The 2026 Tap Cancer Out Fall Tour kept the momentum rolling throughout October, with four incredible stops in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; and Long Island, NY. Together, these communities raised more than $670,000 in support of our cancer-fighting beneficiaries!
From a record-breaking turnout in Austin to some remarkable individual fundraising milestones, October was another powerful reminder of what the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community can accomplish when we come together for a cause bigger than ourselves.
Austin Breaks Records with More Than $199,000 Raised!
Austin, TX, brought the energy in a BIG way! With 600 competitors hitting the mats, the BJJ community delivered a record-breaking event, raising more than $199,000 for the fight against cancer.
Leading the charge was Caleb Napolski of Team Rabadi, who earned Top Overall Fundraiser honors after raising an incredible $15,000! His outstanding efforts also earned him a spot at TCOasis 2027 (for the second time!), our exclusive retreat celebrating fundraisers who raise $10,000 or more.
Our Top Youth Fundraiser, Izabella Escobedo of Lone Star BJJ, made an equally impressive impact, raising $10,200 and securing her own invitation to TCOasis 2027!
And the fundraising didn’t stop there. Team Rabadi earned Top Overall Fundraising Team honors with an amazing $37,433 raised, bringing their lifetime fundraising total with Tap Cancer Out to an extraordinary $185,000!
What an incredible showing from the entire Austin BJJ community!
Chicago Delivers Another Incredible Fundraising Performance
Next up, Chicago, IL, showed just how powerful its BJJ community can be, raising more than $244,000 for our beneficiaries!
One of the biggest stories of the weekend was Brian Jones of Pica Pau JJ & Grappling, who raised an astounding $42,125 to earn Top Overall Fundraiser honors for the fourth time in Chicago!
Brian’s latest effort brings his lifetime fundraising total to more than $108,000, an extraordinary milestone that reflects years of dedication to the fight against cancer. And, of course, he’s once again earned his place at TCOasis 2027!
Our Top Youth Fundraiser was Vivienne Tsai of Chicago MMA, who raised an impressive $5,000!
Meanwhile, Pica Pau JJ & Grappling continued its remarkable fundraising success, earning Top Overall Fundraising Team honors with $50,100 raised. That brings the academy’s lifetime total to an incredible $150,000!
Even more impressive? Pica Pau JJ & Grappling is currently Tap Cancer Out’s top fundraising academy of 2026! What an amazing example of the lasting impact an academy can make when its members rally around a shared mission.
Pittsburgh Adds More Than $58,000 to the Fight
The Fall Tour continued in Pittsburgh, PA, where the local BJJ community came together to raise more than $58,000 for our cancer-fighting beneficiaries.
Arian Hauser of Gracie Barra Beaver County led the way as our Top Overall Fundraiser, bringing in $5,725!
Our Top Youth Fundraiser, Sam Fairley of Omen Jiu Jitsu, also made an incredible contribution, raising $4,000 toward the cause.
And Gracie Barra Beaver County took home Top Overall Fundraising Team honors with $7,001 raised!
We’re grateful to every competitor, fundraiser, and academy that helped make our Pittsburgh stop another meaningful day on the mats.
Long Island Closes Out October with $169,000 Raised
We wrapped up October in Long Island, NY, where the BJJ community came together to raise an incredible $169,000!
Leading the way was Ronan Kelly, who earned both Top Overall Fundraiser and Top Youth Fundraiser honors after raising an outstanding $20,555!
That incredible achievement brings Ronan’s lifetime fundraising total to $40,000, placing him at #13 on Tap Cancer Out’s All-Time Fundraisers List! His efforts have also earned him a spot at TCOasis 2027 (also for the second time!).
Our Top Overall Fundraising Team was Freedom Jiu Jitsu, whose members combined to raise an impressive $30,209!
What an incredible way to close out another month of the Fall Tour!
The Momentum Keeps Building
With October’s four events raising more than $670,000, the 2026 Fall Tour continues to demonstrate the BJJ community’s extraordinary generosity and commitment.
Combined with the more than $275,000 raised during our September stops in Raleigh, Jacksonville, and Nashville, the Fall Tour has now raised more than $945,000 across seven cities!
Behind every dollar is a competitor who stepped onto the mats, a fundraiser who shared their story, a donor who answered the call, or an academy that brought its community together to make a difference.
To every competitor, fundraiser, academy, volunteer, and supporter who joined us throughout October: THANK YOU! Your dedication continues to fuel our mission and make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
The Fall Tour isn’t over yet, and we can’t wait to see what Philadelphia and Massachusetts accomplish next!