The Chaos Lab

Oh we are so back! Please direct all questions to the address located on lifting cast. Meet date is set for Aug 15th here at The Trenches Gym

Meet Details

Meet: PLU Virginia State Championships
(Drug Tested & Non-Tested)

Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Rules Meeting: 8:00 AM
Lifting Begins: 9:00 AM

Location (Venue + Weigh-Ins Available):
Shark City Barbell
861 West 46th Street
Norfolk, VA 23508

Platform Equipment:
TSS Combo Rack
Texas Squat Bar
Texas Power Bar
Texas Deadlift Bar

Divisions / Events Offered:
• Full Power
• Raw / Raw with Wraps
• Single Ply Bench Only
• Deadlift Only
• Push Pull

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Event Coverage & Merchandise

📣 PLU Virginia State Championships

The PLU Virginia State Championships brings together elite strength athletes from across the region in Drug Tested and Non-Tested divisions. Featuring high-level competition, intense team rivalries, and record-setting performances, this event represents the best of Virginia powerlifting.

🔗 Official Event Merchandise:
https://chaoslabshop.myshopify.com/products/plu-va-state-championships-2025

📺 Watch Live on YouTube

Unable to attend in person? The entire meet will be livestreamed on the Chaos Powerlifting YouTube channel, covering every lift, every attempt, and every big moment.

📍 Livestream:
https://youtube.com/?si=ftMMDPhyM4h1jBVl

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Contact Information

Meet Director: Sean Smith
Meet Day / Director Email: [email protected]
Team Registration Email: [email protected]

🚨 Event + Facility Update 🚨

We want to share an important update with our community as we head into the new year.

Chaos Lab has officially concluded its operating arrangement with IronBuilt. While we’re grateful for the time we spent there, our focus has always been on building spaces and events that fully support the sport of powerlifting and the athletes who make it special.

With that in mind, we’re excited to announce that the January 10th PLU meet has been moved to Shark City Barbell! 🦈💪

👉 New Venue:
Shark City Barbell
📍

Shark City offers an incredible environment for lifters, coaches, and spectators, and we’re pumped to kick off the year in a space aligned with high-level strength culture and competition.

All registrations, weigh-ins, and schedules remain the same — no changes to the meet format. Athletes will receive updated info directly via email.

Thank you to everyone for your flexibility during this transition. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional meet experience and continuing to push the sport forward locally.

See you all on the platform January 10th! 🔥🏋️‍♀️

— Chaos Lab / PLU Meet Team

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IS LIVE! Nov 2nd, at Ironbuilt Gym in Ashland Va! Combo rack meet, Texas squat, power, and deadlift bars used!

USAPL Schedule

All remaining meets that were previously Sabre are being run at Ironbuilt Gym by Sean Smith. Strength series is still cancelled but still plenty of opportunities to compete in Virginia!

The location labeled Chaos Lab is still at IronBuiit Gym

It is TSS combo rack, TSS bar meet for equipment

Media is handled by Chaos Media:


For all other information contact Sean Smith:
[email protected]

For Tomorrow : Charity Meet for American Foundation for Su***de Prevention

LOCATION: IRONBUILT GYM 10975 Richardson Rd Suite F, Ashland, VA 23005

Sponsor’s Reach out to [email protected]

Meet is on Saturday at 9am Rules at 8am Sharp! Weigh-in’s The day before (friday) 9am to 11 and 3pm to 5PM PLU Membership Required!

Prize Packages for Best OPEN Male and Female Lifter T shirt for meet already included!

25kg Squat Bar 20kg Bench Bar 20kg Deadlift Bar

This is COMBO RACK ONLY Meet!

Texas Power Bar Brand bars TSS Combos

Full Power Raw, Wraps, Single Ply, Multi Bench & Deadlift Only Push Pull

Meet Director: Sean Smith [email protected]

Ray Williams on Lifting Heavy, Coaching, and Social Media Trolls

In this episode of The IronBuilt Podcast, I sit down with one of the greatest powerlifters of all time—Ray Williams. Known for his raw strength and dominance on the platform, Ray shares insights into his lifting journey, the mindset behind moving world-record weights, and the challenges that come with being in the spotlight.

We also dive into the realities of coaching, the highs and lows of working with athletes, and how social media has changed the game—for better and worse. From handling internet trolls to staying focused on what really matters, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and straight-up real talk from one of powerlifting’s most respected figures.

Tune in for an unfiltered discussion about strength, coaching, and the community that makes this sport great.

Available on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/YouTube] – Listen now!

🎄 Thank You, Chaos Lab Members! 🎄

As the holiday season comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to every single one of you. This year has been one of transition and growth, and your unwavering support during our location move has meant the world to us.

Through the chaos, you’ve shown what this community is truly about: resilience, dedication, and an unmatched passion for crushing goals—together. Your energy and positivity have made this holiday season one to remember.

Here’s to an even stronger, more exciting year ahead! We can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for The Chaos Lab family. 💪

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season,
The Chaos Lab Team

Thank you for 3 great years at this location!
- link to help donate will be in our story and linktree

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