★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really warm and inviting space for all ages. We will for sure be coming back again and again!

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★ 5

Great tall walls, I like the gym too, and it has a great bouldering area as well. Perfect mind body workout!

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★ 5

CC is awesome! My little was nervous to climb but they created a safe space for us and it was super fun.
Very clean and well-maintained facility.

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★ 5

So much fun and such welcoming staff

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

CC was great with our 5yo, thank you!

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★ 5

My favorite gym I've been too, great shoe selection, with bouldering, top rope, and a great gym, I would HIGHLY recommend this gym

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★ 5

So friendly, supportive, and chill. They reset the routes at a nice pace, so there's always something new to work on, but I have a good bit of time to work a project. The rope wall is huge and offers a lot of variety in terms of skill-level, climbing style, and just fun challenges. I wish it was closer, or that the other First Ascents also had rope walls, but it's well worth making the trek up to Avondale

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★ 5

Great for all ages! My son loved his introductory class and looks forward to learning more and continuing to practice climbing.

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★ 5

This was our first experience with any kind of climbing. We signed my son up for the foundations class after he expressed a strong desire to learn. The whole experience was wonderful!! Enna is FANTASTIC! Comfortable, fun and engaging for young climbers. Friendly staff, clean and organized space. Lots of comfortable options for parents to watch, work, work out or climb while kids climb. Great experience overall! So glad we found First Ascent, can't wait to see his love of climbing flourish here!

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★ 5

We have been going to FA since 2017; we had to take several years off during the pandemic and after having surgery. But we are really really excited about getting back to it. My only complaint would be that I am really short and routes are not set considering super short people.

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★ 5

My favorite climbing gym in Chicago. They have many high walls and an area for bouldering. Fun problems! Plenty of space and very airy.

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★ 5

I met my climbing friends in this place and they are very nice and friendly people. The place is super cool and got both bouldering and top rope for beginners like me.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great time. Friendly staff.

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★ 5

Avondale is currently my home gym. I always have a positive interaction with the morning staff at this location, which sets the tone for the session. I love that I can mix in bouldering with roped climbs in the same visit. They have ample space/equipment in the yoga, weightlifting, and climbing training areas. If you are strictly looking to boulder, Avondale has a smaller footprint than their other Chicago locations, but there is still a great variety, and the ability to also work in roped climbs makes this location worth a visit!

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★ 5

I cannot praise this climbing space highly enough. The staff (shout out to Amy in particular) are so unbelievably kind and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to make you feel welcomed and at ease. The gym itself screams “safe place for all” with inclusivity motifs scattered throughout the location. The rope walls are super fun with a wide variety of levels and enough auto belays to provide both warm ups and challenges. I was just so impressed. 10/10 would recommend.

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★ 5

Excellent rope climbing.

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★ 1

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★ 5

One of the best gyms in Chicagoland. The only other that come close are the other First Ascent locations

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★ 5

I love FA. First, for the friendly and helpful staff, second, the excellent facility and route setting, and third, it's many convenient locations to me.

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★ 5

I've been a member of First Ascent since they opened and have many positive memories there. Below are the top things I appreciate about this Chicago-based climbing community:

- The locations I've gone to (Avondale, Humboldt, Uptown, Block 37, and Arlington Heights) have helpful staff with a great sense of humor, fun and varied route setting, locking lockers, shower facilities, and fitness and yoga classes.

- Multiple locations make my membership more convenient when I want to meet friends in different areas. It also makes it fun check out restaurants after a session!

- I'm not a big events person, but FA offers events for communities like Climbing in Color, Adaptive Climbing, and Queer Climbing. There's also climbing competitions, movie nights, craft activities, and social events. My friends and those moving from other states have found this helpful to get to know people.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This was a phenomenal gym.

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★ 5

Nation wide, one of the top gyms to be a member of. Amazing setting, staff that cares and awesome to be around, plus tons of extras and classes from outdoor first time to v3 indoor meet ups. Highly recommend!

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★ 5

Avondale FA offers some great top rope and a small bouldering area, but surprisingly I tend to boulder over top rope. Even though it is smaller than what the other gyms offer, I find the problems challenging and fun! and it's easier to chat with other climbers and make friends since you often end up working on the same problems. The staff is also very friendly and lovely. Love my home gym, Avondale!

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★ 5

Years after I first gave FA Avondale a 5-Star review, I stand by it. Member here, and love the vibe - and the climbing. Welcoming, friendly, helpful. Plenty of social options if you want them, but people are equally happy to let you work a project by yourself day-after-day without pushing themselves on you. If you're by yourself there's a huge bouldering area, fantastic workout / lifting options, and maybe a dozen or so auto-belays with routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.12. Icing on the cake? Routes are constantly being updated and their route setting is creative and inventive - really top notch.

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★ 5

Great climbing experience. Staff were friendly and inclusive. Climbs were fun and challenging. Good range of movement across grades, plenty of auto belays. Perfect for visitors or a membership.

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★ 5

It was my sons and I first time ever climbing. Cece helped us out today. Cece was very knowledgeable and fun! 🤩

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★ 5

Great route setting and a lead wall with significant overhang. This gym also hosts a lot of fun events like Drag at the Crag!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

The climbs were challenging and fun.

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★ 5

Staff are 10/10 and the community is so welcoming

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★ 5

I am newer to climbing community. I have recently been solo climbing the auto belay utilizing the pre-purchase 10-pass. Farbota was incredibly helpful in selecting new shoes and discussing the pros and cons. Trevor and staff were friendly helping check out. The Avondale FA is top rated from me!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Staff is absolutely wonderful.,all very friendly.. had a great time there with my son and his good friend.

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★ 5

Great staff! Super friendly and helpful. Seems like the members are pretty chill. Love this place!

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★ 5

Friendly staff, impressive facilities

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★ 5

Perfect replacement for a gym. What a workout, 1 hour of proper climbing will tire you for an entire week!

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★ 5

Love this rock climbing gym. The staff are funny, nice, and warm, and they have these lovely volunteers who belay you. Likewise, the people who go there seem to love and respect what they do. Would recommend.

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★ 5

Still my favorite climbing gym in the city. Great setting, super friendly staff, and excellent classes and teachers.

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★ 5

I’m new to Chicago but found out quickly that First Ascent is an amazing gym. The different locations give a cool variety in possibilities for climbing options. The staff has all been very helpful and uplifting people. Also the gym space outside of climbing makes for a great all around workout experience. I’m a huge fan!

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★ 5

Amy!!! The wonderful explainer of all things safety and climbing! Loved every minute of our visit!!!

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★ 5

I normally spend my climbing time at the Arlington Heights location as it's closer to my house, but a friend a work recommended Avondale for top rope. We finally got to try it out this weekend and certainly weren't disappointed. The variety of routes was awesome and we enjoyed the (slightly) taller walls versus Arlington Heights. The bouldering area is a bit small here, but I tend to favor vertical climbing anyway!

I would also like to give a shout out to the staff. Everyone we talked to was wonderful and helpful!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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!

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★ 5

Staff was very professional, friendly, and informative. It had been a very long time since I climbed last but I felt very comfortable climbing for the first time in a long time and asking any questions I had in the spot. Can’t wait to go back!

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★ 5

My friend invited me & I was iffy at first ,as I'm no spring chicken, she hired an instructor, who was patient, informative & very knowledgeable… Everyone called him Jedi , but his real name is Jedediah … I made it to the top & it was such a rush , I may have found my new hobby going into my senior years … They also offer yoga classes & have a small gym , you could literally spend the better part of your day there , I highly recommend giving it a try .

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★ 4

Lots of bouldering and climbing for your competitive types. They do hold competitions here. There's also a section to just exercise with free weights and machines. I was like a kid in a candy shop here. I got my first bouldering lesson here via a friend, but you can take a class too. They have many locations that are worth trying if you like to float around.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great for homeschool families. We love FA - we purchased a family membership a few months ago and it has been a lifesaver during the winter. We are throughly addicted to climbing now and plan to continue all year. It's been a wonderful way to exercise and spend time as a family.

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★ 5

Tall walls, tons of climbing, good bouldering variety too. My gym of choice in Chicago!

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★ 2

I am a beginner climber and asked another woman a question about my harness. She snapped and made me feel so uncomfortable. Apparently she is a staff member. The front desk was nice otherwise and the facility is great.

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★ 5

Amazingly welcoming place. The staff couldn't be any more friendly and helpful, which makes it a really fun place to go! They also do a really great job at balancing keeping the bouldering challenges fresh and making sure they're around long enough for you to work your way up to completing them. Also a great balance in terms of difficulty, and distribution of the difficulties in different contexts. It's also great for kids, without being a place where kids run amok. In general, the whole community is great.

It's also hard to overstate how cool it is that they're open until 11pm on weeknights, as that's the only reason I'm able to climb multiple times a week. Love it here, and I'm really glad a friend invited me to come check it out!

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★ 5

I came from Milwaukee for an afternoon of climbing. The gym was about 5 minutes off the Interstate, easy to find, and had ample parking.

This was my second visit so I didn't have to get belay certified, but I would warn first timers the certification process can take up to an hour as you put your name on the list and then they call you when they have time to test you. Just a warning to build in the extra time.

The gym boasts a massive variety of climbs ranging from very easy to very difficult, in all styles of climbing. There are only 6 auto belays on the largest walls, so not a great place for solo climbers. Most routes allow both top rope and lead, so no matter your certification there are plenty of options. I also saw a few crack routes and two speed routes.

Upstairs there is a bouldering area plus workout equipment, but I haven't ventured up there on any of my visits.

A day pass was $25 without gear which seems fair for what you get. There are onsite lockers and showers. Staff were friendly but they were very strict about closing time. When they say they close at 8, that means out the door at 8 not wrapping up your climbing at 8.

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★ 5

Great vibe. I was a first time climber and they set me up with everything I needed and guided me through all the safety stuff, so I was able to climb even better than I thought I was capable of. Great experience all around!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Easy location to find. Very clean and great bouldering area. Highly recommend and plan on returning XD

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★ 5

most fun and positive environment!! definitely recommend :)

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★ 5

Lisa (I think!) was AMAZING!!! My husband I I have been there before, but this time we brought our two kids and three other 9 year old's, whew! Lisa was friendly, patient, informative, warm, and always helpful. She made an already great experience, even better! :)

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★ 4

love how close this is to my home, great staff, awesome environment, so much climbing. Only small issue was parking but overall amazing experience

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★ 5

First time back in about seven years. The front desk team (for the most part) was super friendly, relaxed, helpful and supportive. It was just as pleasant filling out forms and chatting while getting gear as it was actually climbing! The environment is so beautiful, colorful, safe, inviting and exciting. It was so cool to see people of all ages and all types enjoying this together. I brought my 7 year old niece and was wowed at how much she was able to do. I cannot wait to come back and spend a lot of time there! I also felt so strong (and sore the next day ha!) after climbing all day even though I haven’t worked out in a while and felt out of shape before. I also found the beginner bouldering routes to be more accessible than I remembered. I love the community feel. My niece and I enjoyed flipping through a book on the table during a snack break that people had filled out about why they loved climbing. It was so impressive to watch people do the Valentine’s partner climb. It seems like a great deal that you can drop into any of the yoga classes happening and that they have a full gym for use too. So fun! Can’t wait to go back!

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★ 5

My first time I spent (Valentine’s Day) with my son(Ryan) in his favorite place for indoor climbing practice and gym workouts, was a great experience for me. Staffs are friendly and welcoming! The place is well situated, very clean, beautifully designed facilities and has lots to offer for patrons. Had a great time!! A must see to work out, climb up or to watch climbers do their thing! It’s a blast! 💥

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★ 5

so fun! Great orientation for beginners. Scary at first to go high up but feels secure and smooth going down, a huge adrenaline rush

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★ 5

Front desk staff Jedediah was so kind and knowledgeable. I love how often the routes are changed. For a first time visit I couldn't have I asked for anything better. Can't wait to come back.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great facility. Friendly staff

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★ 5

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.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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

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★ 5

This is my home gym. Been here for 3 years. On-site parking. Cool staff. Showers. Good gym and good training area.

Amanda gives good music recommendations! Lisa is super nice.

Community room is nice, underrated feature.

I only wish that they would let us use points to for the same guest and not limit it to 3 visits per guest…

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great place!!

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★ 5

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!

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★ 5

This place was awesome! So many different walls, routes, different climbing styles, etc. You can boulder or top rope here, both are fantastic. Staff are great, too!

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★ 5

I have been a member of FA since 2019, and love this gym and the community around it. There are plenty of classes/workshops/community events going on every month. It's a great way to meet new people.

Climbing at FA has allowed me to find a wonderful group of friends, and the community at large is supportive and open minded.

I mainly go to Avondale and Humboldt Park, both of which have superb front desk staff. Huge shoutouts to Farbota, Amy, Kali, Vianny, and Ziggy. FA: every time I see these people working the desk, my day immediately brightens up; they understand hospitality!

Note to newbies: I've heard some people lament the grading at FA, which if that's how people feel, that's how people feel. IMO, it's quite consistent within each gym.

It helps to think of the grades as a suggestion and relative benchmark. Consider the angle of the wall, etc. Flashing a V4 slab route doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to flash a V4 overhang route (and vice versa). These are two unique skill sets that both happen to fall under the climbing umbrella.

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★ 5

Great climbing and appreciate the updated signage on auto belay routes to more clearly show when someone is climbing above. Friendly and helpful staff.

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★ 5

Great climbing gym.Very tall routes. Excellent setting, and they have sizeable section of weights and equipment.

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★ 5

First time rock climbing and it was a great first experience. I loved how Monse walked us thru it all, made me feel less nervous. I would definitely be back!! :)

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★ 5

Based on my first visit, First Ascent is awesome! Staff are super friendly and welcoming, and the facilities are extensive. I was only in the bouldering area, but there is much more I am interested in checking out. I suspect I'll be back here to stay active this winter.

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★ 5

Such a great gym! There are more toprope and lead climbing routes than bouldering, but a great mix of both and some auto belay routes if you go without a buddy. Very cozy decor too!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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.

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★ 5

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★ 5

FA Avondale is a first-rate climbing facility. Tall routes simulate outdoor climbs better than most gyms. Quality of routes and boulder problems is solid. Facility cleanliness and maintenance is outstanding. Kudos to all the FA staff!

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★ 5

Farbota was extraordinary. I felt very included and excited to start indoor rock climbing for the first time. Thank you to everyone for their great support and service!

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★ 5

As always, super friendly staff with converting my points from previous system to the new one, and helping in handing the essential gears. It's always delightful to get back to First Ascent at Avondale.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really nice place to climb and learn to climb!! Cool place and everyone is helpful, lots of space and things to use

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★ 5

Estamos muy contentos con el personal son muy amables, y tienen un equipo de seguridad muy confortable, fue una experiencia maravillosa gracias.

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★ 5

Great climbing experience for me and my young children. The staff and manager were so helpful and patient. Highly recommend for everyone young and old.

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★ 5

Wonderful and clean space. Wode variety of climbing options. Kind and welcoming staff and volunteers. Everyone was incredibly thoughtful when climbing with my kids. Special shout out to Laura who transformed my daughters frown to a big smile and had her laughing and climbing.

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★ 5

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.

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★ 5

Really enjoyed our first visit to FA Avondale. There was plenty of space to climb, great rental gear, and an easy sign-up process

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★ 5

Great bouldering space and amazing rope climbing options!

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★ 5

Great way to stay fit, make friends and fall in love with climbing!

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★ 5

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★ 5

love this location

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★ 5

I had a great time and the staff was super helpful and friendly. Was my first time but definitely want to come back!

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★ 5

Highly rec Rachel’s Pilates class

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★ 5

My 9yr old was begging to try this place out and I'm so glad we went. It was an excellent experience from start to finish. Check in / waiver was easy. Staff was SUPER friendly and helpful. Tutorial was informative and made everyone feel safe. We climbed for 2hrs and we are sore and happy and will def be back.

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★ 5

The best experience! Everyone was so helpful and kind. I had never been climbing before and felt so comfortable and had an absolute blast

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★ 5

Staff was lovely and helpful, Trinity I think is her name was great and super helpful on getting me and my partner reacquainted with the gym, and making us both feel welcome and comfortable. Will definitely come back

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★ 5

Great climbing gym. Super fun sets and friendly atmosphere.

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★ 5

The staff were super friendly and helpful.
For my first time climbing I was expecting not to make it that far, but it was surprisingly easy to adapt and I had lots of fun!

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★ 5

Awesome gym, though it seems more geared towards advanced climbers compared to the Arlington Heights spot! I celebrated my birthday here with friends and family last November, and we all had a great time. The staff is really chill and gave us all the info we needed. After that day, I signed up and have been leveling up ever since. It’s a great place to push yourself and meet people.

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★ 5

Love this place! Been coming here for years and have only had good experiences. Super queer friendly, intentional about making space for climbers who are disabled/black&brown/all sizes/family/new to the community. 10/10!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Amazing place to climb!!

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★ 5

The staff here were very helpful and friendly. I was nervous climbing for the first time, but the staff member did a great job showing how to use the equipment. This place is fun and welcoming for all ages and experience levels. We had a great time!

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★ 5

My first time climbing in years was great at this gym. The walls are super tall and the staff is super nice :)

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★ 5

This is the first climbing gym I ever visited and it was an amazing experience - staff was super helpful and the facility is well maintained with lots of auto-belay, top roping, and bouldering problems to choose from. Your first visit is free, and now 6 months later this first visit is what sparked my rock climbing addiction. Thanks for the awesome experience and intro to my now-favorite sport/hobby.

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★ 1

Rude stuff. Shame

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★ 5

路線平易近人，場地開闊，環境乾淨，店員服務友善。

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★ 5

Had such a great experience! Exceptional staff and the equipment and walls were everything!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Nice bouldering problems.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

First Ascent is such a welcoming environment to new climbers. The front desk was very helpful and friendly helping to make a great overall experience.

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★ 5

I recommend it ! Went for an instructed class given by Lisa, she was very friendly and the front desk staff were welcoming. I'd go back.

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★ 5

My rock climbing journey started here. I was looking for a fun, active hobby to start and even though I am nervous in heights, Learning the Ropes program helped me to get started. Showed me the high wall, the bouldering section, the entire gym. That was over 2 years ago and I can say confidently that this is a great gym to be a part of. With it's super clean facilities, friendly staff and supportive environment, people of all ages and experiences can come here and feel like they can improve. I started with zero experience, just me and youtube to teach me techniques. Now, I'm progressing onto V4 with lots of new found strength, it's met my goal of exercise and has made me a life long climber. I owe it to First Ascent for providing the great atmosphere and team support all the way through.

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★ 5

Lisa is amazing! Had a lot of fun! Totally recommend!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Won a raffle for a private group lesson, which we used for a cub scout event, with a mix of different-ages kids, and an adult. Went very well. The staff member was great, very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

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★ 5

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★ 5

First Ascent is by far my favorite climbing gym! There’re always new routes to climb and the staff and fellow climbers are extremely friendly. Their workout/yoga areas have everything I need. I love that they’re open early in the mornings before work and that I can go to any location.

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★ 5

My first experience at a climbing gym and this place seems to have it all! Yoga, climbing, bouldering, and a gym with free weights and treadmills. It is a great experience and a great deal. The staff was very friendly and informational. They have auto-belay options so you can climb alone as well.

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★ 5

Amazing gym! I'm new to climbing and have loved coming here this year. The gym is frequently updating the routes, so I know every week, I'll have new ones to try. The staff is super friendly, and the facilities are really clean. Highly recommend!!

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★ 5

Super inclusive place. Staff are so friendly. Instructors are professional, helpful and kind. I love the variety of community - there is a space for everyone and it's authentic. People from all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels. Having a gym, boulder room, and belay space make this spot perfect. (Now if they could add a steam room to their shower area it would be totally perfect, but that is just my personal wish...). Big fan of FA!

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★ 5

First Ascent Avondale is an excellent facility with friendly and helpful staff. There are a great variety of routes in the top-rope section, and while the bouldering section is a bit smaller than other FA gyms' it is reset often. A number of community events are also hosted here!

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★ 5

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★ 5

This gym has tall walls, good route setting, and a friendly community! Make sure you climb the routes in the corner. They're the best!

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★ 5

Always a lot of fun! Everyone is friendly and the place is kept clean, the walls are changed out regularly and there's a nice selection of auto belay walls of various sizes and difficulties, me and my kids come here regularly :)

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★ 5

Great routes, great people.

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★ 5

FA Avondale is a great community whether you are new to climbing or an experienced climber! The staff are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. And there are new routes almost every other week!

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★ 5

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.

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★ 5

Really excellent climbing/bouldering gym with helpful staff and friendly people.

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★ 5

I love this gym! The staff is extremely kind and fun. The facility is ideal for both experienced and new climbers. The walls are tall and they have several autobelays and plenty of lead routes.

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★ 5

I've enjoyed the last few months getting into climbing! The staff is very friendly and the routes are challenging. I like having other locations to use as needed as well.

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★ 5

Whether it's training for outdoor climbs, exercise or love of the sport, first Ascent is a first class climbing gym. I go to the gym two times a week, and see a lot of people that go the same days I do. Good place to make friends and have camaraderie amongst fellow climbers. I think joining first assent is one of the best choices I've made in the last decade.

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★ 5

Absolutely love this gym! I go for the workout and stay for the awesome activities - Picture of a flower vase we made at one of the community events.

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★ 5

It is the most amazing climbing place in Chicago, it really is. The walls are amazing, the facilities are great and the staff always make you feel welcome and part of a family. This is the best place to find community because climbing attracts a great crowd.
First Ascent Avondale is my second home (heart).

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★ 5

Such a fun, welcoming, and HUGE space to climb. The staff is very kind and the gym has a very family-friendly vibe.

Source: Google

★ 5

Perfect gym!!! Good vibes and better routes!!! A true Chicago rock climbing gym!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym. Has a nice variety of bouldering (slab and overhang) with grades for beginners and experienced climbers. Very nice selection of auto-belay and top rope routes. Also includes a nice gym with plenty of free weights and a nice training area for climbing that I use a lot. Not to mention the workers are always very nice and always happy to help answer questions!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is just awesome. Whether you are the world's best climber (I'm not) or just starting out- This is the place for you!

Source: Google

★ 5

It's hard to imagine a better climbing gym than First Ascent Avondale. Between the great community, excellent route setting and variety of climbing disciplines, you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot in Chicago.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Favorite climbing gym that I've been to!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love being a first ascent member! Wish they had a location closer to Evanston.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Had a great time, everyone was super cool!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dope rock climbing place. The walls are huge and there’s lots of spaces to climb. Even when the parking lot is completely full and it’s busy you still can squeeze in and have a good time. The staff are all super dope and friendly too. They are very patient with my kids and help them with their equipment and everything. Highly recommend this place if you’re into rock climbing. also a great way to kill some time with the kids, and they get exercise while having fun. Everybody wins !

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great first experience! Everyone was friendly and helpful for us beginners.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place, great staff

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great setting and friendly staff!

Source: Google

★ 4

Staffs very friendly. Easy to gain access to whole facility. And the whole place is just top quality and super fun, especially bouldering!

Source: Google

★ 5

My friend and I attended a Guided Climbing session with Morgan at the Avondale location. She was so helpful and walked us through the facility and amenities before leading us in an hour of bouldering and top roping. She was so supportive, encouraging, and knowledgeable of climbing and First Ascent’s events and groups. Everyone (staff and other climbers) were friendly and nice. If you’re feeling intimidated by your first time, this is a great place to start; my only regret is a wish I would’ve joined sooner!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great climbing gym! Staff is all very friendly, clean facility and it felt like a great space to learn how to climb in.

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff is very nice and helpful. The route grades are on point. The ropes are a bit used and too thick for grigri, but still grigri-able :"D
The bouldering section is quite well prepared, so I had a good time there.
I can recommend this climbing gym with a clear conscience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing facility! Diverse climbing level paths and options. So much to do! There’s even a gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Come here if you like to be treated in a passive aggressive way when you comply to their rules. Management gave a really generic message when I gave feedback and totally discounted my experience. I would heed and take into account other concerning reviews on here before signing up and wasting the initiation fee just to cancel the next month.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

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★ 5

Great Climbs. The staff here are what make the place really special. Always friendly and happy to chat, happy to help. Plenty of different routes and they keep it interesting by changing it every few weeks. Lots of community events, raffles, and other fun things happening. A little pricey for beginners. There is some parking available.

Source: Google

★ 4

It was my first time rock climbing/bouldering in a space dedicated for just that. Went for my birthday w/family and friends. we had a great orientation and overall great customer service experience as a whole by Becca. She was friendly and not just in here and have to be cordial or passive aggressive. We felt she genuinely cared about our experience and wanted us to come back and have a great time. I spoke too another girl before becca who wasn't "rude" she was just dry and uninviting. We all have our days though but I'm glad mine finished with Becca lol. Other climbers were nice to us and by that i mean a man with a child and a man who worked at another location and he helped myself and my group with how we were approaching bouldering. I'd go back after this visit. Becca even hooked me up for my birthday in the end. Glad i went!

Source: Google

★ 5

Climbing gym with top rope and lead coming and bouldering

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really great location, and tons of different routes that get reset regularly. Great climbing classes as well - had an awesome learn to lead climb class with Amanda who was super helpful and instructive every step of the way!

Source: Google

★ 2

Explaining how top rope belay works to a buddy who boulders and got told off by an attendant. She pointed to sign and asked if I looked at it then walked away, like I'm a bother. I felt disrespected. When I went to the front desk two attendants agreed it's policy for me not to talk about that. I just don't see why I should be talked to like that and why I can't speak with a friend about something I'm passionate about. I'm not teaching a class nor telling people they can or have To do anything a certain way. It's a shame, I love this gym. My rating goes from 5 stars to 2 for the Avondale location.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this climbing gym. The setting is great for dynamic and powerful movements. The work out space is well stocked with machines and equipment, the facility is clean, the staff is friendly, and it is very family and baby friendly.

Source: Google