About US
Officers
The 2007-2008 Officers board is as follows:
President - Gabriella Grisotti
Team Captain - Alex Fix
Secretary - Britta Crowley
Treasurer - Matthias Jamison-Koenig
Foil Squad Captain - Lindsey Uhl
Epee Squad Captain - Emily Rowe
Sabre Squad Captain - Katie Robinson
Armorer - Stephen Patrias
Publicity/Fundraising - Talia Hurwich
Minister of Moral Support - Will Claybaugh
Webmaster - Rob Prag
Practices
Practices are held on the balcony of the Henry Crown Field House (5550 South University Avenue) for two hours a day, Monday through Friday, as follows:
Monday: 5 PM to 7 PM
Tuesday: 5 PM to 7 PM
Wednesday: 5 PM to 7 PM
Thursday: 5 PM to 7 PM
Friday: 4 PM to 6 PM
In general, practices will consist of team conditioning and footwork, after which we will divide up into weapon squads to drill and bout. You don’t have to come to all practices; we hold so many in order to accommodate everyone’s busy schedule.
What to bring
Fencing equipment if you have it; if not, don’t worry—we provide weapons, masks, and other protective gear. Wear sneakers and long pants (preferably a pair that allows you to move easily). Also, a water bottle is highly recommended.
Weapons
The University of Chicago Fencing Team has both men’s and women’s teams in all three weapons: foil, sabre, and epee. New fencers can try out each of the weapons during the first weeks of practice and decide which one they want to fence.
Eligibility
Only persons directly associated with the University of Chicago itself may fencing with the team. That means, roughly speaking, only current students (undergrad or grad), recent alumni, faculty, or staff of the University of Chicago, or the spouses thereof, may fence with the team.
Dues
Dues will be collected on a quarterly basis and will cover equipment and collegiate tournament fees. They will be due at the start of the third week of practice for the quarter. If you have a problem paying dues, talk to us about helping our armorer repair weapons. Dues will be $60 for Fall quarter, $90 for Winter quarter (the primary competitive season) and $30 for Spring quarter.
Tournaments
Your level of involvement on the team is up to you—fencing for recreation is perfectly fine. Squad members going to competitive NCAA team tournaments will be chosen by the weapon captains primarily on the basis of attendance at practice—we’ve taken brand new fencers to past tournaments. Fencers can also go to USFA (United States Fencing Association) tournaments at the CAA (Chicago Athletic Association) downtown, although USFA tourney fees are covered by the individual fencer.
Coaching
For the most part, the fencing team is student-run. However, there will be professional coaching available. See Alex Fix for details. This is completely optional.
Team History
UChicago Fencing Club · contact webmaster