First Ascent Climbing & Fitness

My husband and I bought a Groupon to a beginner class – we’re both complete newbies. The instructor, Brian, could not have been more patient, thorough, and nice throughout the whole hour of teaching. Even though he must do this a few times a day, he went through each step more than a few times (for each partner). This was helpful for all types of learners, you’d watch him, then do it with his instruction, and then do it by yourself twice. They take safety very seriously. Once the class was done, we were off on our own. During our time there, a few staff members, as well as other (more experienced) climbers were available to answer questions and help us out. There’s a variety of walls to climb for beginners like us, to more experienced. One thing to note is that the rental shoes are supposed to feel tight, as they’re supposed to contour to your feet. They only recommend going half a size up if needed. Overall, we’d definitely be back for a fun day of climbing. (Hopefully this time I’ll be less scared of the auto-​belay).

Have come here many times with my kids but have to say I was very disappointed today. My older son is 14 but doesn’t have a lot of upper body strength so when he comes here to climb he goes to the easy auto belay ropes. Today a Saturday there was a birthday party in the easy section so the area was roped off even when the kids were away presumably eating lunch. So we went to some of the other ropes which were more difficult and to the speed climb ropes (one was broken and the timer was down on the other). Disappointed we bouldered for a little bit while waiting for the roped off kids birthday party area to open up. There still wasn’t any kid there but was roped off. I went to the front desk to ask if it would open up and they said in over an hour from now. The man apologized and suggested bouldering and the speed climb rope which I said we had already done. He just said sorry even when I said I paid to come here and the area that’s the best suited for my son was closed. Very disappointing to drive here and hope to make a nice afternoon together with my son except we both left feeling shortchanged. Really makes me question if we will be back.

It was my first time Rock climbing and it was so fun! the staff is very friendly and the environment is so relaxing

I was a climbing instructor for 5 years. Now granted I haven’t been on a wall in sometime. But I can tell you this place is amazing. All levels of climbing from beginner to expert. It felt so good to get back up on the wall. The people and staff were really friendly it was just a great time and a great work out. U will be seeing me often. If your a climber or want to learn this is a great place.

This is a cool place, located at the end of a Spaulding, so you can’t really see it from the main road of Addison, but it’s definitely there. Once you get in, you sign a waiver using one of the four kiosk located near the wall. After you sign your life away via their waivers, the place has self-​belaying rock climbing on the first floor, extended to the top of the building, as well as a second floor section for people who like to try bouldering.
For this specific occasion, I went bouldering and it was fun! The routes varied from super duper hard, to beginners like me. On the second floor, they also have a section where you can workout in. They have a few ellipticals, treadmills, squat racks, pullup cages and even gymnastic rings!
BATHROOM REVIEW: This is more about the locker room. Somewhat small… it was rather cramped inside with a bench or two to sit down or put your belongings. There are a couple of urinals and stalls as well. During our visit, there were no paper towels, but they did have a hand dryer. Sit or squat? Squat… guys are pigs, especially in a locker room ;-)

Great gym for all levels. Nice tall walls. Fun routes. Very helpful staff and classes.

I’ve been to my fair share of climbing gyms across the country and FA is top notch. They are still going through some growing pains, but are doing a great job of listening to feedback from members and making improvements! Chicago has had a lack of climbing gyms (other than a few walls inside regular gyms) for years. In late 2014/​2015, we saw 2 climbing gyms open up in the city and they both have their pluses and minuses. For me, FA is a better choice, but I support my friends who choose the other gym. FA is reasonably priced, has nice variation in grades, and once their second facility is open, access to an additional bouldering-​only gym.
Pros:
Smearing is accessible here (not at their competitor in Chicago)
Variety of routes and great opportunities for lead climbers
Great staff
Nice amount and variation of yoga and strength classes
Cons:
I honestly can’t think of any worth noting here! They have some things they’re working on, but that comes with the territory of being a new gym and no one should hold that against them!
*A note on another reviewers criticism about the bouldering area: The routes are labeled/​graded! There are signs posted in several areas which indicate that the routes are denoted by the colors! So, for example, V0-​V1 routes are yellow, V2-​V3 are green, and so on! I realize it may not be how it seems to be done at most gyms, but it’s not as though there is no grading!

I am a member at a climbing gym in MKE, but decided to switch it up and come here with my husband a few weekends ago. Verdict — nice gym! The walls are soo sticky for smearing, the new holds are like sandpaper, and the walls are so high. This place is great for someone without their own gear too — they have grigris pre-​attached to all the ropes for belaying. I would actually prefer to use my own belay device, but to each his own.
The place is so big too — when we were there, the parking lot was almost filled, yet we almost never had to wait for a rope to open up.
One strange thing I noticed was that one of the areas had two routes overlapping (totally acceptable), one red and one black holds. For some reason, (people’s shoes? rough holds?) both colors of holds looked black from above, and was actually hard to distinguish which was on /​off. Minor detail, but maybe they need to clean off some of the holds more often since they are so grippy.
Lastly, the bouldering area held much to be desired. When we were there, very few routes were labeled /​graded. Maybe they had just been setup, but that is always something nice to know.
Overall though, this place is MASSIVE and great to get a workout in!
PS routesetters: I love slabby /​balance-​y /​stemmy routes and there was a lack of interesting ones here — you guys would do well to switch it up a bit!

Great vibe. Great routes. Friendly folk. Good auto belay routes.

I’m a little hesitant to leave a review because I’d hate to see this get too busy, but oh well it’s worth it! I could talk about the great bouldering, gigantic range of top rope and lead routes, the practice wall, the workout equipment, pro shop, and classes offered but the big differentiator here is the customer service and the amazing way my wife has been treated.
I’ve climbed on and off now for about 10 years but this is my wife’s first time and she was especially apprehensive about climbing because of a negative experience she had at another gym. First ascent was the opposite, the staff was super friendly and answered all our questions and you can tell that the vibe is to focus on growing the love of the sport and outdoors. My wife and I may climb at different levels but always have fun and and are always able to find the perfect route.
All I ever wanted was a gym in the city where I could challenge myself but also introduce my wife to climbing and first ascent was able to do both. The staff is great and the clientele is super non judgmental, everyone is there to just climb and focus on their own routes. Overall awesome experience, getting the membership was a no brainer.

I almost never post reviews, but I wanted to make sure to call out FA.
As a first time climber, I literally had to ask someone how to put the harness on my first time. Staff are very friendly and willing to help. Later I was there by myself when I got belay checked, and two staff members helped me within 10 minutes (one to climb, one to do the check.) Since then, if I’m in the gym solo there are usually folks willing to belay for one another. There is a whiteboard where you can post your name and description when looking to partner up.
I’ve been going for month now and here’s what I can tell you:
Routes are reset every couple months, all with date tags. 5 – 6 autobelays at all times, dozens of top rope and lead routes as high as 60 ft. Nice variety in terms of height, features, types of holds. I’m pushing my way into 10’s, but there are lots of 7’s-9’s for new folks/​training/​warming up, and a large area dedicated to 10+, including an arch and a good size overhang feature with very advanced routes. Also a slab wall and a few cracks.
Large bouldering section upstairs (including a cave and multiple areas to top out.) It does get a bit busy when they have kid’s classes, but I’ve never been unable to find a problem to work on. They also have two system walls upstairs, complete with hydraulics to alter the angle to your heart’s desire.
Additionally, I’m happy with the workout equipment. Obviously this isn’t the focus, so the area is relatively small, but I’ve never had to wait for anything when I did use this area. Treadmills, rowing machine, plenty of free weights, a TRX rack, benches, squat rack — the works.
The classes are excellent. I took the 3-​session intro class, and was very happy with it. Brendan is a great teacher. As for the courses included with membership — the intro yoga class is excellent. Slow pace, lots of explanation, very welcoming. Urban Playground left me exhausted yet looking forward to the next session.
In short, being a new climber please take my review with a grain of salt, but the quality of the facility has me coming back every few days and the staff have me talking this place up to everyone I know. I highly recommend coming to check it out.

As a current member of 3 climbing gyms in the city and have have climbed at most of the climbing gyms in the Chicago Area. I can say that First Ascent is by far the best climbing gym in Chicago and quite possibly Illinois.
This facility is incredibly bike and car friendly with plentiful bike racks with an awning above it to prevent rain/​snow. Plenty of parking in there free lot as well.
Management are climbers who are invested in First Ascent and will ensure customers are always happy. Always willing to take input and make corrections if needed. Staffers are climbers and well informed. Great positive vibes all around and always willing to help.
New to climbing? Great for beginners as there is a detailed orientation to help you start climbing the right way. They also have classes.
The routes and problems are all monochromatic and have a take down date so there are no surprises when your projects are removed.
Lead/​top rope walls are +60 feet high and have plenty of texture as they are made by Walltopia. This allows shorter climbers the ability to smear and reach a long hold. The climbing has been solid and fairly graded.
Bouldering walls are also made by walltopia and they can top out on 75% of the problems. The movements are very well thought out and are tough.
Training area is great. They have a system wall for training with every type of hold imaginable and that can change angles when you ask a First Ascent Staff Member. They have plenty of free weights, just enough cable equipment, crossfit cage, treadmills, the best elliptical machines that can adjust stride for the shorties and incredibly tall individuals, workout bikes and more. Plenty of free classes ranging from warming up, yoga to ab work. They also have plenty of classes to teach you how to climb and will translate to great sends indoors and outdoors!
Team Climbing is led by well renown trainer Dave Hudson who has taught the nations best as well as Michaela Kirsch (5.14 climber) who is an incredible coach as well.
Locker Rooms have showers and digital pad locks on the lockers free for day use or monthly rentals.

I bought the year-​long membership when First Ascent first opened and I am so glad I did. Love the walls and yoga classes and the staff are friendly. The only thing that could make it better is if the gym opened an hour or two earlier on one of the weekend days.

Sure, it’s a great climbing gym. Sure, it has great yoga (Vinyasa, Intro, YOGA FOR CLIMBERS!!!) and fitness classes (TRX, strength, and a kick ass one called Urban Playground) which are included in a day-​pass/​membership. Sure, they have cardio machines and bunch of weights to throw around between days of climbing… it has all those things and that should be enough.
Thing is, is the gym is filled with some of the nicest gym-​employees you’ll ever encounter; and I’ve climbed all around the US. There’s the guy who looks like Jesus who is always happy to see you or me or whoever. There’s the funny dude who coaches the kids; you won’t regret if you get him going with an old climbing story. The gal (Lisa) who gave us an orientation was crazy-​helpful showing us around. Our friends took a learning-​the-​ropes-​intro class and the teacher was super patient and even spent a few extra minutes with my buddy to make sure his belay technique was right so he wouldn’t kill his girlfriend that night, or me later (don’t know his name, but he wears hoodies all the time).
Yeah, you can fill a building with walls, holds, and ropes for people to use, but you can’t manufacture soul. We’ve talked to some of the owners (who always seem to be there climbing) and they’re just genuine people who love the sport. This place definitely has soul.
I think we’re all just happy to not have any reason to commute to the West Loop anymore.

best climbing gym in chicago for anyone and everyone.

This is the best place to climb in the city of Chicago.
The walls are tall. Like, really tall. And the plethora of routes range from so easy a child can do it (there are literally routes for small children), to interesting, technical slab climbing, to straight up fun jugs, to overhanging lead and arch climbs. Also, there is a second floor with one side dedicated to bouldering and the other gym equipment for more strength, cardio and endurance training. Did I mention daily yoga?
Furthermore, this is a gym designed by climbers for the community. It’s their love note to the sport of rock climbing. The intention of the staff is to make their love infectious to everyone by their friendliness and expertise. It’s a great place with great people doing great things.
#letsclimbchicago

I was 100% new to rock climbing (indoor or outdoor) so take that into consideration as you read my review.
I signed up before FA opened for the «intro to climbing» class which met three times. For starters, everyone who works here really is nice. For someone who literally has NO idea what she is doing, what gear she needs, what the lingo is… nobody ever made me feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, and that’s saying a lot. It’s hard trying new things as a grown up! But not here. Everyone was really friendly.
I found the intro class to be very helpful. Most of the main focus in the beginning is (rightly) on safety, and tying in, and how to belay, etc. And then… you’re off! It’s great. The class was a mix of learning top rope and bouldering upstairs. We worked a lot on technique and everything was very hands-​on. Instructor Dave was helpful and encouraging. Also it was nice that although the class was slated to go from 3−5pm on Sundays, it’s not like when 5pm rolled around, the instructor disappeared. The class just sort of continued until people left– most days I was there almost an additional hour climbing and I saw Dave there the whole time.
After the last class I went up front and asked to be taught how to use the auto-​belay. Lisa could not have been nicer, or more encouraging. (and for the record, I find the auto-​belay sort of terrifying… but I’m working on it.)
Anyway I’m no pro but as a newbie I found this a really welcoming environment. I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to try climbing in the area.
PS there is a parking lot and ample bike racks. It’s sort of tucked away at the end of Spaulding but easy to find once you turn onto Spaulding itself.

It is indeed «WOHOOO! as good as it gets!»
First Impressions:
Amazing facility, loads of ropes on a variety of wall types, cracks, slabs, overhang, top-​out bouldering, almost all bases covered (almost because you cannot obviously trad or aid here). There’s even an area next to the bouldering section with a hydraulic-​powered training wall that can be set for a variety of angles. This facility thought of everything, a small area near the front to practice tying in and belaying with some easy routes if you are a newbie, scattered autobelays throughout the facility and even a «no-​solo» white board for the solo climber.
A month in:
I have not climbed a route twice (well, I have, but it was by accident because I couldn’t remember if I have climbed it) and they have already began to doubling up on climbing routes on some ropes… whaaaa!!! Ratings are soft (or I am super strong), but routes are fun and flow really well. They have quality route setters working there. They are proactive about tightening spinners. I have not tried any of their classes, but have observed people participating in them. They looked like they were having fun and more importantly, sweating. All the cardio machines are in and the adult jungle gym is fully assembled. And, there’s Wifi.
People here (climbers and staff) are friendly and I have not seen any sketchy/​unsafe behavior unlike another facility that I checked out and never went back again.
It is definitely a place to get an all-​around work-​out and get strong as a climber.
I have lost track of time climbing at this facility and I am always eager to come back. ‘Nuff said. :)

This gym has been great in its first month of opening The hours are amazing. 6am climbs, late night climbs until 11pm. All the staff I have encountered are so friendly, helpful and answer all of your questions. I met one of the founders working there and he went out of his way to introduce me to other climbers.
Their yoga classroom has nice, non fluorescent lights, and is a large classroom. If you are a member you can sign up for classes online ahead of time.
These are the tallest walls in Chicago. The grippable wall surface enables you to practice smearing, and use any part of the wall. They also have built in some slots or cracks for practicing crack climbing. There is an amazing top rope cave 50+ feet off the ground that is extremely challenging. You can top-​out at most sections of the bouldering wall. Overall they have a variety of routes and heights for all levels of climbing, as well as auto belays.
They have their own parking lot for car parking, plus ample bike parking with a roof over the bike racks. The bathrooms have a lot of space with a changing area and showers. Overall the gym is nicely laid out and organized and I’m happy to be a member! I can’t wait until their Uptown bouldering location opens in a few months.

My wife and I started out with a introductory course as I’ve never climbed before. Great experience, as we both immediately felt welcomed and well taken care of. Pricing seems to be very reasonable, both for classes, membership and rental gear. All the staff are super helpful and patient with us newbies, which is so key I think, as a place like this could very easily fall into the trap of focusing only on the already skilled climbers and thereby be per sieved as a little douchey by newcomers. I’ve heard such stories about other places in town.
We’re already addicted now, and the only thing holding us back from going every day is the soreness from using muscles I wasn’t aware I had.
They also offer fitness classes and yoga classes which are included in the membership price.

Love this place! Easily the best climbing gym in the Chicago area. Super tall walls, great bouldering setup, good mix of lead and toprope routes, and really friendly staff. They also have an incredible training area upstairs to strength train and build opposing muscles. This gym really caters to climbers. Haven’t tried the classes yet, but I’m sure they’re awesome.

Hands down the best climbing gym in the Chicago area! I haven’t tried their workout classes but I can comment on the climbing:
1) Cost — Better than other large gyms in the area with more pricing options
2) Location — A short walk from the blue line (or metra) and right off ⁹⁰⁄₉₄ Addison exit
3) People — The gym Owners are Chicago locals who are working on the floor and climbing with you. All the staff I have met so far are super friendly and committed climbers. There is a nice, positive vibe in the whole gym. New & experienced climbers throughout and easy to meet people. Definitely a great place to start climbing and meet new people. Also,
groups have started to organize here
4) Rope climbing — ALL variety off walls: slab, vert, aretes, crack, overhung, arch. Climbs of all difficulty levels from beginner to HARD. Tope rope, auto-​belay and lead available. The setting is diverse with most routes being really good so far. Also, there is a nice variety of holds mixed in. I have been to other gyms where the setting is mediocre or inconsistent and even the hold variety feels like the same thing over and over again…
5) Bouldering — All variety of walls with Top-​Outs!: vert, aretes, slightly overhung, really overhung, cave. I have mostly bouldered here so far and am very impressed with the setting. The medium size space gives you enough room to move but also makes for a lot of opportunity to socialize with other climbers. Top out is a great bonus. This is the first gym I have visited with this feature. Also, the cave is great because it is low enough from the ground that you don’t fall too far.
They just started their youth team which is being led by Dave Hudson & Michaela Kirsch. Based on their youth teams over the years, this will be another world-​class team.
Two thumbs up! Now climb on!

I’m so glad there are now multiple good gyms in the Chicago area. The staff here are really nice and the climbing is good. It’s clear that everyone who works here loves to be at the gym and loves climbing. They’re always offering a spot or encouragement and they want to learn everyone’s names, it’s awesome. Just the way a climbing gym should be. I’ve only bouldered so I can’t comment on the sport climbing yet, but as far as the bouldering, the setting is good and the ratings are harder and more consistent than Brooklyn Boulders. It also helps that they have a parking lot.

For a climbing in gym in Chicago, you don’t get much better than this. First Ascent just opened like two weeks ago, and I love several things about it.
1) There’s a relatively large wall dedicated to just lead routes only. Now — there are TONS of routes on top rope, and many of these routes have draws you can lead on as well, but the lead wall is a good size and has sections of overhang. At almost 60 feet of vertical, this is great training for those long routes outside.
2) The boulder section is pretty sweet. It’s upstairs, and not limited to one section. It’s got multiple options to try problems, whether it’s a cave, something more inclined and slabby, there’s a lot to work with. I’ve actually had the most fun on their boulder problems. They’re fun, plentiful, and consistent in their grading.
3) Free Parking! And it’s about a half mile from the blue line.
4) Classes! This place has a very good offering of classes including yoga for climbers and an intensive ab workouts called core-​torture. I just did the yoga class for climbers last night. To be absolutely honest, it was the best yoga class I’ve been to. I didn’t have to worry about remembering the names of different positions, I felt really guided through each position, and I really felt all my muscles were stretched out well.
5) Longer hours. This place has just about the longest hours of any climbing gym I know. Which makes it great if you get off work late and want enough time to get a good session in.
6) It’s affordable! I mean, when you don’t have access to climb-​able nature within a 3 hour drive of Chicago, this makes climbing way more affordable, especially if you live in the metro area.
7) Awesome work out space. There still working on this part, but they’ve got some great space dedicated to exercise machines, weights, hangboards… they’ve even got this sick wall with holds that you can adjust the angle of the overhang to build your strength. pretty drool-​worthy.
Oh yes, and staff are super friendly. I’ve been greeted by friendly staff in all parts of the gym and have gotten on routes with staff giving me encouraging comments when I’m done.
Tips:
— Classes come with a membership, but you have to sign up online via their website.
— They’re also building a bouldering gym that’s affiliated with First Ascent (FA) in Uptown. That one looks sweet, and you get access to that one as well if you get their membership.
— The workout space is still being worked on, but I think it should be done relatively soon.
— I just moved to the area so I’m not super familiar with it yet, but I know that FA is across from a shopping center (i.e. grocery store, a chipotle, a liquor store nearby), so convenience is nearby. =P
It’s super new. I’m writing this review at like 1.5 weeks after it’s opening weekend. Most of it was ready for their opening weekend, but like I said, I think a few final touches are in the works. Now… if this place had a café that served pour overs, I might never leave. :)

The facility is amazing but I first have to say this is about the friendliest group of staff I’ve ever encountered, ESPECIALLY for a fitness-​related venue. I’ve climbed a couple times several years ago but it’s been a while since I figured out how to tie knots, belay, etc, so I was essentially starting from scratch. I asked an absurd number of questions and each staff member went out of their way to not just answer questions but also make me feel welcome and comfortable despite not being an experienced climber. The walls are amazing — countless courses and options and just a very cool overall energy in the place. I’m replacing my gym membership (the place that practically makes you send a blood sample to cancel) with a membership here because climbing with this group is much more fun than being looked at over at a regular gym. They’ll also have a weight room and offer yoga classes, so it’s sort of the best of both worlds. Loved it! Climb on!