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We are a youth-led and youth-focused 501(c)(3) organization. working to help underserved communities using fencing as a developmental tool. Fencing is more than just a sport, it is a way to help nurture the growth of young children.

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the Root.

The Sport of Strategy. The Power of Opportunity.

In the city, we talk a lot about the challenges facing our youth, from mental health struggles to the need for safer environments. We know that staying engaged is the key to building critical thinking and resilience. But what if your child isn’t a basketball player? What if “traditional” sports just don’t click?

Fencing is more than just a sport; it’s a developmental tool that sharpens the mind and builds discipline. Unfortunately, it’s often seen as out of reach or too expensive for many families. We’re changing that.

Our Mission:

Fencing Roots (a DBA of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc) is a youth-led 501(c)(3) dedicated to using fencing as a catalyst for cognitive, emotional, social, and character development. We leverage the sport’s unique demands for strategy and focus to help underserved youth sharpen their critical thinking, emotional regulation, and resilience. By removing the barriers of cost, we provide every child the opportunity to use fencing as a tool to master their minds and shape their own futures.

Fencing athlete in action pose
Fencing awards and trophies display

Leadership

Determination

Resilience

Fencer en garde

fencing is About thriving.

Fencing helps your body physically as well as your brain mentally
Fencing helps develop your coordination, speed and balance
Fencing helps develop your abstract thinking through the combination of strategy, speed, timing, distance, and stretch
Fencing is an independent sport and makes you more self-reliant and promote self-confidence
Fencing is a team sport, and will help you foster sportsmanship and social awareness
Fencing helps instill self-discipline and control, improving how you overcome physical and psychological tensions
Fencing helps you understand to celebrate victory, but you must also accept defeat and learn from it

©2026 Fencing Roots. All rights reserved.

Fencing Roots is a DBA of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc.

Youth Fencing Chicago is a registered 501(c)(3) organization | Tax ID: 99-0834900

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