More information on the Historical Armed Combat Association can be found at their web page . The Chicago Swordplay Guild is both a part of HACA, and yet wholly distinct from it. By this, I mean that we are recognized by the HACA director as an official study group, and as such we do represent HACA in the Chicago area. At the same time, the Guild itself is an independent entity, and administrates its own affairs. HACA affiliation is a fraternal relationship, not a hierarchical one, and represents an acknowledgment of nearly identical goals and methodology.
Guild members come from a variety of backgrounds, both professionally and martially.
Current members have training in Asian martial arts, rattan weapon combat as practiced by the Society for Creative Anachronism, professional stage combat, and modern sport or classical fencing. Others had never hefted a weapon of any kind before walking in the door. OK, sounds good. If you find that you agree with our goals, and are ready to seriously try to learn how to handle a sword, rapier or polearm, you re ready to join us. Simply attend one of our practices, and see for yourself what we are doing.