Empowering youth athletes and spreading the value of grappling sports.

Learn about Fighting Chance Athletics

Mission Statement

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.

Vision Statement

Fighting Chance Athletics is pushing towards a world where every child, regardless of circumstances, is afforded the opportunity to learn and grow from grappling sports.

About the Team

Fighting Chance Athletics was created by Michael, Richard, Luis, and Larry; two former Marines, one Active Duty, USMC Captain, and a US Army veteran, with the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children in their communities and beyond. The team may be small, but our goals are tremendous. Aside from providing youth athletes with the uniforms, gear, and equipment necessary to participate in grappling sports, we are actively seeking other ways to support our communities. The Fighting Chance Athletics team is working to initiate an athletic scholarship program by the beginning of 2025.

Here is our “WHY”.

Grappling sports can have a profound impact on young athletes. These sports teach discipline, work ethic, and instill confidence in children. Grappling teaches foundational skills like balance, hand-eye coordination, and footwork. Children learn the true extent of their own capabilities and have the opportunity to be surrounded by positive role models. Every child should have the opportunity to benefit from these amazing sports without lacking the uniforms or equipment needed to do so.

“I have been fortunate enough to serve as a youth coach for both wrestling and jiu jitsu for close to a decade. Every year, I always come across kids that would wrestle an entire season without a pair of wrestling shoes, kids that could never afford to own a jiu jitsu Gi of their own, or kids that could not afford to participate in tournaments due to the fees associated. These young athletes are working just as hard as every other kid on those mats; why should they not have the same opportunities? I would do what I could to help, but I knew this issue spanned well past my own wrestling club and jiu jitsu academy. I felt a strong desire to build a community to help and decided to do something about it.”

-Michael Zarate

Fighting Chance Athletics Founder/President