October has been one of our busiest—and most inspiring—months yet! With four incredible tournaments across the country, our dedicated athletes, fundraisers, and supporters came together to raise more than $600,000 to help Tap Cancer Out continue fighting for those in need. Each stop on our fall tour was packed with passion, perseverance, and powerful stories of generosity that remind us just how special this community is.
We kicked things off in Austin on October 4th for our 7th Annual Tap Cancer Out BJJ Open, where we raised an incredible $144,000! A huge congratulations to Caleb Napoloski of Team Rabadi, who not only earned the title of Top Overall and Top Youth Fundraiser by raising $12,000, but also secured a trip to TCOasis 2026! Team Rabadi continued their domination as our Top Fundraising Team, bringing in over $36,000 with an impressive 45 fundraisers leading the charge.
Top Overall & Youth Fundraiser – Caleb Napoloski
Top Fundraising Team – Team Rabadi
Next up, we returned to the Windy City for the 7th Annual Chicago Open, and what a weekend it was! Chicago blew past its goal, raising a remarkable $205,000. Brian Jones of Pica Pau once again showed why he’s one of our most dedicated fundraisers, bringing in an astounding $25,230—adding to his lifetime total of more than $62,000 raised for Tap Cancer Out. Logan Medina from Ivy Jiu Jitsu TN took home Top Youth Fundraiser honors with $3,020, while Pica Pau also earned Top Fundraising Team, raising $32,000 through the efforts of 22 fundraisers.
Top Youth Fundraiser – Logan Medina
Top Overall Fundraiser – Brian Jones
Top Fundraising Team – Pica Pau
From there, we made our debut in a brand-new city—Pittsburgh! Our inaugural event was a huge success, raising $50,000 and laying the foundation for what’s sure to become a staple stop on our tour. Sam Fairley from Gracie Barra Beaver County took home both Top Overall and Top Youth Fundraiser titles with $3,145 raised, and Stough PGH impressed as the Top Fundraising Team, contributing $12,445 from 13 fundraisers.
Top Overall & Youth Fundraiser – Samantha Fairley
Top Fundraising Team – Stout PGH
We wrapped up the month in Philadelphia, celebrating our 9th year in the City of Brotherly Love. Philly has now surpassed an incredible $1.5 million raised all-time, thanks to another record-breaking event that brought in $215,000 and more than 600 competitors. Leading the charge was Shannon Schade, our Top Overall Fundraiser, who raised $24,650 and officially became Tap Cancer Out’s highest-grossing individual fundraiser of all time—with an unbelievable $115,000 raised in total. Shannon’s dedication and light inspire us all. Josephine Daly from TAC Team BJJ earned Top Youth Fundraiser honors with $3,135, while Miloki Flow secured Top Team with $16,160 raised.
As we close out this incredible month, we’re gearing up for our final two events of the year in Detroit and Massachusetts this November. And don’t forget—Global Grappling Day returns on December 13th, giving everyone around the world the chance to roll for a cause.
October reminded us once again what makes this community so extraordinary—our shared passion, generosity, and the belief that when we come together, we can truly make a difference. Let’s finish 2025 strong!