Why I'm Starting Jove Club: A Royal Marine's Mission to Help People get More Out of Life

A personal story by Freddie, Founder of Jove Club

When I left the Royal Marines, I noticed something that many people might find surprising. It wasn't the intensity of the physical training I missed most – it was the brotherhood and camaraderie. That unique bond you form when you're pushing through adversity as a group, when you're supporting each other through tough times, and celebrating victories as one unit.

The Wake-Up Call

Living in London and having worked at large companies like Goldman Sachs and Barclays, I've watched as many of my civilian friends struggle with something we rarely talk about – loneliness. These are successful people in their careers, but something is missing. They have plenty of surface-level connections – LinkedIn networks, work colleagues, gym acquaintances – but few genuine friendships where they can truly be themselves.

As a former Royal Marine, I understand the power of shared challenges in building unbreakable bonds. In the military, we didn't become close friends through talking about the weekend over coffee – we built trust and camaraderie through shared experiences, pushing our limits together and looking after each other when things got tough.

The Birth of Jove Club

That's when the idea for Jove Club came to me. What if we could create that same level of genuine connection, but in a civilian context? Not everyone needs to go through military training to experience true camaraderie – but we can use the same principles of shared challenges and outdoor adventures to build meaningful connections.

I've chosen Battersea Park as our first training ground. There's something powerful about taking people out of their comfort zones – away from their desks, away from their phones, and into nature. Whether it's a challenging trail run, a climbing session where you have to trust your fellow climbers, or a hiking expedition in a remote part of Scotland, these experiences create bonds that run deeper than small talk.

What Makes Us Different

Jove Club isn't going to be just another fitness group or neon lit gym class. What we're creating is a team. When you join us for a run, a climbing session or a social event, you won't just be working on your physical fitness – you'll be becoming part of a group that understands and supports you.

Our activities will range from fitness sessions to climbing nights at VauxWall East, and weekend expeditions. Every activity is being designed with one goal in mind – fostering real connections between people through shared challenges and adventures.

Our Vision

I envision Jove Club as a place where people can escape the bizarre isolation of city life and find genuine connection through shared experiences. Where a morning trail run can be the beginning of lasting friendships. Where the challenge of reaching a climbing peak together creates bonds that extend far beyond the walls of the gym.

Looking Forward

As we prepare to launch, my vision remains clear: to create an environment where people can build genuine friendships through shared adventures and challenges. Every aspect of Jove Club, from our training sessions to our social events, is being crafted to foster real, meaningful connections.

Join Our Team

If you're reading this and something resonates – whether you're feeling disconnected in the city, missing the camaraderie of team sports, or simply looking to challenge yourself alongside like-minded people – we welcome you to be part of our founding group. At £50 per month, you won't just be joining a club; you'll be becoming part of a team that will support your journey, celebrate your victories, and be there during the tough times.

Get Started

Ready to be part of something bigger from the very beginning? Drop us a line at hello@thejoveclub.com. Be one of the founding members who helps shape the future of friendship in London.