Need an indoor rock climbing gym in Chicago for an after-hour workout? Or a gym you can chill, work, and climb at the same time? Then you are in the right place because Chicago is one of my favorite spots for indoor climbing.
Within the hustle and bustle of Chicago, finding a community to work out and chill can be difficult, especially when everyone is always on the move.
Hence, I am glad to discover the few bouldering gyms around the area (and sad to see a couple go, especially Brooklyn Boulders Lincoln Park) where the community is always vibrant. Chicago has seen an influx of climbing gyms both in the Loop and in the suburbs to make climbing more accessible and welcoming for all.
I will take you through a complete list of Chicago climbing gyms and highlight some of my favorite (and not-so-favorite) things about each gym.
1. Brooklyn Boulders Chicago
Brooklyn Boulders started in 2009 where bouldering gyms weren’t as common in New York City as compared to now. The West Loop location that opened in 2015 is their 2nd outlet and their only one in Chicago.
At this point, you may be wondering what about the bigger Brooklyn Boulders Lincoln Park in Chicago? Sadly, their 3rd outlet closed in 2022 after struggling during the pandemic, much to the dismay of the lovely community at Lincoln Park.
Nevertheless, Brooklyn Boulders Chicago remains a hit with 25,000 square feet of space to move around. Some of their facilities include:
- auto-belay
- lead walls
- 50-foot roped walls
- bouldering area
- fitness equipment
- yoga and fitness classes
One great thing about this place is its full-service locker rooms with shower rooms and complimentary towels and toiletries after you break a sweat.
This Chicago rock climbing gym also organizes plenty of social events. You can expect DJ nights, movie nights, guest climbers such as Ashima Shiraishi, dance classes, stand-up comedy, and even mini concerts! If you’ve seen the space, you will understand why it is all possible.
For kids, you can check out the Brooklyn Boulders Summer Camp, where they can learn team-building activities, climb, and learn about STEM and arts in a 5-day fun program.
First-timers can take the introductory course that comes with an hour of bouldering basic training, rental gear, and full-day climbing access for the remainder of your visit.
P.S. If you get to work from home, why not use their co-working space where you eat, climb, work, and repeat?
Location: 100 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Price: $ 25
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7 am to 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 8 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm
2. Chicago Bouldering Collective
Update: Chicago Bouldering Collective is temporarily closed but don’t be discouraged yet…they will be announcing a new location soon!
If you are looking for an old-school bouldering gym, then look no further than the Chicago Bouldering Collective, which has been around since 2011. Also fondly known as CBC, this no-frills bouldering-only gym brings a close-knit climbing community that welcomes beginners and seasoned climbers alike.
There are no beginner climbing courses available here but there are many helpful experienced climbers who will show you the way!
However, this Chicago bouldering gym has closed several times before and during the pandemic, leaving the climbing community to wonder whether it will be back in action. As of March 2023, a new location has yet to be determined.
Location: TBC
Price: TBC
Operating Hours: TBC
3. First Ascent Avondale
Started in 2013 by four climbers, First Ascent Climbing & Fitness now has four outlets within the Chicago area. The Avondale branch is its pioneer location, with 26 000 square feet of climbing surface area. It is considered the largest rock climbing gym in Chicago (and also the only First Ascent outlet with rope climbing, the other 3 Chicago outlets are bouldering-only gyms).
Some of their comprehensive range of facilities include:
- over 90 unique roped routes, including 10 auto-belays, top rope, and lead climbing
- 100+ bouldering problems
- yoga classes are conducted 20 times a week
- a dedicated fitness room that has cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment
- campus board, hang boards, and adjustable training walls
One remarkable factor about First Ascent Avondale is its towering 60-foot climbing wall that adds a challenge. In addition, this indoor rock climbing gym in Chicago does a complete reset of routes every 8 weeks so there is always something new to look forward to every 2 months.
For first-timers, there is a one-hour introductory session for $ 49 per pax, where you can learn from an experienced instructor on climbing safety, terminology, and etiquette. Rental gear such as climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk will be included, along with unlimited access to the gym for the day after your guided session.
Not to forget, you can also use this space as your work base with free Wi-Fi! You can come in as early as 6 am and leave as late as 11 pm on weekdays (on weekends, the hours are shorter).
Location: 3516 N Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Price: $ 25
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 11 pm
Weekends: 9 am to 8 pm
4. First Ascent Uptown
First Ascent’s 2nd location is located on Chicago’s north side, where a portion of the historic Sheridan Trust Bank Building is being repurposed for this bouldering-only gym. It first opened in 2015 shortly after the Avondale location, and is always buzzing with friendly climbers and yoga goers (but not crowded!).
There are two floors to this building: the first floor is where the receptionist, bike racks, and weightlifting area will be. The second floor is a climber’s heaven with a wide variety of over 150 bouldering problems on 9,000 square feet of climbing surface area with top-notch route setting for all sports levels.
In an air-conditioned gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, climbers will get to climb 15-foot tall walls and utilize climbing training boards such as the Moonboard, hang board, and campus board.
What I like about the First Ascent membership program is not the perks of free yoga classes but the gamified point system where you can earn First Ascent points to redeem a free month of membership and many other freebies (possibly scoring a discounted gear!)
Location: 4718 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
Price: $ 23
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 11 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 8 pm
5. First Ascent Humboldt Park
First Ascent’s 3rd location known as First Ascent Humboldt Park opened in September 2017 with a slightly larger bouldering space of 11,000 square feet of climbing terrain and 200 bouldering problems to climb to your heart’s content.
Although there are several routes for beginners, this indoor rock climbing gym in Chicago is more suited for intermediate climbers and has plenty of technical routes that utilize body tension, balancing, and footwork. Nevertheless, you will still be able to find joy in climbing as most routes go up to a scale of V7 in addition to Moon boards, campus boards, and a scatter wall (spray wall) to play around with.
This bouldering Chicago location also consists of two yoga studios, a weightlifting area, spaces for bikes, and a large locker room with code locks. The staff and instructors genuinely embody customer service at its finest, and you will feel right at home even on the first day.
P.S. If you are driving, there is free street parking on the west side. Do avoid parking on the East side of Sacramento as it belongs to a residential area.
Location: 2950 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
Price: $ 23
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 11 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 8 pm
6. First Ascent Block 37
Conveniently located in Chicago’s Loop, First Ascent Block 37 is a popular climbing gym among the Chicago working adult community with over 10,000 square feet of climbing surface area. You can find it on Level 4 of the mall opposite AMC Theatres.
I particularly liked this outlet, not because it’s the latest First Ascent gym to open in Chicago but also the city view from the glass windows is pretty picturesque and therapeutic. Routes here seem to be on the softer side compared to other bouldering gyms but still challenging enough to return to the gym for more.
Like all First Ascent locations, this bouldering gym Chicago location has a full-suite fitness gym and yoga studios. The gym also organizes plenty of fun events like the popular Blacklight Dyno Bash that happens in the dark. You can also participate in themed nights dressing up in your favorite costume!
A First Ascent day pass is $ 25. It is slightly more expensive compared to its other two bouldering-only outlets but when you are in the heart of the city, it’s totally value for money.
Location: 108 N State St, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
Price: $ 25
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 11 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 8 pm
Want to know what to wear when indoor climbing? Check out our rock climbing attire guide.
7. Maggie Daley Park Rock Climbing
Aside from its amazing indoor climbing gyms, Chicago also has its one and only climbing park located at the center of the Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park. Operated by Lakeshore Sport and Fitness (more on this later), the climbing area is hard to miss with its two 40-foot rock walls standing out from the crowd.
It has an impressive 19, 000 square feet of climbing surface area for bouldering, lead, auto-belay, and top-rope climbing that caters to both beginner and seasoned climbers and combines a unique format of outdoor rock climbing in Chicago with indoor rocks.
The Maggie Daley Park entrance is free. However, if it is your first time to the rock climbing walls at Maggie Daley Park, you are required to take a certification course regardless of your climbing level. After the certification course, you can climb as long as you want throughout the day. The prices are as follows:
- Auto belay with certification course + rental gear (climbing harness and shoes): $ 25
- Top-roped climbing with 45-60 minute certification course + rental gear: $ 29
- Bouldering with 15 minute certification course + rental gear: $ 15
For returning climbers, you will need to be either certified or belay/boulder checked which costs $ 15 each. You can view this as a form of day pass the management charges to ensure safety. Helmets are also compulsory so make sure you bring your own. Otherwise, you can rent one for $ 5.
The climbing park is mainly open during the summer, with limited weekend sessions in the beginning of fall.
Location: 337 E Randolph Service St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Price: $ 15
Operating Hours (subject to change depending on season):
Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 9 pm
8. Movement Wrigleyville
Across Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field is Movement Wrigleyville, the first of two Movement gyms that opened in 2021. It is easily accessible from the Red Line and convenient for bike riders as there’s also a bike storage area inside.
The Movement franchise is part of a larger indoor climbing gym operator, El Cap, who also manages Planet Granite and Earth Trek gyms. With floor-to-ceiling windows to allow the radiant skylight to shine through, this indoor rock climbing gym Chicago location occupies three floors with over 12,000 square feet of climbing space within a 43,000 square feet building capacity.
The Wrigleyville outlet is a bouldering-only gym: the first and third floor is where the bouldering Walltopia walls are at and the second floor is a full-suite fitness gym. If you like a clean modern climbing facility that is also LGBT-friendly with multiple fun events, then drop by to your nearest Movement gym!
Movement Climbing gyms also offer a free class promotion using the code FIRSTFREE for you to try out any of their introduction climbing, yoga, or fitness classes (I recommend the Introduction to Bouldering course).
P.S. There’s a Taco Bell Cantina on the lower floor if you need to grab a bite!
Location: 1115 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
Price: $ 25
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
9. Movement Lincoln Park
The second Movement gym in Chicago caters to climbers who enjoy all sorts of climbing, including rope climbing! Within this massive 41, 000 square feet facility, you can find over 200 climbing routes to try at 55-feet high walls.
The location is conveniently accessible two blocks away from the Red Line with the addition of a small private parking garage.
This indoor rock climbing Chicago space also has a full-service gym, soundproof yoga studios, and a wide array of climbing gear to rent and purchase. Just like its sister outlet, it has three levels with the full suite gym located on the highest floor.
There are auto belay routes of varying heights that will challenge your fear as well as towering lead walls to try out. Routes are resetted frequently with a schedule released every two weeks.
If you are lucky, you may score a few perks on certain months such as free trial climbing for a week or free climbing day passes.
For first-timers, you can book a free 15-minute tour (you will get a free introductory climbing class in return!) to get a glimpse of this climbing paradise.
The Movement gyms also run climbing youth programs around the summer so be on the lookout for these events on their website if you are keen!
Location: 1460 N Dayton St, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
Price: $ 25
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
10. ClimbZone Chicago
Not your average climbing gym, ClimbZone is an amusement park that has over 65 colorful hand-painted climbing walls for kids and adults to try out. While there are other activities available in this entertainment center, the climbing section is the ultimate highlight in this indoor gym.
Similar to the Clip n Climb walls available across the United States, climbers will be attached to an auto belay rope while climbing unique creative structures. Experience climbing a clock tower, a keyboard, and even a mini replica of the Statue of Liberty!
In addition to climbing, you can also participate in laser tags, zip lines, arcade games, and a high ropes course that can be used for a team-building session.
If you plan to just climb, you can obtain a two-hour pass for $ 29.99. Rental gear is provided and included in the pass so don’t bring your own!
Location: 500 W Bradley Pl Suite M, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Price: $ 29.99 (2-hour session)
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 2 pm to 7 pm
Friday: 2 pm to 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
11. Vertical Endeavors
Located in the suburbs of Chicago is a neighborhood climbing gym called Vertical Endeavors. The Glendale Heights community is lucky to have one full-suite climbing gym just across their homes! (This is also the nearest place for indoor rock climbing in Naperville)
Vertical Endeavors is part of a larger entity of Midwest climbing gyms. Opened in 2014, it once held the title as the largest climbing facility in the United States with a 42, 000 square feet area capacity and a 45, 000 square feet of climbing surface area.
Its facilities include:
- climbing walls up to 30 feet
- 3 bouldering areas
- 450 climbing routes, including lead climbing and top-roped
- 35 auto belays
A day pass at Vertical Endeavors will grant you unlimited access to all the climbing walls, an orientation class by the instructors and fitness classes. The gym also conducts outdoor climbing classes during the summer along with fun casual competition events such as an Adult Climb League.
If you are looking for a women-friendly climbing learning experience, there is a session that happens every Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm for all “Gals” to explore.
Location: 246 Windy Point Dr, Glendale Heights, IL 60139, United States
Price: $ 22
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 10 am to 10 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 6 pm
12. Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
If you are looking for the tallest indoor climbing wall in Chicago, then Lakeshore Sport & Fitness is where you need to go! Known as the number 1 destination for all things fitness, sport, and entertainment, this gym has a towering climbing wall that stands 110 feet tall.
Rather than a full-fledged climbing gym, this is a full-suite fitness gym with a climbing wall. It definitely brings back old-school climbing vibes with its colored tapes on greyscale walls. Every climber is required to take an orientation course (which includes gear rental) for their visit to the facility. Only top rope climbing is available here and lead climbing is not allowed.
If you are an experienced belayer, you will still need a belay check from the instructor for a certain fee (similar to Maggie Daley Rock Climbing as they are operated by the same management).
There are, however, no day passes available to access this wall. You can only climb if you have a guest pass or a monthly membership with the center. Nevertheless, the gym membership is definitely value for money with unlimited access to tennis courts, basketball courts,an indoor pool, fitness machines, free personal training session, and more.
P.S. There are two Lakeshore Sport & Fitness and only the Illinois Center location has the climbing wall.
Location: 211 N Stetson Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Price: Membership program
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 9 pm
Weekends: 7 am to 5 pm
13. First Ascent Arlington Heights
Another indoor rock climbing gym in Chicago’s suburbs, First Ascent Arlington Heights was formerly an abandoned indoor water park that has turned into a magnificent climbing space.
Opened on 6th August 2022, this gym is now a popular location for national competitions such as the Youth Nationals and training camps. You may be able to spot some of your favorite climbing celebrities when you are here!
This full-fledged gym consists of:
- 25, 000 climbing surface area
- climbing walls up to 50 feet
- 90 top rope routes, including lead climbing and 10 auto belay lanes
- 100 bouldering problems
- Kilter boards, Moon board, campus boards, and hangboards
- a fitness equipment area and two yoga studios
It is also family friendly with a dedicated kids section and a play area to keep the children entertained. First-timers can purchase a guided session for $ 49 or an introductory course for $ 99 (that includes 3 additional day passes).
A day pass at Arlington Heights is slightly cheaper than Avondale at $ 23. For the amenities and amount of climbing you get, this Chicago climbing gym is worth checking out!
P.S. If you bought a climbing membership in August 2023, you will get the rest of the month free!
P.P.S. There is free parking here!
Location: 701 Rohlwing Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, United States
Price: $ 23
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 6 am to 10 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 8 pm
14. First Ascent Peoria
Albeit 160 miles away from Chicago, First Ascent Peoria deserves a mention for enthusiasts looking for a climbing gym in central Illinois.
The only climbing gym in Peoria that opened in 2019, it features world-class rock climbing holds on a 14, 400 square feet climbing area, a single yoga studio, 60 roped routes (including top rope, lead, and auto belay), and 80 bouldering problems.
Peoria is comparatively smaller compared to the rest of the First Ascent rock climbing outlets in Illinois but still maintains the same friendly vibes across all gyms. Also, it is the cheapest First Ascent location by day pass on this list!
Location: 927 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, United States
Price: $ 19
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 10 am to 10 pm
Weekends: 10 am to 8 pm
15. North Wall Rock Climbing Gym
If you are heading to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, there is an underrated climbing gym you should check out. This gym has been open for 30 years and is still going strong with a loyal community.
That gym is North Wall Rock Climbing Gym, a neighborhood gym with over 1,900 square feet of climbing surface area of both roped climbing (with auto belay) and bouldering. As a bouldering-focused gym, it has over 200 bouldering problems graded from V0 to V10, a difficult feat for many. The auto belay routes are more suited for beginners figuring out the ropes of climbing.
Routes are resetted every week at the bouldering area with various overhangs, slabs, arete climbing, a Kilter board, and a spray wall to utilize. It’s a place where you will find more than meets the eye that you will wish you had more time to try all the routes!
Customer service in this place remains solid and consistent, and is a popular place for many new and aspiring climbers. There is also a decent-sized fitness area with equipment to complement your training.
Overall, this is an impressive climbing gym if you are around the suburbs!
Location: 824 S Main St #106, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, United States
Price: $ 17
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm
FAQ
How Tall Are Movement Chicago Walls?
The climbing walls at Movement Chicago Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park are 56-feet high (17 metres). For context, competition lead walls have a minimum height of 49 feet (15 metres). Test your ability and conquer your fear on these Walltopia walls in one of the best lead climbing gyms in Chicago!
Conclusion
With so many indoor rock climbing gyms in Chicago to explore, it is time to get your climbing shoes and put them to the test on these walls. I enjoy climbing with the Chicago community as they are really friendly when it comes to giving pointers and having the best social events. It is truly a “work, climb, eat, repeat” environment that you will enjoy staying in.
Interested to know about some of the best indoor climbing gyms in the United States? Check out rock climbing locations in Hawaii, Tennessee (Nashville in particular!), San Diego, and Las Vegas!