Fence-A-Thon 2026
The Junior Olympics
Cadet and Junior Division
When: Jan 9 – 12, 2026
Where: Kansas City Convention Center
The Fence-A-Thon is our annual fundraising event. 100% of all proceeds go directly toward empowering student fencers. By making a pledge towards one or more of the fencers, you are doing more than just providing essential equipment to subsidizing tournament fees and travel costs, your contributions ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of a student’s potential.
Fencing Forward’s impact extends beyond the strip. Through our Community Grant Program and the En Garde Merit Scholarship, we provide the strategic support student fencers need to succeed in the sport, in their academic, and in their community lives.
Why we do this.
Fencing is a unique developmental tool that challenges athletes both physically and mentally. By competing as individuals and as part of a team, fencers build the resilience, discipline, and strategic thinking necessary for lifelong success.
Unfortunately, because fencing is a niche Olympic sport, many talented youth lack the access or financial means to participate. We are here to change that. The Goal – Our mission, is to use fencing as a catalyst for personal growth. By equipping students with the skills to better themselves, we empower them to become leaders who strengthen our communities.
Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders. – The Fencing Forward Team
Recent Donations
Fence-A-Thon 2026: Mission Accomplished
Thank you for an incredible Fence-A-Thon! With the Junior Olympics now concluded, we are celebrating the success of our 2026 fundraiser. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed—your support is the engine that allows Fencing Forward to bring this sport to underserved communities.
Read the Event Recap: Fence-A-Thon 2026
Fulfill a Pledge or Support Our Mission
If you have an outstanding pledge to fulfill, or if you missed the event but would still like to support our work,
you can contribute through our secure portal:
Stay Connected
While the Fence-A-Thon has crossed the finish line, our work continues year-round. Don’t miss an update on our upcoming Gear Up for Summer drive or our scholarship announcements:
Follow us on Instagram: @FencingForward
Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Looking Ahead to 2027
Get ready for more excitement, new athletes, and even greater impact. We will begin announcing details for the 2027 Fence-A-Thon in late December. Check back then to see how we’re taking the next event to the following level!
Are you a fencer?
Make an impact by fencing with us at our next Fence-A-Thon!
You are already headed to the strip. Why not make an impact doing it?
The Fence-A-Thon is not about ratings or rankings, it’s about how fencing helps someone. Request your personal Fence-A-Thon pledge page, ask friends and family to support you, and fence your best. Every touch you score helps raise money for equipment, tournament fees, travel, and scholarships for students who need it most.
Request a Fence-a-thon page
©2024 Fencing Forward.
Fencing Forward is a DBA of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc.
Youth Fencing Chicago is a registered 501(c)(3) organization | Tax ID: 99-0834900