The visual investigations team of the CBC has located the training grounds of some of the most infamous fascist combat groups in Canada. These groups, referred to as “active clubs” within white nationalist circles, operate in secrecy by concealing their identities and whereabouts on social media. However, a thorough investigation conducted over several months in partnership with The Fifth Estate has revealed their exact operational bases.
Active clubs are predominantly male-oriented organizations that advocate for white supremacist ideologies. Their activities range from public demonstrations to acts of vandalism and online propaganda. These groups anticipate the overthrow of the current political system to establish a new society centered around white interests. Common themes within these groups include anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant sentiments, often accompanied by the use of Nazi symbols.
Notable groups such as Second Sons and Nationalist-13 have emerged, with Second Sons being founded by Jeremy MacKenzie, the founder of the contentious right-wing network Diagolon. Despite the RCMP’s characterization of Diagolon as an “extremist, militia-like organization,” these groups are part of a decentralized network of white supremacists and neo-Nazis.
The origins of these clubs trace back to two neo-Nazis, one Russian and the other American named Robert Rundo, who popularized the concept of establishing racist fight clubs. Rundo, linked to the Rise Above Movement, was sentenced to a two-year prison term in December for orchestrating riots in California. These clubs, posing as fitness and martial arts enthusiasts, recruit members under the guise of physical training while promoting virulent white supremacist ideologies.
Despite attempts to conceal their identities, the CBC’s visual investigations team successfully pinpointed the training locations of the Nationalist-13 and Second Sons members by analyzing distinct features within the facilities. Prominent members with visible tattoos were also identified, aiding in confirming their identities despite obscured faces.
Gym owners, upon learning that their facilities were being used by fascist fight clubs, expressed shock and disavowed any association with such ideologies. Local authorities and community leaders have raised concerns over the public safety implications of these extremist groups operating openly, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent potential violence.
The presence of active clubs extends beyond the Hamilton region, with similar groups scattered across Canada and the United States. Globally, there are reportedly 187 active clubs in 27 countries, indicating a growing trend of white nationalist organizations with international connections. These clubs maintain deep ties with other extremist groups, indicating a concerning rise in far-right activities on a global scale.
