2026–27 Event Combos Revealed: Nine National Stops and Who Fences at Each
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USA Fencing has published the event combinations for the 2026–27 national season: nine stops, with the categories that fence at each one. For saber families planning travel, school absences, and which events actually matter for a fencer's age group, this is the document to build the year around.
USA Fencing has published the event combinations for the 2026–27 national season: nine stops, with the categories that fence at each one. For saber families planning travel, school absences, and which events actually matter for a fencer's age group, this is the document to build the year around.
The full 2026–27 national lineup
- Oct. 9–12, 2026 — Orlando, Fla. — October NAC: Division I, Cadet, Y14, Cadet Team, Parafencing
- Nov. 20–23, 2026 — Columbus, Ohio — November NAC: Division I, Junior, Cadet
- Dec. 4–6, 2026 — Milwaukee, Wis. — December SJCC: Junior, Cadet
- Jan. 8–11, 2027 — Oklahoma City — January NAC & Junior Olympics: Junior, Cadet, Junior Team, Parafencing
- Feb. 12–15, 2027 — Richmond, Virginia — February NAC: Division I, Junior, Veteran Age, Veteran Combined, Veteran Team
- Mar. 5–8, 2027 — Location TBA — March NAC: Y14, Y12, Y10, Division II
- Apr. 16–19, 2027 — Cincinnati, Ohio — April NAC: Division I, Junior, Division I Team, Veteran Age, Veteran Combined, Parafencing
- May SJCC — Dates TBA, Location TBA: Junior, Cadet
- July 2–11, 2027 — Salt Lake City — Summer Nationals & July Challenge: all weapons, all age categories
The March NAC city was still to be announced as of the announcement, with a hotel link coming once it is confirmed.
The one drivable stop for DMV families
Richmond, Virginia on Feb. 12–15, 2027 is the closest national event of the season for families in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia. It carries Division I, Junior, Veteran Age, Veteran Combined, and Veteran Team — so it is a Division I and Junior weekend, plus the strongest veteran block of the year.
How the combinations were chosen
USA Fencing cited four criteria: registration crossover between categories, projected field sizes and schedule balance, the number of national events each category gets per season, and conflicts with the international calendar. In other words, categories are paired to keep fields and schedules workable, not just to fill a weekend.
Parafencing and hotels
Parafencing appears at three stops: October in Orlando, January in Oklahoma City, and April in Cincinnati. That is the same count as the prior season, with the mid-season event shifted from February to January.
Hotels are booked through Fastbreak AI for confirmed cities. February and March hotel links follow once those cities are locked in. As of the announcement date, October and November NAC registration links were set to go live shortly.
What was still to be announced
Two items were left open. The Division Qualifier deadline was to be announced separately, and the Athlete Handbook is the place to check points roll-off, qualification pathways, and replacement events. Do not assume last season's qualifier deadline carries over.
How to plan a saber season from this list
Start by circling the stops that include your fencer's category, then check entry eligibility before booking anything. Minimum points now gate Division I, Junior, and Cadet national entries — see our guide to NAC eligibility, points minimums, and rating floors. Larger events also split into Elite and Challenger fields, which changes who you actually fence; our Elite vs Challenger split guide walks through the cutoff and the opt-in.
For the confirmed November and January dates in context, see USA Fencing's 2026–27 season dates for the November NAC and Junior Olympics.
Training for a nine-stop season
A national season rewards fencers who arrive prepared rather than fencers who simply enter more events. Saber Nation trains saber exclusively at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816, with group classes and private tournament preparation. Browse saber fencing classes in Bethesda, MD or contact the club.
Official source
USA Fencing, July 15, 2026: 2026–27 Event Combos Revealed: Nine Stops and Who Fences at Each One. More on our USA Fencing news hub.
Training options
Continue with More USA Fencing news or Saber fencing classes in Bethesda, MD.