Fort Worth, Texas · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Every child deserves someone in their corner.
The Chandler Judo Foundation removes financial barriers so children can access judo, mentorship, after-school programming, competition opportunities and a community where they can build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
The kids are already here. The program already exists. Your donation helps us open the door for the next child.
An active alternative to traditional daycare
More than an after-school program
We created our after-school program as an alternative to traditional daycare for working families.
We pick children up directly from school and bring them to the dojo, where they have a snack, do their homework and participate in 90 minutes of judo and physical training five days a week.
Instead of leaving a classroom and spending the rest of the afternoon sitting in another room at a daycare, they get to move, learn, compete, build confidence and make friends.
They become teammates.
And teammates become a community.
Over the years, hundreds of families have contacted us wanting this opportunity for their children but simply couldn’t afford it.
The Chandler Judo Foundation was created to change that.
A message from our founder
Why this matters to me
I’m Carrie Chandler.
I grew up as one of eight kids in a family that struggled financially. There were periods of housing instability, foster care and free school lunches.
The irony isn’t lost on me that the kid I was could never have afforded the program I run today.
Judo changed the direction of my life. It gave me coaches, teammates, friendships, confidence and a community I belonged to.
It eventually took me around the world as the former #1 ranked athlete in the United States and today as a USA Judo National Team Coach. I’ve spent my coaching career working with athletes ranging from kids walking onto the mat for the first time to national champions, Olympians, World Team members and international medalists.
I created this foundation because I don’t believe a family’s bank account should decide which kid gets an opportunity.
If a child is willing to walk through our doors and do the work, I want us to find a way to say yes.
— Carrie Chandler
Founder, Chandler Judo Foundation
Donors make access possible
One van. 13 kids. One school year.
Our flagship goal is simple:
Funding provides transportation from school, after-school programming, judo and physical training, mentorship, uniforms, memberships, summer programming and competition opportunities.
Whether you sponsor one seat, an entire van, or contribute toward the next scholarship, you’re helping put another kid on the mat and into a community that can change their life.
From opportunity to achievement
From Fort Worth to the world
For some kids, getting onto the mat is only the beginning.
The Chandler Judo Foundation also helps athletes pursue national competition, Team USA opportunities and international training and competition when finances would otherwise stand in their way.
Talent, work ethic and determination should decide how far an athlete can go. Not their family’s bank account.
Support an athlete (opens secure Stripe checkout in a new tab)
Your gift opens a door
Help us open the door for the next kid.
Your donation can help provide transportation from school, a place on the mat, teammates who become friends, coaches who believe in them and opportunities that can reach far beyond the dojo.
Fund a seat. Support an athlete. Sponsor a van. Help us say yes.
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