Great gym Great workout Nice people Bouldering only Many routes We Loved it Kids loved it Would recommend Will repeat read more

First Ascent Block 37 - Rock Climbing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Located on the 4th floor of the mall the temperature in this gym is always perfect for climbing! This is just a bouldering gym so no ropes. The space is large and they often have fun events to engage the community such as a kilter board competition, members meet ups, college nights, bloc fest, there is always something coming up! The staff are wonderful and super knowledgeable! If you are coming in for the first time, fill the waiver out on their website to get through everything faster. read more

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10/10 experience The ease of booking online was incredible - for a 2 person 1 hour guided climbing session + free admission for the rest of the night the cost was $78 Emma confirmed our booking in the phone and was friendly and nice. Alan was an incredibly personable teacher and made the experience so fun! Lucy also greeted us at the front desk and made us feel welcome when checking in. First Ascent is an incredible experience and makes for a great spot to workout + an interesting date night! I'm read more

Awesome climbing gym downtown. It's a very clean and well maintained gym in the Block 37 shopping mall. There is only bouldering at this location, but there is a wide variety, with a few caves, many options at each skill level, yoga rooms, weights area, and cardio machines overlooking Daley Plaza. The crowd here is mostly college aged people that live and work downtown. Lots of first time guests on Friday evenings and weekends so make sure you submit your waiver ahead of time. Great place to go see Chicago-Henge twice a year as well! read more

First Ascent Block 37 - Rock Climbing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Qualifier: This is the first gym I've visited in Chicago. First Ascent is a great all bouldering gym. I feel that is right up there with a lot of the newer gyms that are super well lit, loads and loads of climbing problems, brightly colored, has tons of amenities (like workout areas, yoga rooms, etc.), and nice mats all around. We came in on a Saturday, and while there were a good number of people climbing, my group of beginners and mid-level climbers had no trouble finding some fun routes to climb on (aka no waiting). The orientation and waiver process was super painless, and price was relatively within expectation for Chicago. And that's really all there is to it. Some other things to note: admission was about $24 for a day pass, but students can get in for $19 with an ID. They do have a really nice and well stocked free weights area. They have free lockers and they also provide band-aids, hair ties, and lotion in the front. So A+ for all that. read more

First Ascent Block 37 - Scoping out some problems! - Rock Climbing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is an A+ bouldering gym. It is absolutely huge with a ton of diversity in the setting and pretty spot on grading (a little soft but not too off). I could spend hours here just exploring problems. Great facilities to shower and the view is awesome. It is in the mall, if you're like me and traveling to Chicago and relying on google maps it won't tell you that and you'll walk around the block 13 times. The only thing that would make it better is taller walls, I know it is what it is but vertical problems have a four to five move cap being that the ceiling is so short. Suggestion: buy the space above, tear down the ceiling, open it up and then you'll be a 6 star gym :) I'll be back read more

High Quality bouldering gym in the heart of Chicago. If u wanna shred the gnar gnar and head on down to sendville come here and get it. Flew in for a work trip and stoked that I came here. read more

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I go here at least 2-4 times per week and I'm so happy there's an FA closer to my work/home! This place is big! It's pretty crowded after work these days, but the rush usually dies down around 7:30/8PM. Weekends are also a good time to come! This location leaves problems around for a perfect amount of time in my opinion. It feels like there is always new stuff, but they leave the old problems up long enough where I have a good few weeks at least to work through them. Lots of lockers! I've always been able to find a place to put my things. There are also more in the bathrooms, which they keep nice and clean. There are new member meetups - look for signage or ask around. I just went to my first one today and it was a great way to meet new people! The turnout was much better than I had expected. Overall I really enjoy belonging to this gym and will continue to be here at least 2-3 times a week :) read more

I was visiting from out of town and got a day pass. The gym was located on the fourth floor of a shopping mall, which was a little weird for me since I've never been to a climbing gym inside a mall. However, the facility is surprisingly big, really clean and well equipped. But the highlight of the trip was the person at the front desk who was super helpful and nice. read more

Was visiting Chicago when I wanted to get a workout in and checkout the bouldering scene in Chicago. First Ascent has many climbing gyms around Chicago but this was closest to where I was staying and is a bouldering only gym! It is actually in a mall, located on the 4th floor. The mall is block 37, so do not feel lost because it is not listed on any of the store signs outside, you have to go inside and get to the 4th floor. I filled out a quick waiver online the night before. Inside you are greeted with a desk where it was really fast to pay and get to bouldering. After a very brief tour, I was off! There are also free lockers that lock! I didn't see any drinking fountains so it might be wise to bring your own water! They also mentioned that for the 20 dollar day pass, you can also join any class for no extra charge. While I was there, I saw a beginner bouldering class and it was pretty full and people were having a blast! Coming from a gym with traditional wall climbing and bouldering, I LOVE the all bouldering gym. Soooo many routes and space. The routes are labeled by the V system grade. All the routes I looked at had been set within the last 2 weeks. There are a really good mix of slabby walls, overhangs, caves etc. On a Saturday it wasn't crowded and the front desk girl said it was even slightly busier than normal. There are also a few treadmills and a training area with nice city views! Overall loved the space, will visit again if I'm in Chicago nearby! read more

First Ascent Block 37 - Pretty nice big space, easy to work on your own problem without falling in people - Rock Climbing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolute Unit of a climbing gym. This facility offers only Boulders and boulders and boulders and Boulders. Fucking awesome. I love boulders. Staff was very nice, facility was clean, egos were low and oh yeah lots of boulders. read more

Had a really good experience at First Ascent recently.My 1st time ever at a rockclimbing gym.They have sooooo many structures to climb.This gym has freeweights and treadmills also.I can come in and get a full body workout thats for sure.Plenty of lockers and I dont even need to bring my own lock.You can just put in your own combination.Place is immaculate.Staff was very friendly as well as helpful.I definitely plan on going again.I already belong to a gym nearby.For me its a great place to visit to break the monotony as they do offer daily rates.Thumbs up!!! read more

First Ascent Block 37 - Rock Climbing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a great bouldering gym! (FYI there is no rope climbing at this location) I have been coming here several times a week since its inception. They have a great core/abs class that I highly recommend if you like pain and gains. The two yoga studios don't have great ventilation/HVAC though. Their bouldering routes change in sections; there are about 10 sections that are changed on a staggered basis, so each section is rotated out every few weeks, but every couple days at least one section will have been turned over and replaced with new problems. In general, the holds when fresh are easy to grip, but after a while the small footholds particularly can get slippery. That's difficult for me but I suppose it's a good challenge for improving. Another nice thing is that all the bouldering areas are thickly padded; you don't need to drag crash pads around. They also have a moon board, but that's still beyond my ability to use. They lose a star for a few complaints: 1. There are nice free daily use electronic lockers, but during peak hours it's hard to find unused ones; I think because they rent out a lot of lockers (for a fee) on a monthly basis so a lot are taken. 2. The two squat racks are dangerously close together (perpendicular not even side to side so if you both back out you will bump into each other) with no mirrors for checking your form (or 'mirin); but it's nice to have all bumper plates for more functional training read more

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I loved this climbing gym! My boyfriend and I were visiting from out of town and wanted a place to climb. We didn't bring any of our climbing gear, so we rented shoes and a chalk bag. Since we're both students, the shoes and chalk bag were included with our entrance fee! I think we paid $15 each for everything--such a great deal. Since we were new, a staff member gave us a brief orientation. The staff was very nice! After orientation, we started climbing. I also ran on the treadmill since they have a gym as well. The view is so nice because you're up a couple floors in the city. I loved how they had large windows. The climbing gyms in my area don't have windows so it was nice to have natural light when I climbed. They also have a large locker room with showers and towels. The towels were a little scratchy and rough, but it was included so I'm not complaining. The showers are also really nice and they have shampoo and soap. read more

Dropped in for a weekday night from out of town, and I was very pleased with my climbing session. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Entire facility was super clean, available lockers for storage. Just want to point out that this is a bouldering gym. Problems are awesome (shout out to route setting team! 10/10) albeit the facility is a bit small. Still, I appreciate that the facility exists for those located in the area. Restrooms were also spacious and clean, so that's a huge plus! Lastly, they have a moon board! Overall had a great time here hope to stop by if I'm ever in town. read more

Shockingly, this place is not for kids. The staff, specifically one, Janay Faulkner, was beyond abrasive with my son and niece. She started the awful experience by kicking off my niece from the kid's wall so that she could train an employee. While I am standing behind her to catch it on camera, I could not believe how disconnected this staffer was with not only my niece, but myself (both paying customers of the gym). I cut her off in the middle of training explaining that my niece was trying to latch to go UP - not down. Instead of kicking her off the wall, Janay should have asked, "Can I help you with that or were you done?" With kids 9 and below, I am shocked that she would be allowed to manage the gym without any simple customer service practices. She continued to follow my climbers around the gym that it started to creep out my son that he didn't want to climb (after just 45 mins of arriving). She proceeded to tell me that I had to watch (right below) each of the kids. With one kid on one side of the gym and the other on another, that was just impossible. She said I was supposed to help set them up on their harness - keep in mind - I am in a jean skirt with zero climbing experience....this was also my first (and last time) attending this gym. Her abrasive attitude and harassing tone were unbearable that we all packed up and decided to leave. I would highly suggest another spot to entertain your kids - anywhere but here. I asked for my money back and was credited by the cool guy at the front desk, apologizing for Janay's behavior. read more

Came here on a Monday night at around 6 PM. It wasn't too crowded and basically was able to have my own version of the wall at all times. I got a guest pass for a day because I'm only in town for a while, and a day pass for students that includes chalk and shoes and the day pass is now $19. It had raised from the previous $15. However my group, made the most of the day. The gym here is all bouldering, and the problems are super fun. I feel like compared to other gyms that I've been to in California, these were marked easier than they were, which was morale boosting. Got a good workout in and then took the yoga class for climbers at 645, which was a crazy intense but fun class! The locker rooms are super clean and the showers are so nice. There is towel service and the service is exceptional. I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone in town, even just for a while!! read more

Excellent spot for bouldering!! There's only bouldering at this location, no top rope climbing. Plenty of problems (routes) on a number of walls so there is usually something open, but it can get very busy in the evening. It's inside of the Block 37 mall, so you can park in the garage but it can be pricey. There's also street parking if you're lucky but I'd recommend taking public transit. They are open later than most stores in the mall and most of the mall doors are locked at 8. I was able to enter in an entrance on Randolph. The staff is really friendly at check in and you can rent all of your gear if needed. A day pass is $19, and they have a discounted bundle for gear. Outside of bouldering, there are a few treadmills, rowing machines, and a number of machines for weightlifting. They also have yoga classes available but I'm not sure if those are extra or the schedule. Really clean and well-kept facility with showers in the bathroom if needed. Been here a few times and I'm sure I'll be back! read more

With the caveat I've only been to maybe a dozen climbing gyms, this is probably top two. If I lived in chicago I'd definitely join. Super extensive collection of boulder problems (and only bouldering), workout equipment, etc. Routes were really fun, just a huge fan in general. read more

This was my first visit to a bouldering gym and I think I might be hooked! It's too bad I don't live nearby or else I would look into switching gyms and signing up for a membership. + LOCATION: In the heart of the Loop on State St, super convenient if you work downtown and easily accessible via public trans. The gym is inside the Block 37 mall and has floor to ceiling windows and tons of natural light. + AMENITIES: Most of the space is devoted to climbing. There are tons of routes of increasing levels of difficulty that are all well-marked. And if you get tired of climbing they do have cardio machines (treadmills, bikes), a barbell area, dumbbells, and TRX. AND two yoga rooms. With yoga classes. I believe they offer other group classes in addition to yoga. All equipment was brand new and squeaky clean. + COST: I was able to drop in for free for my first visit because I was with a member. Shoe rental is $6. Monthly unlimited is $80/month. For all of the amenities included and location, especially considering how empty the gym was, this is an amazing deal. On a Sunday around noon there couldn't have been more than 25 people, which felt like we almost had the gym to ourselves. For first-timers, I recommend coming with a friend that has bouldered before. The gym will give you a safety talk and a little instruction, but then you're on your own. It was helpful for me to get some tips and build confidence with someone more experienced. The community there is really supportive; I was getting advice from people I didn't know on how to plan out my next moves. If you're looking for some variety in your workout, check this place out! Even if you become a regular, they change the climbing routes so there is always a new challenge waiting. read more

This is a great place for bouldering! This place is solely for bouldering and there are no top ropes or autobelays. It's $19 for day pass. They ask you if you're a student or military so I guess you get some kind of discount with that. They also have a small gym with weights, treadmill, elliptical, and rower. I think there's also a yoga studio. It's a huge climbing gym with incredible problems. They even have problems involving dynos which is so much fun! The difficulty ranges and even within the same grades, it varies. A V1 can be very easy but the next V1 can be a bit difficult. The staff is very friendly and chill. No problems with them at all. They make you feel welcome and allow you to do your thing without them being overbearing like other places. It does get crowded after 5 so be prepared to wait around. The good part is you get to meet people or watch others work on problems. I recommend this place if you love bouldering. Great routes! It's clean. Bathrooms are clean. read more

Very challenging course. However the owner was very pleasant to work with and helped me out a lot.

This location is inside of a mall, which is a little disconcerting at first, but you quickly forgot about that once you start climbing. The problems are well marked and plentiful. Route grading seemed fair. Lockers were a little tricky to use. The gym was clean and well maintained. One star off for kind of a weird vibe first thing in the morning, completely silent (no music) made for a dead/deserted feeling. But once the place got more crowded, noise level felt more normal again. The views from the large floor-to-ceiling windows are amazing! read more

I've been a member at the gym for close to a year and the experience has been okay until I had to cancel my membership. I honestly would not recommend it to anyone for the following reasons: 1. called FA to cancel my membership yesterday since I'm leaving EOM, and I learned that even when you cease to be a member, THEY WILL STILL HAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFO ON FILE FOREVER. This is a violation of my privacy since nowhere in the contract did they mention that they are entitled to my personal and financial information forever. Even in online shopping you will be explicitly given the option to store or delete your card information. This option is not available on their website. YOU NEED TO EMAIL THEM AGAIN to make sure they DELETE your information. This absolutely sucks. 2. They accidentally charged me for a t-shirt AFTER I canceled my account, only because some other Asian girl who stood next me were purchasing it, which also proves they cannot tell Asians apart. 3. In general, the gym can smell quite bad on a crowded day especially at block 37. The ventilation sucks. Sometimes I had to leave immediately just because how bad it smelt. 4. Yoga sessions can be very crowded too and there is no mechanism for preventing overbooking. 5. Customer service is confusing and the response time is very long. Everything is done through email or phone call and the email gets returned by different account name each time. When I was freezing my membership I did not receive any confirmation at all and it was quite inconvenient and unprofessional. Sometimes it's "info@" sometimes it's "test staff". Whoever was writing the web app should probably take the "test" out before launch it. It just seemed very unprofessional and as an IT professional I honestly do not entrust them to have my information. read more

My favorite bouldering place now. The location is very convenient. Equipment is new since the gym is new. You can find challenges from beginner level to expert level. The walls are frequently updated, so you always have new challenges to work on. Group classes offered are also helpful to improve flexibility for bouldering. read more