RISD fencer claims national championship at USACFC tournament, club finishes 5th

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Fencing Club is celebrating a major milestone after a standout performance at the United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs (USACFC) National Championships, one of the largest collegiate club fencing tournaments in the country.

Competing against more than 45 schools nationwide, the RISD team rose to the challenge, capturing first place in the individual foil event and finishing fifth overall in the team competition.

During the team rounds, RISD secured victories over University of Michigan, Mount Holyoke College, Rutgers University, and Tufts University, showcasing depth and consistency throughout the tournament.

In the individual foil competition, featuring a field of 155 competitors, RISD fencer, Antonio Chen, advanced through a highly competitive bracket with victories over opponents from the United States Naval Academy, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, Davis. The fencer then defeated competitors from Cornell University in both the semifinals and finals to secure the national title.

For the RISD Fencing Club, which is still relatively new, the results mark a significant achievement and a defining moment in the program’s growth.

The performance also stands out as a historic accomplishment, underscoring that a school widely recognized for art and design can compete at a high level in collegiate athletics.