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    First Ascent Avondale

    4.5 (89 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Services - First Ascent Avondale

    Group fitness

    Virtual fitness classes

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    I'll need to stretch after this one.
    Adrianna U.

    My friends and I were all at different levels of climbing. We ranged from first-timer to someone who has climbed over a year and we all had an amazing time! We were also able to use the student discount when we showed our ID, $25 (includes $10 gear). Before we got climbing, we had to go through an orientation- a tour and a belay test. I was comforted by this safety precaution, plus it got me familiar with their amenities. This gym is huge! They have a expansive range of routes for lead climbing, top-rope climbing, and auto-belaying. They also have a bouldering section, as well as a full-size gym with all sorts of fitness equipment. 60 ft. walls were almost double to what I'm used to back at my local rock climbing gym. The height really builds your endurance, but can be frightening to look down lol. Prepare yourself!

    Julia A.

    The vibes are positive, non-judgmental, supportive, and community oriented. The staff are extremely helpful, friendly, and enthusiastic (but in a chill sort of way, you know?). They've managed to strike a balance between excellence and inclusion and offer a really broad range of options for beginners to experts. There's a great variety of types of routes, so you're able to focus on your favorite type of problem, or push yourself on climbs that might not normally be in your range. Would definitely recommend for small or large groups to try something new and different.

    Wene C.

    Overall very good, the place is big and the environment is very good. The security measures are good and can be well instructed.

    cool ceiling above the registration desk.
    Jon S.

    I haven't climbed since the early 2000s and was really impressed at the facilities, routes, and other options at First Ascent Avondale. This is the only location with top ropes, lead climb routes, and auto-belay, and these routes reach up to 60'. The auto-belayed routes range from 5.6 to 5.10 or 5.11, and the routes with top ropes or lead climbs must rise to 5.13 or more, based on the overhangs and holds I could see from the ground level. There's also a bunch of bouldering, campus boards, a weight room, and other options. You could easily spend hours upon hours there without having to climb the same route a second time. Routes are all clearly marked and color-coded (this was a welcome change from the early days when a route might consist of numerous different colored holds and you couldn't tell if a hold was on a route until you got close enough to see the strip of electrical tape that marked it). The staff are all very, very knowledgeable and friendly - there's no sense of elitism if you're a novice climber.

    A true view of challenge and fun.
    Tim W.

    A definite bring your family, friends, Date. Whatever you choose. I had this place bookmarked to go and visit, just never had a chance to make it. But thankfully a friend has been here and finally push myself and some others to come here. It's kinda of hidden right off the Main Street Addison. I mean if you have never heard about it from someone, you probably wouldn't know about it. I mean I would never have figured a place as cool as this would be located not to far from my house. When we came with our friends, we chose to purchase the day pass. And also to rent the gear to climb the walls. Was fairly priced. $19 for the day pass & $10 for renting the gear. Oh yeah, and you also have to sign a waiver before you touch the walls. But that's normal when it comes to you doing anything that involves risk : ) For first timers visiting the place. You have to go through an orientation of the rules & what you can and can not climb. Not unless you are certified on repelling there is only so much of the walls you can climb. (Believe me, there is still more than enough you can climb on. ) Once all was done. We headed straight to walls and started to test our strength, agility and skills when it comes to climbing. Keep in mind. This is not for those who are wary of heights. We finished after a couple of hours there and were very pleased with the experience. A definite place to visit if you can. I know I am going to try and make it here again.

    christina r.

    Their Teen Climbing Club is fantastic. Kaleigh and Moises are skilled leaders who provide an excellent blend of warmth, support, hands on and hands off instruction in a safe environment. They bring a great relaxed and positive energy to the teen group. Combine that with the awesome facilities at FA and this program should be 6 stars! My son spends 4 hours a week with them and has become more confident, muscular and happy, along with learning how to climb, belay and boulder safely in a short amount of time. Highly recommend.

    The bouldering here is so good and challenging, small space compared to the other locations but enough.
    Kirsty R.

    Absolutely terrible. The very second you walk in no one is at the desk checking in people. I waited for a good 10 minutes two employees saw me mind you they were busy but didn't acknowledge there was a human waiting at the desk waiting to be helped, not a welcome, no "I'll get to you in a few minutes." I believe the owner of the facility she was there.. Nothing she totally made sure not to get eye contact with me. I love this gym I'm a member but didn't have my scan card with me but if the first few seconds of walking in to a facility isn't warming.. and if y'all are that busy.. hire more faculty! But overall this gym is so fun and enjoyable.. hopefully this doesn't happen again.

    Carolyn I.

    Atmosphere: 5/5 Food: N/A Service: 4/5 I have been wanting to climb since I first moved here but I kept making up excuses as to why I couldn't go. Finally, I made my way to First Ascent and I'm so mad at myself for not going earlier! Before I came here, I checked out their website to see what the gym looked like and to fill out paperwork (usually gyms have waivers and I find it easy to do before going in). Their website lets you do a virtual tour and you can tell this gym is BIG! Their website claims that their walls are 60 feet high, the tallest in Chicago! When I walked in, 60 feet was indeed TALL. What I liked about the gym is that they had top rope, lead climbing, auto-belay, bouldering and a fitness center, all in one building. The staff was super nice although it took a while to find people to do orientation (mandatory for all newcomers) and to do belay certification. Overall: I can't wait to come again! They have a free private lot which I feel like is hard to come by in the city. The biggest perk is that they have student discounts here! Bring your ID and a day pass is only $15!

    Celene T.

    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

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    This was so much fun! Recommend to everyone!Great place for bouldering. Super clean.Nice lockers with electronic locks. And good prices.

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    4 years ago

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    Dan B.

    Thanks Wene! So glad you enjoyed your experience. Climb on!

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    4 years ago

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    Thanks Brian! So glad you enjoyed your visit. Climb on!

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    2 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    So glad you enjoyed it Carolyn! Come back and see us soon.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    pretty good. they need more free climbing walls. a bit sparse. lots of carabiner walls though.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great staff great bouldering routes Friendly community free liquid chalk and gym room

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    Dan B.

    Glad you enjoyed the visit Danny! Climb on!

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    9 years ago

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    Thanks for being a part of the FA community, Megan!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - First Ascent Avondale

    Is there any sort of military discount?

    Yes! Day Passes for active military and veterans are $15 (Reg. $19). Hope that helps!

    How large is the fitness area? What equipment does it entail?

    The fitness area is 2500 sf and includes cardio equipment, free weights, and functional training equipment. Stop by and we'll give you a tour!

    Hi there! Does your facility have any auto belays? If so, roughly how many?

    Yes! There are usually between 5-10 depending on how many are being serviced, setting, etc.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - First Ascent Avondale

    Included with your day pass is access to some of the classes they offer which I thought was a pretty sweet deal.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    So glad I discovered Ritual. I am not a gym person, and always struggled to find a workout class I…read morefelt comfortable in, so finding Ritual has been a huge breakthrough for me. Candlelit rooms, cool towels and massages to end class, amazing playlists... It took me a while to be able to keep up and get comfortable moving in the dark and heat, but it's amazing to feel the progress as you level up poses and gain endurance across the board. The teachers are great at leveling out poses and reminding everyone to breath as they flow, which really helps you focus on yourself and your practice, rather than your surroundings and thoughts. The perfect escape and workout.

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    First Ascent Avondale - yoga - Updated May 2026

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