about Us
Built by Passion. Driven by Purpose.
Jorge Valdes
Jorge Valdes has been an Invictus member since 2017. A Miami native, Jorge attended University of Miami, where he graduated with an MBA and BSEE. He moved to San Diego in 2005 to lead the Research & Development organization at Dexcom. He holds numerous patents in continuous glucose monitoring and data communications. After spending 12 years with the company, he retired in 2017 as Chief Technical Officer.
Throughout his professional career, Jorge has retained a strong passion for fitness and sports. He began weightlifting during his time as a track athlete in high school, and strength training has been a consistent part of his life ever since. During his time at Dexcom, he began to pursue long distance running alongside his everyday training, running multiple half-marathons, several triathlons, and the NY marathon. After joining Invictus in 2017, Jorge quickly fell in love with CrossFit, earning his Level 1 certification. He is always looking for new ways to deepen his involvement in the overlap between healthcare, fitness, nutrition, and longevity.
C.J. Martin
C.J. Martin founded Invictus Fitness in 2009. He is a Level 4 CrossFit instructor, USA Weightlifting Coach and former member of the CrossFit HQ training team. He believes that fitness is a medium for learning to cultivate an unconquerable mindset that will lead to not only improved health, but also happiness and success in all aspects of life.
C.J. has coached more than 60 individuals and dozens of Masters athletes to the CrossFit Games. He has worked with athletes around the world through online coaching and program design since 2009, but still prefers the interaction with athletes of all ages and abilities.
Our Brand
Invictus Fitness is more than a fitness gym—it's a movement.
Invictus is a fitness community built on excellent coaching, proven results, and individual transformation. We stand for progress, not perfection—helping people improve through expert coaching and a supportive community.
Core Values
Community First
Join a supportive network of motivated members.
Pursue Excellence
We show up with purpose, push our limits, and take pride in doing things the right way. We never settle for mediocrity or avoid the hard work that leads to true growth.
Rise Together
We celebrate each other's wins, welcome diverse perspectives, and offer honest, respectful feedback. We put community before ego—because real strength is built together.
Evolve to Improve
We seek better every day, embrace change, and learn from failure. We don't shy away from discomfort—we see it as a path to growth and transformation.
Our Mission
Invictus Fitness is built on performance and a supportive community. Our mission is to empower every athlete, coach, and everyday warrior to push past limits and reach their true potential. From world-class facilities to expert-led training programs, we combine proven methods with the spirit of hard work and a great community to deliver measurable results.
Our Coaches
Kim McLaughlin
Since starting employment with Invictus in 2012, Kim has been integral to the day-to-day operations of the gym, always focusing primarily on the members and their experiences. Top notch coaching, education, a sense of community and some fun in fitness are her top priorities. Now, as a partner in the business, she can ensure these elements remain the focus well into the future.
Holden Rethwill
Holden began CrossFit in 2013 and found Invictus after the Open in 2014, when he started following the Competition Program online. A trip to San Diego for an Athlete Camp was the beginning of his relationship with Invictus.
Kirsten Ahrendt
Prior to joining the Invictus coaching staff, Kirsten was a competitive soccer and rugby player at Dartmouth College.
Nichole Kribs
Nichole started coaching and competing with Invictus in 2009, making CrossFit Games appearances on Team Invictus for 4 years. She spent years coaching group classes and individual members at our inaugural CrossFit location.
Nuno Costa
Nuno began his coaching career in 2008, became a full time coach by 2009 and hasn't looked back since. He started coaching at CF SoCal and moved over to Invictus in 2009 and was part of the coaching staff till 2019.
Aush Chatman
CrossFit veteran since 2005 and former owner of CrossFit San Diego. Holds numerous CrossFit certifications and is one of an exclusive few inaugural Gymnastic Bodies trainees under Coach Chris Sommer. Passionate about coaching the internal transformation that comes with consistent training.
Fritz Nugent
Fritz was a collegiate decathlete and has coached Track & Field, CrossFit, Strongman, and Rugby. He has a master's in sports conditioning and performance. He loves the challenge of coaching and training at the best gym in the world – Invictus – because it pushes him to become a better coach, a smarter athlete, and a more courageous person.
Drew Shempp
Andrew's childhood passion for swimming set him on a transformative life path, which later evolved into a deep engagement with CrossFit. With over a decade of experience encompassing competitions, training, and a degree in exercise science, he is eager to impart his extensive knowledge and fervor for movement to others.
Sandi Oplinger
After nearly 38 years in law enforcement, retiring as a cold case homicide detective, I traded crime scenes for coaching on the floor at Invictus. I have been a part of the Invictus community for over 13 years and have coached for over 3 years. I hold both my Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. When I'm not at the gym, you'll usually find me surfing or traveling with my wife and labrador Henry.
Brittnay Weiss
Bio coming soon.
Virginia Camacho
Virginia is a certified run coach, marathoner, ultramarathoner, and co-founder of Santa Mujeres Running Club — a nonprofit dedicated to creating space, connection, and community for women runners. When she's not coaching or training, you'll find her fostering community or toeing the start line at races across Southern California and beyond. Passionate about helping runners and gym-goers reach their full potential, Virginia empowers others to build strength, resilience, and confidence — both on the course and in everyday life.