Marquardt's early life began in Lander, Wyoming, where he was born, before relocating to Denver, Colorado, where he spent his formative years. His late father, a devoted Lutheran pastor, concurrently worked in the construction industry. Notably, his father was a former Marine who bravely fought in the Vietnam War. Marquardt's mother, a compassionate nurse and astute manager at an attorney's office, brought balance to the family. As one of five siblings, Marquardt's upbringing was marked by frequent moves to various locations, including Chicago, Illinois, and Indiana, due to his father's work. When Marquardt was just eight years old, his parents divorced, and he subsequently moved to Colorado.
As a young man, Marquardt's athletic pursuits began to take center stage. At Wheat Ridge High School, he excelled in multiple sports, including basketball and soccer. Moreover, he started exploring the disciplines of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and kenpo at the tender age of 15. Under the guidance of renowned instructor Ricardo Murgel, Marquardt began taking freestyle wrestling and BJJ lessons at 18 years old, further refining his skills.
