TERMS OF SERVICE

Terms and Conditions

Welcome to the Fighting Chance Initiative (FCI). By accessing this website or participating in our programs, you are agreeing to the standards and rules outlined below. We don’t do fine print for the sake of it—we do it to protect the integrity of the mission and the scholars we serve.

1. General Use and Acceptance

By using this site, you agree to these Terms and Conditions in full. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you should not use this website or apply for our programs. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time as the mission scales.

2. 501(c)(3) Integrity and Donations

  • Tax Status: The Fighting Chance Initiative is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

  • Fiscal Stewardship: We are committed to absolute transparency. 100% of scholar-focused donations go directly to funding tuition at Fargo BJJ Academy ($129/month) and providing essential gear ($250/package).

  • Refund Policy: General donations are non-refundable as they are immediately deployed into the scholarship fund to provide an anchor for youth on the sidelines.

3. Scholarship Applications and Eligibility

  • Truth in Application: All information provided in the scholarship application, including household size and income status relative to the National Poverty Line, must be 100% accurate.

  • Verification: As part of our commitment to our donors, FCI reserves the right to request basic income verification (redacted tax returns or proof of state assistance) to finalize a scholarship award.

  • The Shared Contract: A scholarship is a privilege, not a right. Maintenance of the scholarship is strictly contingent upon the scholar’s adherence to the FCI Code of Conduct, including the 2-class-per-week attendance requirement.

4. Intellectual Property and Media

  • The Mission Narrative: All content on this site, including the "Resilience Starts On The Mats" philosophy, logos, and the founder’s story, is the property of FCI.

  • Scholar Media: For the purpose of mission updates and proving the impact to our donors, FCI may utilize photos or videos of scholars in training. Consent for this is obtained during the application process.

5. Physical Risk and Liability

  • The Nature of BJJ: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a high-intensity, close-contact grappling art. While it is an elite tool for resilience, it carries inherent physical risks.

  • Waivers: No scholar will be permitted on the mats at Fargo BJJ Academy without a signed Liability Waiver from a parent or legal guardian.

  • Conduct and Safety: FCI reserves the right to suspend or terminate any scholarship immediately if a student demonstrates behavior that is aggressive, unsafe, or contrary to the "mutual respect" mandated by the Professors.

6. Governance and Accountability

  • Non-Voting Structure: Per our Bylaws, our CEO and COO are non-voting members of the Board of Directors. this ensures that the strategic oversight provided by the President, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary remains impartial and focused entirely on the kids.

  • Governing Law: These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Dakota.

7. Contact Information

For administrative or legal inquiries regarding these terms: Fighting Chance Initiative (FCI) 419 Morrison St #2 West Fargo, ND 58078 EIN: 41-2405757

Last Updated: December 2025