Chuze Fitness announced the appointment of Jon Eckman as chief development officer. Eckman joined the company in April and will lead the brand’s real estate, design, construction and club setup functions as Chuze continues its rapid national growth.
In his role, Eckman is responsible for guiding the full development lifecycle across the organization, helping execute Chuze’s long-term strategy to approximately double its footprint over the next five to six years while preserving the welcoming, community-first experience the brand is known for.
“Jon brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational discipline, and deep expertise in market development, and it’s exactly what we need as we continue expanding into new communities,” said Cory Brightwell, the CEO of Chuze Fitness. “Since Jon came on board in April, the energy and direction he’s charting with our development team can already be felt. His ability to build strong teams and execute thoughtful growth strategies aligns perfectly with our mission and our plans for the future.”
Eckman comes to Chuze after building a career centered on smart, sustainable growth. Most recently, he led real estate for Harkins Theatres, and before that spent years at ALDI USA developing regional growth pipelines and building strong relationships with brokers, developers, and community partners along the way. That experience shaped an approach rooted in careful financial and demographic analysis, balanced by a genuine belief in collaboration and in empowering the people around him.
Eckman’s arrival is complemented by the recent hiring of Brent Saul as VP of construction. Saul joined Chuze about a month ago, bringing nine years at Crunch Fitness along with thirty years of construction experience in the retail sector. Together, Eckman and Saul are working alongside the broader development team to strengthen how Chuze approaches new club openings and remodels, building a more disciplined and collaborative foundation for the brand’s continued growth.
“Chuze has built something truly special by creating spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected,” said Eckman. “I’m excited to join such an energetic and passionate team and help expand the brand’s reach so even more communities can experience the unique culture and accessible wellness offerings that define Chuze.”
The appointment reflects Chuze Fitness’ continued investment in strategic leadership as the company expands its presence across the United States. Chuze currently operates clubs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas, with plans for continued growth in both existing and new markets.
