The J-Club is the booster organization that supports Johnnie athletics. Varsity, club and intramural sports benefit from the money raised by the J-Club.
The J-Club raises money through two annual appeals:
1. The fall J-Club appeal is our membership appeal. J-Club members can receive a two-person pass to all home regular-season football, basketball and hockey games. Members can also chose to waive the passes and make their gift tax-deductible. To become a member, visit
www.gojohnnies.com/tickets.
Examples of recent J-Club support include:
-A $25,000 gift to the Athletic Department to kick-off the capital campaign for a new baseball field, soccer pitch, intramural fields, tennis courts and bubble dome.
-Travel for early spring baseball games.
-Purchase of new hockey team uniforms and goalie equipment
-Sponsorship of the annual Johnnie 3-on-3 basketball tournament
-Funding for wrestling team travel to the National Duals.
-Funding for ultimate frisbee team travel to nationals
-Funding for lacrosse team travel to nationals
-Providing J-Club blankets to all varsity team seniors
-Funding for football trip to Regina, Saskatchewan
2. The spring J-Club appeal coincides with the Go Johnnies Challenge and is sent by varsity and club head coaches to alumni and parents connected with their programs. Money raised goes directly to the team and is used at the discretion of the head coach. These gifts are tax-deductible. To make a gift to a specific team, visit
www.sjualum.com/athletics.
The J-Club Hall of Honor
Established in 2018 and selected by the organization's members, the J-Club Hall of Honor recognizes outstanding student-athletes and teams that have made outstanding contributions to the Saint John's University community and to Johnnie athletics. Those inducted into the Hall of Honor exemplify exceptional character, teamwork, leadership and skill, while honoring and bringing acclaim to the Johnnie tradition. The Hall of Honor will induct distinguished Johnnies annually at Homecoming. SJU's legendary and long-tenured coaches, John Gagliardi and Jim Smith, were the J-Club Hall of Honor's charter members in 2018. In addition to the Hall of Honor, the J-Club also created a Distinguished Service Award to coincide with the Hall's honorees each induction class.
The Gagliardi Trophy
In partnership with Stearns Bank, the J-Club presents The Gagliardi Trophy annually to the outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. The Gagliardi Trophy was first presented in 1993, and since that time it has become one of the leading collegiate football awards and is widely recognized as the premiere individual award in Division III football. The award honors excellence in athletics, academics and community service.
The Fr. Wilfred Theisen Student-Athlete Award
The award recognizes one varsity senior student-athlete at Saint John's University who has excelled in the classroom and in their sport. The award is named in honor of Fr. Wilfred Theisen, longtime J-Club officer and the Abbey's top Johnnie sports fan.
