90 Years of Strength

Club Náutico Hacoaj stands as one of the most prominent examples of Maccabi’s global impact - a thriving hub where sport, community, and Jewish identity come together in Argentina.

Founded in 1935 by young Jewish Argentinians seeking both a space for athletic practice and a sense of belonging as the “Club Náutico Israelita", it later adopted the name Hacoaj - meaning “strength” in Hebrew – and grew into one of the country’s leading Jewish institutions. Inspired by the legacy of Hakoah Vienna, the club has carried forward a proud tradition of Jewish spirit, resilience, excellence, and community for nearly a century.

Located in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, Hacoaj has evolved from its rowing roots into a dynamic multi-sport center, offering a wide range of disciplines including tennis, football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, and more. Its athletes have represented Argentina on the world stage, including Olympic medalists and top international competitors such as Diego Schwartzman, Paola Suárez, Santino Menin, Giselle Kañevsky, Natali Doreski, and Pilar Campoy. Hacoaj also competes in the official Argentine Football Association (AFA) league. 

As a cornerstone of Argentina’s participation in the Maccabiah Games and Pan American Maccabi Games, Hacoaj has contributed generations of athletes, leaders, and proud ambassadors of Jewish sport.

Beyond sport, Hacoaj is a vibrant community of over 10,000 members, with more than 200 weekly activities that bring together education, culture, and Jewish values. Through initiatives like the Hacoaj Educational Hub (Polo Educativo Hacoaj) - an integrative community model developed in partnership with ORT Argentina and Colegio Tarbut, including a Tarbut kindergarten and an ORT primary school - the club continues to invest in the future of Jewish life.

In addition, Hacoaj has developed more than 1,200 residential units across different housing projects within its premises, further consolidating its role as a unique space where community life, sport, and everyday living come together.

Looking ahead, Hacoaj is expanding its vision with the development of Hacoaj Camp, set to open in 2027. This new facility will accommodate up to 120 guests and include lodging, meeting rooms, and training spaces, including the Shimon Peres Stadium, named in honor of the late President of Israel - providing a comfortable, secure environment for sports camps, training programs, and Jewish educational exchanges.

 The camp will welcome international delegations of youth and adults, offering a unique combination of sports training, community engagement, and immersive Jewish experiences – further strengthening the connection between Maccabi communities around the world and reflecting the enduring spirit of the Maccabi movement.