ABOUT OUR GYM
A VISION OF STRENGTH
& COMMUNITY
Jacksonville Strength was founded in 2019 to bring world-class weightlifting and strength training to North Florida through expert coaching, disciplined programming, and a community built on support and accountability. The gym reflects the vision of founder and head coach Chad Cahoy, a retired Navy Veteran whose 20 years of service have shaped his commitment to leadership, excellence, and continuous improvement.
During his military career, Chad discovered a passion for coaching others toward better health and performance. After retiring, he deepened his expertise by earning degrees in Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, and Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation from Keiser University. Over the past 15 years, he has coached athletes across all age groups and ability levels, guiding lifters to success on USA World, Pan American, National, and Florida Elite teams.
Jacksonville Strength was built on this foundation of experience, education, and dedication to athlete development. The training environment is intentionally structured to meet athletes where they are, from those learning the basics of lifting to competitors preparing for international platforms. Every program emphasizes technical proficiency, long-term progression, and strength that carries beyond the gym.
Today, Jacksonville Strength stands as North Florida’s premier weightlifting and strength training community, known for its high-level coaching and welcoming atmosphere. Athletes train here not only to improve, but to belong, supported by a team that believes in hard work, consistent effort, and lifting each other up.
At Jacksonville Strength, Chad’s mission continues: to create a place where athletes can grow stronger, perform with confidence, and become part of a community dedicated to excellence.
MEET THE COACHING TEAM
Chad Cahoy
Owner, Head Coach
USA Weightlifting International Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
BSc - Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology
AS - Physical Therapy Assistant
Chad Cahoy is a retired Navy Veteran and experienced strength coach who has developed athletes from beginners to Team USA competitors. With a background in Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning, he brings a technical, athlete-focused approach to training. He enjoys coaching because it allows him to help athletes gain confidence, build skill, and realize their potential.
Ava Haber
Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Ava is a three-time national silver medalist and two-time Florida state champion in Olympic weightlifting. A USAW Level 1 coach, she has trained since high school and has been coaching at Jacksonville Strength since 2023. With experience supporting athletes at local, state, and national competitions, Ava brings the perspective of both an active athlete and a dedicated coach, helping lifters grow with confidence and purpose.
Jennifer Thomas
Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach
Florida State Certified Educator
Susan Crown Million Youth Coaches Fellowship
With six years of coaching experience and over two decades of teaching, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to Jacksonville Strength. She skillfully guides athletes, especially youth lifters, through safe, effective, and purposeful training methods with an individualized approach. Jennifer’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discovering one’s “strong” and building strength, confidence, and resilience both on and off the platform.
Jack Aberdeen
Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Jack is a USAW Level 1 coach who has been training and developing athletes at Jacksonville Strength and Nease High School since 2025. With a strong background in Olympic weightlifting and youth development, he brings a patient, technique-focused approach to every session. Jack loves helping athletes gain confidence, build skill, and experience the growth weightlifting can create.
Trevor Cronkhite
Coach
B.S. Kinesiology
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Susan Crown Million Youth Coaches Fellowship
Trevor started lifting at age 15 and quickly fell in love with the PRs, the good days, the bad days, and the constant learning. He moved from bro lifting to CrossFit and then to weightlifting, where the nuance of movement challenged him the most. That challenge led him to earn a B.S. in kinesiology, complete a youth coaching fellowship, and earn his CSCS and USAW L1. He enjoys working with each athlete’s unique movement patterns and growing within the sport.
James Boesch
Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
