“Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”

-Dan Gable

OUR MISSION

Fighting Chance Athletics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing youth athletes with the uniforms, gear, and equipment necessary to participate in grappling sports like Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Judo.

Through grappling sports, young athletes learn discipline, build confidence, and learn some of the essential skills needed to succeed in life.

We, at Fighting Chance Athletics, want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the experiences that grappling sports will provide without having to worry about the costs that are associated with most organized sports programs.


Combat Sports Scholarship

  • Fighting Chance Athletics has created a combat sports scholarship program tailored for young athletes interested in Grappling Sports, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts. Utilizing our resources and expertise, Fighting Chance Athletics seeks to not only enhance the physical well-being of young individuals but also instill valuable life skills such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

  • We provide all essential unform items and gear to selectee. We want our athletes to get the most out of their training, that is why we will be providing Fighting Chance Athletics branded gear for whatever combat sport our participants choose to pursue.

  • We will cover all fees associated for 6 months of training. By assuming the tuition fees, we are hoping to increase program participation, raise class attendance, and offer a solid foundation of exposure to the combat sports that fall under this program.

  • We offer the opportunity to extend your scholarship past 6 months. Based on your attendance in class and the progress being made, school attendance, overall grade point average, and volunteer hours, the Fighting Chance Athletics team may elect to extend this scholarship opportunity an additional 6 months for some participants. Requests for scholarship extension will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.

Sweat More. Bleed Less.

Sweat More, Bleed Less is Fighting Chance Athletics first shirt and this is your chance to grab one of your own. We have created a Shopify store for easy purchasing. All proceeds will go directly back into our organization to help support our mission and our Combat Sports Scholarships.

Making an impact in a child’s life is possible.

Many children cannot afford to fully participate in Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Judo. The cost of uniforms, equipment, and tournament fees are not feasible for some families.

We want all children to experience the benefits these wonderful grappling sports have to offer.

Looking to Help?

Our mission is not possible without your help. Your donation will ensure that every Fighting Chance Athlete has wrestling shoes on their feet, a kimono to wear, and a belt to tie. Additionally, donations will help ensure that these athletes have any other essential uniform items and equipment needed to fully participate without limitations.

+Our Partnerships.

+Our Partnerships.

Take a minute to view our proud partnerships and current initiatives.

Meet the Team

  • Michael Zarate

    FOUNDER/PRESIDENT

    USMC Veteran

  • Richard Zarate

    VICE PRESIDENT

    USMC Captain, Active Duty

  • Luis Vallejo

    TREASURER

    USMC Veteran

  • Larry Williams

    SECRETARY/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    US Army Veteran