First Ascent Climbing & Fitness

FitzGerald Associates Architects designed First Ascent, Chicago’s largest dedicated indoor rock climbing facility in Logan Square / Avondale, for First Ascent Climbing & Fitness–a partnership of avid climbers who were eager to fill the needs of climbing enthusiasts in the city beyond the climbing walls found in some fitness centers.

Inside the 25,000 square foot facility located at 3516 North Spaulding Avenue, visitors will find 60 foot high ceilings and over 25,000 square feet of climbing surface allowing climbers to lead climb, top rope, and boulder. Other features of the facility include a cross-training fitness center, a yoga studio, locker rooms, retail space, and a café. According to First Ascent, “routes and features are friendly for beginners and challenging for experts.”

First Ascent has collaborated with climbing wall designer Walltopia to specify and support climbing surfaces that cater to all experience levels, from beginner to elite. The facility opened in the first quarter of 2015.