Lincoln Square Fencing, Chicago

A USA Fencing Association member club, Lincoln Square Fencing is home to head coach Clinton Smith, who continues a career-long pursuit of sharing his love for the sport with new generations of swordsmen. A nationally ranked referee in all three weapons—epee, foil, and saber—Clinton teaches the latter two through programs designed for new fencers as young as five to serious fencers seeking to improve their competitive results through private coaching. Each level breaks down the sport’s concepts into basic, easy-to-understand components, a teaching style Clinton honed while coaching at several fencing clubs, including at Northwestern University. All instruction is tailored to the athlete’s goals and experience level, often focusing on judging touches with first-time fencers or breaking down the concept of “Right of Way” for more seasoned vets, who might contemplate using such fencing techniques as a means to settle traffic disputes.