Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 09, 2025
Former JMU Football Star Opens D1 Training in Chesapeake
TLDR
- D1 Training's sports-science backed regimen gives athletes a competitive edge through professional-level training methods used by elite athletes like Chris Paul.
- D1 Training employs a systematic approach using five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down.
- D1 Chesapeake builds community character and confidence while helping people of all ages achieve their fitness goals in a supportive training environment.
- Former JMU tight end Marvin Brown partners with his coach brother and high school teammate to open D1 Training after a 15-year healthcare career.
Impact - Why it Matters
This expansion brings professional-grade athletic training to the Chesapeake community, providing access to sports-science backed fitness programs for all ages and skill levels. For local residents, it means having elite training facilities previously available only to professional athletes, with programs designed to build not just physical strength but also character, discipline, and confidence. The involvement of local sports figures like Marvin Brown creates authentic community connections and role models for aspiring athletes. As fitness and youth sports continue to grow in importance for health and development, having a facility that combines professional training with community values represents a significant enhancement to local recreational and athletic opportunities.
Summary
D1 Training, a leading fitness enrichment concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training, has expanded its national footprint with the grand opening of a new facility in East Chesapeake. The location at 1011 Eden Way North officially opened on July 14, bringing the brand's sports-science backed training regimen to the community under the leadership of franchisee Marvin Brown. Brown joins an impressive roster of existing franchisees that includes professional athletes like Kylie Fitts and Jordan Gay, with additional D1 partners including NBA star Chris Paul and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, showcasing the brand's strong connection to elite athletics.
The new East Chesapeake location represents a homecoming for Marvin Brown, who attended Hickory High School before playing tight end at James Madison University from 2003 to 2008. Brown was part of JMU's 2004 national championship team and will be inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024, bringing significant athletic credibility to his new venture. After a 15-year career in healthcare leadership, Brown pursued his passions for athletics and family by partnering with D1 Training. He's joined by his brother Donnell Brown, head football coach at Hickory High School, and longtime friend Leland Cleland, with plans to operate under the unified brand 'D1 Chesapeake' and open a second location in West Chesapeake in late 2025 or early 2026.
D1 Training offers comprehensive age-based programs including Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18) and D1 Adult, all built around the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. The facility provides group workouts along with group, semi-private, and one-on-one training with world-class coaches. According to Dan Murphy, the brand's Chief Operating Officer, the Browns and Clelland represent ideal candidates to bring the D1 Training experience to Chesapeake. The brand continues its strategic national expansion through franchising with over 150 facilities currently open and more than 100 additional locations in development, seeking qualified business builders and former athletes who share a passion for fitness and youth sports.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Former JMU Football Star Opens D1 Training in Chesapeake
