Fencing
Fencing
Mondays, July 28 - Sept 15 (No Class 9/1), 5 - 6pm
Mon, July 28
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
$189
Time
Mon, July 28, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:00 pmPricing
$280 (Per 7-Week Session)
Location
Gorton Center400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
En Garde! Prét? Allez! Sign your child up for a fencing class at Gorton.
This fencing course is designed for beginners or those who would like to work on basic fencing skills. The class will cover basic fencing rules, fencing etiquette, footwork and attack and defense moves. The instructor will lead students in a warm-up, footwork exercises, group lessons and bouting. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring water. For ages 7 – 14
Why learn to fence?
Fencing is a great activity to build balance, physical coordination and agility, skills that transfer to other sports and daily life. Although fencing can be a physically demanding sport, you do not need to be a natural athlete to learn to fence. Our fencing class is designed to ease you into the sport and help you connect with your own body.
The sport of fencing exercises your mental as well as physical reflexes. Quick thinking, strategy and creativity are all skills fencing can help enhance. In fact, fencing’s combined physical activity with mental stimulation can help improve cognitive function and critical thinking skills. Fencing’s code of conduct also helps to teach the importance of discipline, respect, responsibility and good sportsmanship.
History of Fencing
Did you know the archaeological evidence of fencing dates back to 1190 B.C.E.? The oldest archeological evidence of a fencing contest is from an Egyptian temple along the river Nile, and in Europe, historical records of sword fighting schools extend back to the 12th century. Fencing evolved into a popular entertainment sport around the time of King Henry VIII, but it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that the sport became truly fashionable among European nobility.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, fencing became a popular sport among European aristocracy, and developed a gentlemanly code of conduct which the sport maintains to this day. Men’s fencing competitions were first included in the summer Olympics in 1896 and women’s fencing competitions were added in 1924.
Midwest Fencing Club’s mission is to help people discover, enjoy and excel in the sport of fencing by providing the highest level of instruction in a true sportsmanship environment. They have been serving the Chicagoland community for over 10 years. Their experience comes from National, NCAA, and Olympic champions. Their programs range from introductory levels to advanced competitive aspirations. Midwest Fencing Club welcomes all ages to learn fencing, enjoy it as a hobby, or turn it into their professional sport.
At Gorton Center, we offer a wide range of classes for both youth and adults, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From art and yoga to acting and robotics, our diverse programs are designed to inspire and engage.
At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our calendar is filled with a variety of offerings, ensuring there’s always something to captivate your interest. Our commitment to quality means you’ll be learning from the best instructors in their fields.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you at Gorton Center. Join our vibrant community where every event is an opportunity to connect, get inspired, and learn. Come be a part of Gorton Center, where creativity and learning flourish together.
Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.
At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.
Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.
Refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the first week of class of any session. (The refund period for some classes, which require advanced reservations or purchase of materials, may be more limited.) Cancellations will incur a $5 handling fee for programs costing under $100 and a 10% handling fee for programs with fees of $100 or more. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified, and a full refund will be given.
If this class does not meet the minimum participation requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation within one week of the start date.
Easily Reach our Development Team using the form below.
Laura Demmer, Director of Development
Ann Kiesling, Development Associate
847-234-6060
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The John & Nancy Hughes Center Seating Chart
