Resilience Starts On The Mats

PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH BECAUSE

World Master IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Sept. 3-5, 2026

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World Master IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Sept. 3-5, 2026 ...

Circular emblem with a red and orange phoenix at the center, surrounded by the text 'FIGHTING CHANCE INITIATIVE' on a blue background, with a yellow and red border.

Who We Are.

Give A Child A Fighting Chance

Why We Exist

Every child deserves a fighting chance — not just on the mats, but in life. Too many young people in underserved communities face barriers that limit their potential long before they have a chance to discover their strength, confidence, and resilience. They need mentors, structure, and a sense of belonging. That’s where we come in.

Fighting Chance Initiative exists to open the doors of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to kids who would otherwise be left out. Through BJJ scholarships, coaching, and community partnerships, we remove the financial and social barriers that keep youth from accessing this powerful tool for personal growth. On the mats, they build discipline, confidence, and emotional regulation; off the mats, they carry those lessons into school, family, and community life.

We believe change starts from within — and that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the right to discover their strength, connect with positive mentors, and step into a future shaped by respect, perseverance, and hope. Fighting Chance Initiative isn’t just about producing better athletes; it’s about helping shape stronger, more resilient human beings.

The "Resilience" Philosophy

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. At Fighting Chance Initiative, we believe that every challenge, every setback, and every moment of struggle can be a catalyst for growth. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we equip young people with the mindset and tools to face life’s toughest moments with courage, composure, and confidence.

Our philosophy draws from what happens on the mats: the practice of getting up after failure, the humility to learn, and the discipline to keep going. In that process, resilience becomes more than just a skill — it becomes a way of life. This is how we teach our students that strength isn’t avoiding difficulty, but meeting it with focus and heart.

By nurturing resilience through mentorship, mindful training, and community, we help youth carry these lessons beyond the academy walls. They learn how to respond to adversity not with fear, but with perseverance and purpose — building a foundation that will sustain them throughout their lives.

What We Do

Fighting Chance Initiative provides full Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to underserved kids aged 8-17 who face barriers like financial hardship or lack of structure. We cover the full $129 monthly training cost for 6-month terms (renewable as funds allow), one gi (uniform and belt), partnering with top academies like Fargo BJJ to deliver high-quality instruction.

Our programs emphasize structured training that builds discipline, confidence, and resilience — helping youth resist peer pressure and make positive life choices. Each scholar receives:​

  • Weekly BJJ classes with certified coaches and mentors

  • Strength and conditioning tailored for youth development

  • Community events and tournaments to foster belonging

  • Ongoing support for school and family challenges

Through these efforts, we’ve created a pathway where kids discover their potential on the mats and carry that strength into every aspect of their lives. Resilience Starts On The Mats.

Our Integrity

The Fighting Chance Initiative was born from the same discipline we teach. Our 501(c)(3) status is a testament to our commitment to transparency and integrity. Every dollar contributed is an investment in a child’s future, managed with the highest standards of accountability to ensure that 100% of our mission stays focused on the kids.

We are here to prove that if you give a child a fighting chance and a solid place to stand, they can withstand any storm.

Fighting Chance Initiative (FCI) A 501(c)(3) Public Charity West Fargo, ND EIN: 41-2405757

Founder & CEO: Timothy Boyle

The Fighting Chance Initiative was born from Timothy’s absolute conviction that the mats are where the world finally makes sense. His leadership is defined by a proven track record of discipline, global advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

  • Global Media & Recognition: Timothy’s work as the Founder of “I Run 4 Michael” has been recognized on the world’s largest stages. His journey and mission have been featured by TIME, the BBC Outlook, and Facebook’s Community Stories with more than 1.3 million views worldwide . This global visibility ensures hat the Fighting Chance Initiative has the reach, credibility, and momentum necessary to scale and succeed.

  • I Run 4 Advocacy: For years, Timothy has been a dedicated athlete for the I Run 4 organization, logging thousands of miles for his buddy to bridge the gap between physical effort and selfless connection. This history of high-level advocacy is the engine behind FCI’s growth.

  • Daily Discipline: Timothy leads by example through a relentless personal standard. From his daily 4-mile runs to his Sunday routine of opening and cleaning the academy mats, he proves that success is built on the work done when no one is watching.

  • BJJ Accomplishments & Coaching: As a Blue Belt and an Assistant Coach at Fargo BJJ, Timothy is in the trenches with the scholars every week. He doesn't just manage the charity; he shares the struggle on the mats, proving that the path to resilience is a journey of shared discipline.

A bald man with tattoos on his arms, wearing a black t-shirt, standing indoors against a neutral background.
Build A Future Champion

George and Sarah Andersch are accomplished black belts under American BJJ pioneer Amal Easton and can trace their roots directly back to the Gracie family in Brazil! The Easton BJJ team, affiliated with Renzo Gracie, is one of the world’s largest and most successful BJJ and MMA teams.

At Fargo BJJ Academy, joining us means more than just joining a gym, it’s about embracing a legacy. When you step through our doors, you become part of a rich history rooted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, within a supportive environment where every individual is valued and empowered to excel.

Established in 2008, Fargo BJJ was the pioneer in bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Dakotas and western Minnesota. Over the years, we’ve introduced the joy and benefits of Jiu-Jitsu to thousands of men, women, and children in the area.

With hundreds of students and over 20 black belts, we proudly lead the largest and most successful martial arts community in the region. Our students and coaches have extended the reach of BJJ, establishing academies across the region and beyond

www.fargobjj.com

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue martial arts uniform with floral embroidery on the shoulder, smiling at the camera. She has a black belt and a tattoo on her chest. The background features a black banner with blue and white text, and the text "Prof. Sarah Andersch" is at the bottom of the image.
A man in a blue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi standing in front of a black banner with white text. The banner reads "GO" and features additional words related to martial arts. The man is smiling, holding his black belt, and wearing patches on his gi. The background suggests a martial arts academy or gym.
Build a future Champion

SCHEDULE A VISIT

To experience a complimentary session or to arrange a private consultation with our CEO, Timothy Boyle, please provide your details via this form.

build a future champion

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"It’s taught them discipline, confidence, and respect... they’ve had zero issues at school with bullying. It’s the best thing you can do for your kids."

-Mike H.

FCI Is proudly located in West Fargo, ND

419 Morrison Street #2

West Fargo, ND 58078

701.205.2960

Fargo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

1335 2nd Ave N

Fargo ND 58102

701.866.8773 (Mon-Fri)

Young boy in a yellow judo gi smiling and raising his fist in victory, wet from training, with a blue and yellow mat background.
Young boy in a judo gi smiling in a martial arts dojo with blue and yellow padded walls.
A young girl in a pink gi, with a white belt, is receiving an armbar from an instructor during a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. The instructor's arm is visible, gripping her arm above the elbow.
Two children competing in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match, with one in a blue gi on top of the other in a black gi, both smiling, in a gymnasium with banners and spectators in the background.
Two children in judo uniforms smiling and shaking hands in a gymnasium with blue and yellow mats.
A circular emblem with a blue background and yellow border. It features a stylized phoenix in red and orange flames at the center, surrounded by the words "FIGHTING CHANCE INITIATIVE" at the top and a gold laurel branch at the bottom.