Small local organizations known as Active Clubs have emerged across the U.S. and internationally, using fitness as a disguise for their extremist mission: promoting white supremacy. These groups function as decentralized networks, often recruiting, radicalizing, and preparing members for violence under the guise of workout groups, primarily targeting young white men.
Active Clubs utilize encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram and alternative social media sites for coordination and outreach, often rebranding or going dark after arrests tied to neo-Nazi activities. Recent arrests in Canada of members distributing materials for extremist groups illustrate their involvement in organized racial violence.
The movement reflects a shift from formal organizations to smaller, flexible cells. The concept of “White Nationalism 3.0,” introduced by Robert Rundo, merges fitness culture with extremist ideology, allowing these clubs to blend into mainstream fitness communities. Under the surface, they promote a “warrior identity,” emphasizing discipline and strength.
These clubs maintain ideological ties to formal white supremacist groups and promote beliefs such as racial hierarchy and the “Great Replacement” theory. They appeal to disillusioned young men by framing their activities as defense of western civilization rather than overt hate.
Active Clubs have been rapidly expanding, with 187 chapters in 27 countries and a noticeable increase in events and propaganda dissemination. While their members view themselves as noble resistance fighters, they pose a new kind of domestic threat, operating under the radar as fitness enthusiasts while veiling violent extremist ideals.
