On Sunday, March 3rd, 2013, 20 members of the Copa Jiu-Jitsu community jumped into the icy waters of frigid Lake Michigan. The extraordinary act was the culmination of months of fundraising for the Chicago Polar Plunge, benefiting the Special Olympics charity.

The “Copa Cobras” team nearly doubled last year’s fundraising efforts of $8,630. The 2013 total of $16,898 vaulted Copa into the fifth overall fundraising team–in a field of 288 teams. Head instructor Mark Daley led the charge, personally raising $11,085 and earning top Polar Plunge individual fundraiser recognition.

Come plunge with us next year as we aim to make an even bigger splash for the Special Olympics!