First Ascent Humboldt Park

I've been coming to First Ascent for over two years, and they are hands down the best climbing gyms in Chicago. The route grading is consistent, and MUCH BETTER than the range grading Movement uses. If you are considering joining a climbing gym in Chicago, First Ascent is MASSIVELY better than Movement or Brooklyn Boulders, which both cater way too much to beginners and those who only climb once for their insta. Even if another gym is slightly more convenient, do yourself a favor and join First Ascent -- it's a genuinely better climbing experience

Amazing, expansive climbing gym with great yoga classes, an awesome community & good fitness center set up. But the thing that makes me so excited to support FA is the staff. They have a trader joe’s vibe going on in which they only hire the kindest people FULL STOP. I’ve had multiple staff members walk me step by step through using the website or perks portal (which I’ve messed up several times). Once I trying to use my points to get a free month and I missed the deadline. I emailed to ask for help and the person I talked to immediately processed my free month, no questions asked. It’s a simple thing, but the FA staff does this sort of thing all the time. One of the staffers even used HIS free guest pass for my broke friend one time. Ya’ll are the best, thank you! 😭

Visited on a business trip to Chicago. Really friendly welcome from the guy on the desk who even made me a filter coffee for free (as they don't sell it). Good mix of climbs, plenty of space, code lockable lockers, space for bikes. Parking is on street and you need to be a bit careful to avoid the permit only zone. Would definitely go again.

My first visit was an absolute delight! The space is large enough to present a variety of different challenging climbs, and the other patrons were always respectful of beginners like me!

Great place to climb! Very clean and many routes and options for all levels: vB-v16

This was my first time bouldering and it was so fun!! The facility is great, clean, and fun. They had a nice training video for a few minutes as well. I recommend anyone wanting to try a new experience to do this! My friend, who is a very experienced climber, is a regular here and loves it too!

Moi was amazing! We were a first time family group attending, and he was extremely thoughtful. He walked us through everything, was super patient, and let us explore/try some of the walls alone. I couldn’t image having a better instructor!The inside of this place is spacious, clean and challenges anyone from beginner to advanced. Looks like my family and I will be back again soon! We had so much fun, I know I will feel it all over tomorrow!

My husband and I came to First Ascent (HP) to try something new for a date… and it was awesome! We took an intro climbing class with Moi and enjoyed every minute— thank you Moi!! We are thinking of making this active date a regular thing and getting a membership.The facility was clean, bright, and open. Rentals were in good condition. Staff was kind and informative without being shameful to us newbs. I really loved that there was no pressure to purchase a membership… we were treated like friends, not people to sell to.We had a great date in this welcoming environment and hope to be back again.

Clean facility, welcoming staff, lots of space & unlimited time to use in a day. I had a guide for my first ever climb & even the more challenging problems that I saw more advanced climbers trying and failing didn't seem too far away with enough practice & focus. I can't wait to go back. Might be the only gym membership I need!

Kristen French was super sweet and helpful. She got me checked in super fast and gave me a great rundown of the gym. Had a great time on all of the boulder problems. I really like the consistency of your rating system compared to my gym back in SLC. Met some super dope people too. Thanks for the great session!