Welcome to the Chicago Swordplay Guild, where the art of the sword is undergoing a second Renaissance! We train at the historic Pulaski Park Auditorium, where we are pleased to be official Arts Partners in Residence of the Chicago Park District. However, we also offer introductory classes at a variety of suburban locations, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and through our daughter school, the Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild, in Denver, Colorado.
Below you’ll find a complete description of where we train, sub-pages on our curriculum and ranking system, and best of all, how you can become a part of it. You can find out a great deal more about the specific martial arts we study under the Tradition, and if you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Introductory Classes
Do you feel the “song of the sword” calling to you? Our introductory classes are designed to give students a basic overview of the style of swordsmanship and methods of practice used by the Guild. These classes are organized by theme and are offered multiple times each year at a variety of locations and times. Check under the individual classes to see when the next session begins.
Introduction to the Longsword
Learn an actual historical style of medieval European swordsmanship, based entirely on the documented methods of 14th and 15th century Italian masters of defense! This introductory and continuing course provides the basics of medieval swordsmanship training as a foundation for more advanced practice, including stances, posture, movement, and methods of striking and defending with the medieval “hand and a half” sword. The course will include demonstrations, drills, and free-play with safety gear and simulated weapons. Beginners welcome. No prior martial arts experience is required.
Introduction to the Rapier
The rapier was the dueling weapon of the Renaissance — the sword of Shakespeare, Cyrano de Bergerac, and the Three Musketeers! This class surveys 16th century fencing texts to teach the basic use of this elegant and deadly weapon, which many a gentleman used to defend his life and honor. Through drills and free-fencing using weapons with flexible blades, students will learn the basics of the rapier fight: balance and footwork, blade control, time, distance, attack, and defense. Fencing equipment is provided. Beginners welcome. No prior experience is necessary.
Member Classes
Membership in the the Chicago Swordplay Guild is by invitation only, and may be offered to students who have completed at least two sessions of either the introductory rapier or longsword classes.
The Guild trains two days a week in the main auditorium at Pulaski Park (PP), 1419 West Blackhawk Street, Chicago, IL 60622. Saturdays classes run from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, and Wednesday night sessions run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Saturdays classes have a formal structure, including warm-ups and conditioning exercises, core mechanics drills, and lessons on a specific topic. Wednesday night classes are a combination of formal and “open class”, with a greater focus on individual training and free-fencing. You can find details on how we train lower on this page.
Visitors are welcome to come and observe the Saturday sessions, just be sure to contact us first, to let us know that you would like to observe a class and we’ll arrange a date. Note, however, that participation is restricted to Guild members. Interested students should begin by enrolling in one of the introductory classes that run throughout Chicagoland.
Locations and Cost
Chicago
Where:
- CSG at Pulaski Park of the Chicago Park District (PP)
- Address: 1419 West Blackhawk Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622, U.S.A.
What and When:
Introduction to the Longsword.
- Next Session - Saturdays starting 9/25/10. 9:30-11:30 am. Instructors: David Farrell and Jacques Marcotte.
Introduction to the Rapier.
- Next Session – 12 Saturdays starting 9/25/10. 9:30-11:30 am. Instructor: John O’Meara.
Members’ Classes.
- Wednesdays 6-9 pm.
- Saturdays 11:30-3 pm.
Cost:
Introductory Classes at Pulaski Park are $105 for the 12-week session, cash only. No equipment fee. You will pay and fill out the registration form on the first day of class. Email us to pre-register.
Full Membership is $90 per quarter (with a $5 per week late fee) or $315 per year (if paid by the 6th week).
Family Membership requires a cohabitating Full Member. $60 per quarter, $210 per year.
Associate Membership, $35 per year, is for members of daughter schools and “inactive” members. Associate Members, if they live more than 50 miles from Pulaski Park or study with a daughter school, may attend classes as time allows. “Inactive” members are those who are not attending classes but still want to maintain a relationship with the Guild. All Associate Guild Members have access to the official CSG Yahoo Group.
Greater Chicagoland
Where:
- CSG at College of DuPage (CoD)
- Address: 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137, U.S.A. West Campus, Building K, West Commons/Cafeteria
What and When:
- Class: Introduction to the Longsword. Instructor: Jesse Kulla.
- No Summer Session. Next 12-week session is Fall 2010, starting Monday, September 13th, 7:00pm-8:30 pm
Cost: $159 per session
To Register: Register through the CoD website or by phone at 630-942-2208. Course Code: LEISR-0062-001.
CSG North (Milwaukee Study Group)
Where:
- Mukwonago, WI. About 40 minutes SW of Milwaukee, just off I43. (Please contact Karen or Karl for directions).
What and When:
- Armizare – longsword, dagger and abrazare (grappling).
- Wednesdays 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Contact:
Denver, Colorado (Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild)
Located in the Denver, Colorado area; the Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild (RMSG) is a daughter-school to the CSG, and uses its medieval curriculum and grading system. Training focuses on the longsword, grappling, dagger and counter-dagger of the dei Liberi tradition. Senior students will have the chance to explore other arts such as the basket-hilted broadsword and the dueling sabre.
Contact:
When:
- Sunday – 1-3pm Novice/Intro
- Wednesday – 6pm-9pm Scholar/Advanced
- Other class times available by request.
Where:
- Denver School of Science and Technology, located at 2000 Valentia St, Denver, CO 8023
