February 28th. I will send links to sign up in the next email, but for now, put these on the schedule! All of our youth fencers should take advantage of these events, and they should also be a great warm-up for the next event on the calendar...

March NAC Deadline

The deadline for the March member.usafencing.org American Cup is January 7th! The March NAC is in Cleveland this year, and features Youth events (Y10, Y12, Y14) and Division II, which are perfect for any newer competitive fencers. Division II is a 'C' and Under event open to fencers of all ages (13+) and is one of the best ways to experience your first National tournament. Plus, with this event being held in Cleveland, there will never be a better opportunity to enter your first National event! If you're not sure if this event is right for you, talk to one of us at the club and we'd be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Local Events

In addition to the March NAC, there are a number of local and regional events coming up. Local events are the lowest level of official fencing competitions, with a variety of categories good for fencers of ALL levels and ages. All fencers should seek out and participate in Local events. Here are a few coming in 2026:

January 17th - Denison Winter Open February 7th - Founder's Day Open February 8th - Longhorn High School Invitational February 14th - WRA 'C' and Under March 1st - Ann Chapman High School Invitational March 22nd - Rocky River High School Invitational April 19th - Ohio High School Championships

Regional Events

Regional events are bigger than Local events, and offer an opportunity to fence fencers outside your usual circle. They also provide qualifying opportunities for Summer Nationals, and should be sought out by competitive fencers of all levels seeking to expand and improve their skillsets. Here are a few 2026 Regional events:

Jan 31-Feb 1 - Midwest SYC/RCC Feb 21-22 - Queen City Cup Y8/RYC/RJCC Mar 13-15 - GRAFA RYC/RJCC/ROC Mar 28-29 - Fencing Center of Chicago ROC/RJC April 4-5 - Midwest RYC/RJCC May 1-3 - Motor City RJCC/RYC

Summer Camp

Our first summer camp of the year is already on the calendar, and the sooner you sign up, the better we can make it! This camp is open to all fencers age 13 and up (or younger with coach's permission). This camp is the week of June 15-19--two weeks before Summer Nationals. Whether or not you plan to attend Nationals, this is a great opportunity for all of our fencers! You can read more and sign up right here .

-Nick