This Memorial Day, we invite you to come carry the weight with us. On Saturday, May 30th, Artisan Submission Grappling and the We Defy Foundation will host the 2026 Memorial Day Ruck & Roll Fundraiser in support of combat veterans overcoming service-connected disabilities through Jiu-Jitsu, fitness, and community. Our fundraising goal is $2,000 — enough to cover approximately 4/5 of an annual We Defy scholarship for a veteran athlete. The event begins with a 3-mile memorial ruck along the Twin Creek Green Trail in Franklin, Ohio. Participants are encouraged to carry a weighted pack and may choose to wear the names or photos of fallen service members, friends, family, or teammates on their ruck. The purpose is simple: to physically symbolize carrying a small portion of the weight they carried for all of us. A suggested donation of $25 is encouraged for participants, with all proceeds supporting the We Defy Foundation and helping veterans gain access to training, fitness, and a strong support network. Following the ruck, we’ll head back to Artisan Submission Grappling for an open mat open to all experience levels and affiliations. We’ll finish the day with a cookout at Sunset Park, weather permitting. This event is about remembrance, resilience, and community. Whether you ruck, roll, donate, or simply show up in support, your presence helps fund life-changing opportunities for veterans finding healing and purpose through Jiu-Jitsu and fitness. EVENT DETAILS Memorial Ruck: Twin Creek Green Trail 9688 Eby Rd. Germantown, OH 45327 Open Mat: Artisan Submission Grappling 4343 S Dixie Hywy Middletown, OH 45005 Cookout: Sunset Park 2698 Milton Rd Middletown, OH 45042 Suggested Donation: $25 We carry because they carried more.
Make an Impact With We Defy This Memorial Day
Come join us this Memorial Day for our Ruck & Roll event in support of the mission of the We Defy Foundation! We Defy provides combat veterans coping with military connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
It costs $2500 on average to fund a single veteran scholarship. This includes gym fees as well as uniform costs. Jiu Jitsu has been shown to be an effective altrenative therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. Through the process of training Jiu Jitsu, veterans have a mechanism to reconnect to society, join a welcoming and familiar community, and ultimately better cope with their military-connected disabilities.
Here's how you can help:
Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
Spread the Word: Share our fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!
Thank you so much for your support! We couldn’t do this without you!