2026 Go Johnnies Challenge

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – The Saint John's University athletic department's 2026 Go Johnnies Challenge - a 24-hour, online giving campaign – held yesterday (Sept. 15) raised a record $388,345.

A total of 1,098 donors contributed to support SJU's student-athletes, athletic programs (varsity and club) and the Fighting Saints Battalion (ROTC program consisting of CSB+SJU and St. Cloud State students). The Go Johnnies Challenge has now raised over $2.1 million for SJU athletics in the eight-year history of the event.

The amount raised broke last year's record of $319,623 and the donor total fell just shy of the 1,110 that participated in the inaugural Go Johnnies Challenge held April 11, 2019. 

The initial goal for the 24-hour campaign was to reach 750 donors for each of SJU's 650 varsity and club student-athletes. The event is a partnership between the athletic department, Institutional Advancement (alumni office) and J-Club volunteers.

"What another incredible day for Saint John's and Johnnie athletics," SJU Director of Athletics Dan O'Brien said. "To set another fundraising record is a tremendous reflection of the generosity and commitment of our alumni, parents, fans and friends. We are grateful for the continued support shown to our student-athletes and programs.

"I would also like to give a special shoutout to our athletic communications team, Ryan Klinkner '04 and Jordan Modjeski, and our friends in Institutional Advancement. They are the folks behind the scenes who make the Go Johnnies Challenge possible. Their hard work and collaboration continue to make this day a success."

After the initial goal of 750 donors was reached just after 3 p.m. Tuesday, stretch goals of 900 and 1,110 were created.
 
• Of the 1,098 total donors, 74% were alumni, 18% parents, 10% friends, 4% faculty/staff and 2% students (some were categorized into multiple distinctions).
• 40 matching gifts specific to a sport or organization, as well as three challenges, were made and inspired others to join in support. 
• Donors represented 44 of the 50 U.S. states.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day an incredible success!