This year the Forge Jiu Jitsu gym is holding an Open Mat Memorial Weekend Fundraiser with raffle, and silent auction to benefit the We Defy Foundation on 24 May 2025 from 11 am - 1 pm at The Forge.

We invite you to help support this cause and reach our goal of raising $3,000. All 100% of the proceeds benefit the We Defy Foundation. To support: register for the Open Mat, Join our Fundraising Team, buy raffle tickets or bid on items for the silent auction. Instructions below! 

Open Mat:  Register Here, suggested donation $20.00. Open Mat, 11pm - 1pm on 24 May 2025. Join us for our family-friendly event from 11 am-1 pm for Open Mat, raffle, and silent auction!

JOIN OUR TEAM: Go to: Memorial May 2025: The Forge Jiu Jitsu - Carry The Load and Click “Join Team”.  Follow the registration instructions, create your login and help us fundraise. Your individual fundraising for the gym will be tallied on your page. If you raise the most funds for The Forge’s fundraising team, YOU earn an entire month of Free Jiu Jitsu!

Raffle Tickets $5 apiece: You can either Donate online here and fill out a raffle ticket at The Forge Jiu Jitsu gym. OR complete your donation online and send a screenshot with your name and phone number to the IG/Facebook or email info@theforgejiujitsu.com. We will fill out the proper number of raffle tickets for you. Raffle winners announced & contacted on 24 MAY 2025 at the end of the Open Mat event. 

Raffle Prizes

• Protekt Sample Pack and Gear
  Rogue White and Blue- American Made Apparel Company:  Shirts, Hats & Stickers
• & More!

Silent Auction Instructions:  Each item has a minimum starting bid, with minimum increments of $5.  We will have bidding sheets available at the gym. You can also place bids online by sending an IG/Facebook message or email to info@theforgejiujitsu.com. In emails: please write ONLINE BID in the subject. You must include the amount you want to bid, your name, and your phone number. The silent auction opens on 5 May and closes on 24 May. If you are the selected winner, a representative from The Forge will notify you on 24 May at the end of the event. We will provide details/prizes to winners once we confirm you have paid your bid through our donation page.

Silent Auction Items (Minimum Starting Bid listed, increments of $5) 

• Robert Trent Jones Golf Club outing for 2, Minimum Bid $500.00, Current Bid: -- $550.00
• ”Send Me” signed by Joe Kent, limited edition mug, and bag of coffee, Minimum Bid: $100, Current Bid: -- $150.00
• Skydive Orange Tandem Jump w/video & pics, Minimum Bid: $250, Current Bid: -- $440.00
• Sojourner Farms, pork & poultry box from a local rural farm, Minimum Bid: $100, Current Bid: $125.00
• Moon Professional Teeth Whitening Kit, Minimum Bid: $100, Current Bid: -- $105.00
• The Garden House Wedding Bouquet OR The Garden House 3-month bouquet subscription (1 bouquet per month for 3 months delivered to Warrenton and surrounding 15 mile radius), winner's choice. Minimum Bid: $175, Current Bid: --
• Johnny Slicks After Action Recovery Kit, Minimum Bid: $60, Current Bid: -- 
• Johnny Slicks Made in USA Organic Thinning Hair Kit, Minimum Bid: $40, Current Bid: --
• Johnny Slicks Made in USA Organic Distinguished Omega Set, Minimum Bid: $100, Current Bid: --
• Johnny Slicks Made in USA Limited Edition Rash Guard, Minimum Bid: $50, Current Bid: -- $50.00

All fundraising will occur through the Carry the Load non-profit organization. The We Defy Foundation is a federally approved 501(c)3 nonprofit, providing combat veterans coping with military connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness training.