About TCO
What We Do
Tap Cancer Out is a jiu-jitsu based 501(c)(3) nonprofit raising awareness and funds for cancer fighting organizations on behalf of the grappling community. We do this primarily through hosting the most philanthropic fundraising tournaments in the world, but also through direct donations and merchandise sales. Since 2011, we’ve hosted dozens of tournaments and have donated more than $6.25 million to our beneficiaries.
Our WHY
It’s more likely than not that your life has been touched in one way or another by cancer. We’ve all lost family and friends to this relentless disease. But there are people out there that are dedicating their lives to finding a cure, and they need our support.
At Tap Cancer Out, it has been our belief since day one that the jiu-jitsu community can come together to support these organizations, hospitals, doctors, researchers and volunteers who won’t quit until they’ve forced cancer to tap out.
Our HOW
The funds raised by Tap Cancer Out (or more specifically, its amazing competitors and fundraisers) benefit organizations dedicated to bringing us closer to a cure for cancer. Since 2012, we have supported 24 beneficiary organizations including – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the Pancreatic Action Network, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation — and raised $6.25 million funding live-saving cancer research and critical family support services.
We can show the world that jiu-jitsu is more than just fighting – it’s a family – one that’s dedicated to changing the world for the better.
Our Story
In 2011, Executive Director, Jon Thomas, realized that there was no philanthropic presence within the sport of jiu-jitsu. That night, with a phone call home to tell his wife his idea, Tap Cancer Out was born. From that moment on, it has been our goal to empower the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
I don’t grapple. Can I still help?
You don’t have to be a grappler to help. As long as you’re dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, we want you on our team. So slap on your favorite submission and let’s force cancer to tap out, once and for all.
Thank you so much for your support.
“Tap Out: A combat sports term for yielding to the opponent, and hence resulting in an immediate defeat.“