From Homeless to Team USA...

Jayla Perkins is an 11-year-old Albuquerque athlete who has earned a spot on Team USA and the opportunity to travel to France this October (Fall 2026) to compete in Jiu-Jitsu. Jayla is nationally and internationally ranked in Jiu-Jitsu, the only girl on her championship tackle football team, and the oldest of six siblings.

But Jayla’s story began in a very different place. When she was just six weeks old, her family became homeless. For nearly the first two years of Jayla’s life, their car was home, and she even had to learn to walk in the backseat of their Hyundai Elantra.

Today, those same little feet have now carried her to the world stage, where she will represent the United States.

Jayla has spent years training, competing, and giving back to the community around her. UFC legend Jon Jones has been a proud supporter of hers for several years, and most recently, after watching Jayla spend hours handing out backpacks to local children, he publicly pledged to try to match whatever this GoFundMe is able to raise.

This fundraiser will help cover Jayla’s passport, airline flights, lodging, food, mandatory trainings, and fight gear so she can make it to France and compete.

Getting Jayla to France is about so much more than just one tournament. Jayla wants to inspire her 5 younger siblings, other young athletes, girls in male-dominated industries, and kids facing difficult circumstances to believe in what is possible. She wants everyone to know that no matter where you come from, you can still reach your dreams!!

Any support means so much and will help Jayla fulfill this mission, wear USA across her chest, and proudly represent her community and country. Thank you for believing in Jayla’s dream.