Neo-Nazi “Active Clubs” Expand Globally
Fitness Groups Espousing Fascist Ideologies Spread Across Continents
A disturbing global surge in neo-Nazi “active clubs”—ostensibly fitness and martial arts groups—is a growing concern as these organizations rapidly establish chapters across international borders, adopting tactics and ideologies rooted in historical fascism and modern far-right extremism.
Canadian City Sees Neo-Fascist Mobilization
In June, over a dozen masked and black-clad individuals appeared in a Telegram video outside London, Canada’s city hall. Chanting slogans like “Mass deportations now” and “No blood for Israel,” the group, with faces obscured to deter identification, held banners echoing their demands. This display underscores a worrying trend of neo-fascist “active clubs,” American-born entities, spreading their influence internationally.
London, Ontario: A History of Extremism and New Threats
London, Ontario, a city with a documented history of Ku Klux Klan activity dating back to the 1920s and the tragic 2021 racist murder of a Pakistani-Canadian family, is now witnessing the emergence of these “active clubs.” Similar groups have also surfaced in nearby urban centers, including Toronto. The clubs define themselves with slogans like “Folk-Family-Future!”
Global Reach of “Active Clubs”
These organizations, operating from local gyms and parks, are not confined to North America. Research from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) indicates that since 2023, “active clubs” have newly appeared in Sweden, Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Finland. Significantly, two chapters have emerged in Latin America, with establishments in Chile and Colombia.
Youth Wings and Ideological Indoctrination
GPAHE research reveals that “active clubs” now have chapters in 27 countries. Furthermore, nascent youth divisions, mirroring the structure of historical groups like the Hitler Youth, are proliferating within the United States and abroad. These groups are described as “metastasizing” across Western nations, actively recruiting young men into ideologies that promote racial conflict.
“The Active Club model was designed by Rob Rundo,”
—Heidi Beirich, Founder of GPAHE
Rob Rundo, an infamous neo-Nazi from New York, is identified by GPAHE founder Heidi Beirich as the architect of the “active club” model. Rundo pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiracy charges related to riots at 2017 political rallies in California. Previously, he led the Rise Above Movement, a neo-Nazi organization whose members were implicated in the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
“Autonomous and Local” Ideology
While Rundo may not be directly involved in the day-to-day operations of current chapters, his ideology continues to inspire them. Beirich notes that the “active club” concept thrives on being “autonomous and local.” However, many chapters coordinate and promote each other through a network of Telegram accounts, fostering a sense of global struggle among adherents, particularly in countries with significant white populations.
Influence of Prominent Neo-Nazis
Online tastemakers within neo-Nazi circles have highlighted the work of Thomas Sewell, a violent Australian neo-Nazi known for promoting “active club”-style groups in his home country. Posts from these accounts have lauded Sewell’s organizational efforts as a model for other “dissident groups across European civilization.”
“Sewell, just like Rundo, is a violent neo-Nazi recruiting new members to prepare for violence against both political enemies and the communities he targets, such as immigrants, Jews and the LGBTQ+ community,”
—Heidi Beirich, Founder of GPAHE
Sewell, who has admitted to attempting to recruit the Christchurch mosque shooter to one of his past groups, shares ideological alignment with Rundo. Beirich states that Sewell is actively recruiting, preparing for violence against political adversaries and targeted communities, including immigrants, Jews, and the LGBTQ+ community. He reportedly hosts MMA-style training and tournaments to attract new followers.
Combat Sports as a Recruitment Tool
The appeal of combat sports, including mixed martial arts (MMA), has become a focal point for the far-right. Figures like Sewell and Rundo promote the learning of these disciplines as a means of creating “street soldiers” for their movements, akin to historical paramilitary groups. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is also noted as a venue where the far-right congregates.
Patriot Front’s Link to “Active Clubs”
More overtly political groups, such as the American proto-fascist hate group Patriot Front, have also aligned themselves with the “active club” model. Known for public marches and propaganda efforts, Patriot Front’s leader, Thomas Rousseau, has been pictured participating in grappling and striking training at a martial arts gym.
Members of Patriot Front frequently collaborate with “active club” chapters, engaging in their mixed martial arts training and sharing propaganda on Telegram. One such account, with thousands of views, urged Americans to “Join Patriot Front.” According to a 2023 report by the Anti-Defamation League, hate groups are increasingly leveraging online platforms to organize and recruit, with Telegram being a key tool for these activities.
