Mission
The Claymore Milites Christi mission is to provide guidance for men seeking something more in life by reclaiming territory for Christ, fostering authentic masculinity, and strengthening the "domestic church." This is done by motivating & empowering more "seasoned" Catholic men to disciple younger men who are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.
Our Foundation
We focus on a one-on-one discipleship movement primarily focused on discipling young men to reclaim their faith, freedom, and purpose.
Rooted in the teachings of Saint John Paul II, devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and protected by Saint Michael the Archangel, Claymore supports courageous young men—and for those who walk beside them as mentors, fellow sojourners and supporters.
Through our Flagship Claymore Battle Plan Handbook, written by Jack Rigert, we invite young men into God’s story for their lives and help form them to live it with purpose and integrity.
Claymore forms men not only to resist the culture’s confusion, but to become witnesses to truth, goodness, beauty and love in a world that desperately needs them.
The Claymore
The claymore (from Gaelic claidheamh-mòr, "great sword") is a large two-handed sword used in the Scottish Highlands during the late 15th to 17th centuries. Known for its immense size—averaging 55 inches in length—it was characterized by a long grip, broad double-edged blade, and a distinct crossguard with forward-sloping arms ending in quatrefoils.
Milites Christi
Milites Christi is Latin for "Soldiers of Christ" and refers to a broader, historic Christian allegory of living as a soldier for Christ.
Target Audience
We specifically target young men who have just begun or are about to begin exploring The Truth found in The Catholic Church. With this being said, we encourage any aged-man to connect with us.
Our Vision
<p>We envision a world where every Catholic man has access to a mentor who will challenge him, walk beside him, and help him become the saint God created him to be.</p>
Our Team
Our team brings together experienced educators, pastoral leaders, and community organizers united by a shared passion for faith formation and mentorship.
Co-Founder & Director
Jack Rigert
Jack Rigert is the co-founder of the John Paul II Renewal Center and host of the "Claymore: Become Who You Are" podcast. A former professional chef and entrepreneur who built restaurants, real estate ventures, and a financial services company, Jack experienced dramatic encounters with Jesus Christ at his dying brother's bedside and again in the Eucharist at his brother's funeral—moments that brought him back to the Church after twenty years away. While pursuing graduate studies in theology, he discovered John Paul II's Theology of the Body, recognized it as the treasure he had been searching for, sold his businesses, and dedicated his life to evangelization. Jack now travels the country offering parish missions, retreats, and formation programs. He holds an MA in Theology with a concentration in John Paul II Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Read Bio →
Claymore Leader
David Avignone
David is the executive director of John Paul II Renewal Center, which oversees the Claymore milites Christi mission. After working in corporate America for a national beverage company out of college, David had a reversion to The Faith. He then pledged to use his business experience and education for a greater purpose. Soon after his mother's sickness & passing, when Our Blessed Mother appeared to her, he quickly transitioned to a career in the non-profit world. After finishing his MBA from Loyola University, David began working in the pro-life world, beginning as Associate Director of Students for Life of Illinois. He has since worked for other pro-life and Catholic organizations, including a pro-life political action committee and a Catholic Newman Center. Since his grandfather Mario's passing in 2011, David effectively became the custodian of the relic Mario received from Padre Pio in 1945. David & his wife, Joanna, live in the western suburbs of Chicago where they are raising and homeschooling their 5 young children.
Read Bio →
Claymore Leader
Mark Schmitt
Mark was born and raised in the Catholic faith but fell away in college. In his early twenties he encountered the truth and beauty of St. Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. His life would never be the same. Through this incredible teaching he came to see the dignity of the human person, what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God and how we are made for authentic, self-giving love. Through the catalyst of Theology of the Body, Mark came back to his Catholic faith. He is now married to his wonderful wife Margaret. They have three young children. Mark works with his dad in their family landscape business in Wheaton.
Read Bio →
Claymore Leader
Dan McSweeney
My hearts desire is to carry the gospel message of love to all those I encounter; Especially to our youth, who are being relentlessly attacked by the evil one.
Read Bio →
Claymore Leader
Steven Thomas
Steven and his wife, Ginny, have been married for over 35 years and are the parents of eight living children and four grandchildren. Throughout the years, Steven has been actively involved in mentoring young couples by teaching natural family planning and encouraging young men to live lives of chastity. Entrepreneurially minded, Steven founded Vitae Corporation and Faith and Family Flix, and has also developed several software products. He is the author of the book Catholic Joe: Superhero. In addition to his ministry and business ventures, Steven has worked in the contracting industry for more than 35 years.
Read Bio →Coming Soon
More to Come
The Infancy
We're just getting started. With the guidance of The Holy Spirit and protection of St. Michael, we hope to expand our reach and help more men become who God meant them to be: Salt & Light in this dark world.
Your time, talent and treasure is needed, so please contact us at Men@ClaymoreMilitesChristi if you want to assist in a deeper way.
Join the Ranks
Receive weekly dispatches on faith, discipline, and brotherhood.