Live Like John, in partnership with the Military Adaptive Court Sports, Green Beret Foundation, and Oregon Youth Challenge Program, is proud to present the 11th Annual John Pelham Memorial Tournament of Champions, a racquetball tournament and fundraiser dedicated to honoring the legacy of U.S. Army Specialist John A. Pelham and our nation’s heroes.
After a decade of early-December dates, this year’s tournament will be held February 19–22, 2026, at the Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC) in Portland. This shift to February is designed to expand participation, strengthen community impact, and add significance by aligning with the month of remembrance for SPC John Pelham. Early-bird registration ($10 off) runs through November 30.
“We are moving to February so we can build a more dynamic weekend that serves the racquetball community and our military/veteran community through Live Like John,” said Wendall Pelham, President and Co-Founder of Live Like John. “February is the month we lost John, and gathering then adds meaning to every match.”
The Racquetball Tournament and Fundraiser, one of the largest annual tournaments in the Pacific Northwest, will bring together professional athletes, racquetball enthusiasts, and members of the community for an action-packed weekend of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Participants will compete in various skill-level divisions and age groups, ensuring there is an exciting match for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s tournament will also spotlight the Oregon State University Racquetball program. 2025 Intercollegiate Nationals overall, men’s, and women’s team champions, through shared
storytelling and on-site activations that celebrate their historic achievements.
Event Details:
Date: February 19–22, 2026
Location: Multnomah Athletic Club
Address: 1849 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205
Registration: R2Sports (Event ID 50667) Register Here
Fees: $60 first; $20 second; $20 third; Early bird –$10 by Nov 30; HS –$10; Jrs –$15
All proceeds from the tournament and fundraiser will be directed towards helping our veterans and local youth programs through Live Like John, Military Adaptive Court Sports, Green Beret Foundation, Oregon Youth Challenge Program, a group of nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and families of the military. By participating in this event, attendees will not only witness thrilling racquetball matches but also contribute to a meaningful cause that honors our nation’s heroes.
We extend our sincere thanks to Les Schwab, Jolly Web Consulting, Military Adaptive Court Sports, Multnomah Athletic Club, Cedar House Media, Emery + Karrigan, Benjamin S. Rollins, Touchmark, COR Disposal & Recycling, Migration Brewing Co., Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe, Fryer Tuck Chicken, Amaterra Wines, Bush-Hogs Construction, Windy25, Cascade Autoglass, and all our supporters for making this event possible.
About Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC):
MAC is Portland’s landmark athletic club, offering premier racquetball facilities and event spaces just minutes from downtown. themac.com
About Live Like John:
Live Like John is a nonprofit dedicated to furthering U.S. Army Specialist John A. Pelham’s legacy of service by supporting our nation’s military Gold Star families and veterans. livelikejohn.us.
