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First Ascent Block 37

4.6 (25 reviews)
Closed 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Services - First Ascent Block 37

Group fitness

Personal training

Virtual fitness classes

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Recommended Reviews - First Ascent Block 37

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Sam L.

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!

Scoping out some problems!
Wells L.

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.

Bouldering
Eric F.

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.

Pretty nice big space, easy to work on your own problem without falling in people
Lei L.

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!

Oscar S.

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!!!

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7 years ago

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

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Thanks Jessica! Glad you're enjoying it.

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Ask the Community - First Ascent Block 37

Review Highlights - First Ascent Block 37

Coming from a gym with traditional wall climbing and bouldering, I LOVE the all bouldering gym.

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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First Ascent Block 37 - rock_climbing - Updated May 2026

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