Derek DeLapp

Derek brings 26 years of fitness experience, beginning as a college football player at Hanover College in Indiana. He later discovered his passion for rugby, representing the New York Rugby Club, Cincinnati Wolfhounds, and his cherished local team, the Chicago Griffins, where he competed in two Division 1 National Final Four Championships. He also played for select U.S. teams from the Eastern U.S. and the Midwest.

After earning his BA in Business, Derek spent a decade in the Wall Street district of New York City before pivoting to pursue his true passion for fitness. In 1998, he founded D2 Personal Training and elevated his career in 2002 by opening the Edgewater Athletic Club (EAC). Over 14 years, he expanded EAC’s offerings and developed one of Chicago’s top swim programs, serving over 1,000 members.

Following his departure from EAC, Derek played a key role in establishing three CrossFit and sports training facilities across Chicagoland, while dedicating much of his free time to nurturing his children’s love of sports and teamwork.

Derek has been instrumental in the development of GYM 1801. Drawing from his diverse management experience, community involvement, and personal journey as an “aging athlete,” he is now focused on enhancing the club’s wide array of training and recovery offerings.