First Ascent Avondale - Chicago, Illinois

Knowledge applied is wisdom

So much fun, we loved the experience & it would be nice if you're not limited to having someone belay you.

There's very limited options to rock climbing workout a certified belay to help you. Likewise there's no limits with a belay available.

They can also certify you as a belay for free if after passing test.

Alison Carchi

My son and I were instantly hooked on climbing after our intro courses! We’ve both really struggled to find movement that we enjoy and can sustain. Never did I imagine we’d find something we can do to challenge the bodies together! Rock climbing fits the bill: progressive challenges you can face autonomously or with a partner, approachable and accessible, and is naturally thrilling! The ultimate habit stack!

The facility is clean+organized, safety is prioritized and honored, aesthetic is warm+alluring. The staff is authentically and thoroughly helpful.

We can’t wait to get back for so many reasons: homeschool climb time, community events, our next climb, hitting the weight room, and group classes. There’s so much to look forward to!

David Holliday

The staff was extremely friendly as soon as I walked into the door. It was my first experience climbing and the registration process was very easy (facility provides shoes and harness as well). The facility is awesome, with a huge variety of different routes and difficulty. Loved the variety of auto belays too, so I didn’t have to constantly have to ask a belayer to assist me on courses.

Ellen Wong

Our family of 4 purchased the $99 family day pass with gear. It was a great way to spend the day. We were allowed to leave for lunch and come back. The pass also allows you to visit any of their other 3 gyms. The Avondale gym is well equipped with a variety of rock climbing and bouldering walls, suited for beginners to advance climbers. The locker rooms were clean with free lockers. The staff was super courteous and helpful. Will be back!

Amelia Smith

I've been climbing at First Ascent since I started climbing in February 2021. I can't speak highly enough about this gym. All of their Chicago locations are beautifully maintained, well-staffed with extremely pleasant and helpful employees, and have great routes for every skill level. (I've only been to the city ones, but I'm sure the suburban ones are great, too.)

I primarily climb at the Avondale location because I enjoy top-roping, but I love the boulder-only gyms in Uptown, Block 37 downtown, and Humboldt, too. Their membership gives you access to any of their gyms, along with access to their weight rooms and yoga/pilates classes. It's like 3 gyms in one membership, it's actually the best.

I've visited a number of other climbing gyms, both in Chicago and a few other cities and countries, and no gym has felt more at home than FA. The vibes of the employees and the climbers that go there are great. I've met a handful of climbing partners just from being at the gym and chatting between attempts.

Robbie Austin

This place is so much fun!! I climbed for about a year at Ohio States climbing gym and it was so much fun I wanted to keep climbing over the summer. This gym was super convenient and has so many different routes!! They also offer some clinics like less climbing or belaying, and have fun events almost every week. It’s a little pricey but worth it in my opinion especially with a small student discount. I cant wait to return next summer for all of the new routes. The staff are also always super friendly!

Francesca Patton

We did the Guided session and our guide was wonderful. This is our first time here and the kids had a wonderful time . We spent four hours climbing and definitely plan to return

Kathleen Mysliwiec

Climbing gym: 10/10. SUPER reasonable for a day pass ($25) and a reasonable monthly pass ($90). The weight room was well stocked and clean. Fun auto belays throughout the gym, ten total throughout the space. We had out of town guests who were able to test and get passes for top rope at no extra charge for their day passes. BECCA: 100/10. She was INCREDIBLY welcoming, patient, and fun.