About Us
We are a Chicago's training center for saber fencers of all ages and ability levels. The saber is the lightest and fastest of the three weapons in modern fencing. Our fencers range from beginners to experienced competitors who compete regularly at national and international tournaments.
Midwest Fencing Academy (MFA) is one of the most successful fencing clubs in the US and a long term member of the United States Fencing Association (USFA). We are also fully insured by USFA.
Hristo Etropolski established his club in 2005 in Arlington Heights, IL. In September 2007 we moved the location to Chicago's Sauganash near Lincolnwood, where we are currently hosted by Polish National Alliance (PNA). Our gym is located on the ground level of the PNA's building at 6100 N Cicero Ave in Chicago (check out the map).
The facility features five regulation strips. Four of them are equipped with electronic scoring apparatus. There is room for additional “dry” fencing on more strips. MFA provides a storage area for your equipment. We also have plenty of space for spectators, so come on in!
The club has been constantly developing. We have a growing number of dedicated competitive fencers as well as recreational fencers. MFA offers fencing programs in schools and park districts as well as classes for kids and adults in our gym. We are committed to promoting the art of fencing among the young generation and adults alike.
Fencing is often called a "physical chess", because strategy and tactics are as important as agility and quick reflexes. If the thought of a game of chess at 100 miles an hour intrigues you, you will love our sport. We sure do!
Our Coach
Hristo Etropolski is the head coach and owner of the Midwest Fencing Academy. He was born in Bulgaria in 1959 where he made his first fencing steps. During his career as a member of Bulgarian National Team he competed twice in the Olympic Games (in 1980 and in 1988, placing 5th in 1980). 
He has won bronze and silver medals in different World Championships in both individual and team tournaments. During his best years as a competitor he won some of the strongest World Cup tournaments and finished in the top 8 in many others.
In 2001, Hristo came to United States and coached at Chicago’s Fencing 2000 Academy, and later at the Chicago Athletic Association. In 2005 he opened his own club, which is now one of the strongest saber clubs in the country.
His students are bringing home medals from the most prestigious national tournaments. MFA’s high school fencers are on the top of admittance lists of such prestige universities as Princeton, Northwestern, University of Pennsylvania, Duke University and Ohio State University.
Hristo speaks English, Bulgarian, Russian and French.
Our Fencers
OUR GIRLS
Joanna Cichomski
Dominika Franciszkowicz
Victoria Harris
Marta Kaszuba
Alison Miller
Alexandra Rybczynska
Kathleen Stogin
Caroline Stokowski
Eliza Stone
Grace Stone
Jacqueline Tubbs
Anna Wasag
Alex Wasag
OUR BOYS
Michael Basiewicz
Andrew Bogetz
David Cichocki
Filip Dolegiweicz
Marcel Dolegiewicz
Andrew Erbs
Michael Hadjiivanov
Jacob Hirtenstein
Tomasz Kaszuba
Maksymilian Mateja
Christopher Monti
Antoni Pindral
Pawel Puchalski
Bartosz Pukal
Enrique Savage
Jacob Soltysiak
John Stogin
Robert Stone
Michael Stubna
Thomas Stubna
Peter Truszkowski
Dexter Wilde