Name: 2026 Midwinter Armizare Open
Start: 2026-02-21T08:00:00-06:00
Location: 4437 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60640

The Midwinter Armizare Open is a public display of skill with one and two-handed swords in a relatively rules-light format meant to emphasize the tactical priorities of fighting with sharp weapons in lethal combat. Must be 18yrs or older to participate.
We will be bringing back all 4 beloved Tournaments from last year. The tentative schedule for MidWinter Armizare 2026 is as follows :
SATURDAY :
8:30 am : Check-In Opens
10:00 am : Opening Announcements
10:30 am : Single-Handed Short Weapon Tournament Starts
1:30 pm : Two-Handed Sword Tournament Starts
5:00 pm : Open Fencing
SUNDAY :
8:30 am : Check-In Opens
10:00 am : Opening Announcements
10:30 am : Rapier & Sidesword Tournament Starts
1:30 pm : Sword and Companion Tournament Starts
3:30 pm : Midwinter Finals
Some of the rules have changed since last year so please be sure to check them out before registering! You can find the rules here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xH-GoOIX0OvNG0wcgLXLsFDsvzJ6_93v/view?usp=sharing
REGISTRATION NOTE :
Just like last year, due to limited space in each event, EACH EVENT REQUIRES A SEPARATE REGISTRATION. If you're signing up for multiple events, please be aware that 1) each event requires a separate registration and 2) due to previous system overloads, FIGHTERS CAN ONLY REGISTER FOR ONE EVENT EVERY 24HRS. Fighters are welcome to try to register for multiple events a day, but you may receive an error message to avoid accidental duplicate charges. We apologize for inconvenience, but we cannot override the system fails safes.
As in years past, fighters are allowed to leave their gear overnight in either our downstairs locker room or upstairs storage space. While the studio will be locked up overnight, please be aware you are leaving your gear behind at your own risk. Forteza will not be responsible for misplaced, improperly stored, or damaged gear.
WITHDRAWALS & REFUNDS :
Due to our Event Waitlist and scammers trying to sell fake tickets in years past, Midwinter Participants are not allowed to sell, trade, or otherwise exchange their registration. Withdrawals and Refunds must go through Forteza's Front Desk and registration will be then given to the next person on our Waitlist. In order to receive a full refund for registration, participants must let Front Desk know via phone or email by Wednesday, February 4th 2025 that they need to withdraw from the event. Refunds will not be given after Wednesday, February 4th except in emergency situations on a case-by-case basis.
Please reach out to us at [email protected] for any comments, questions, concerns or Tournament registration assistance.