First Visit

Book your Guided Session

We look forward to climbing with you!

Cities/Chicago/First Visit/Book A Guided Session

Join us for a Guided Session

For first time visitors, we highly recommend booking a Guided Climbing Session with one of our expert guides. 

A Guided Climbing Session is the best way to experience all First Ascent has to offer on your first visit.

A Guided Climbing Session package includes:

  • 1 hour of expert instruction with a First Ascent Guide
  • Tips on climbing technique, terminology, etiquette, and safety
  • A Day Pass to explore the gym on your own after the hour with your Guide
  • All the gear you’ll need (shoes, harness, and chalk)
  • All the climbing you can fit into one session

Here's what people are saying about Guided Climbing Sessions:

Monica O.
Monica O.
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We’ve been trying local climbing gyms and our experience at FA has been the best! The team goes above and beyond to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. DYLAN took really good care of us tonight. He was patient and extremely thorough. This is our gym now!!
Debbie O.
Debbie O.
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Brooke is amazing! As a first time climber, I was very nervous about getting off the ground, but I was offered technique tips and safety pointers from the start that made me comfortable trying it out! Highly recommended if you’re a newcomer and unsure about climbing.
Jennifer L.
Jennifer L.
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Evan was a great instructor and answered all our questions and was very knowledgeable. He made our first climb much easier than I thought it would be.
Sarah D.
Sarah D.
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Fantastic experience! Did a "Guided Climbing" Session w/ Dylan at the Uptown location. First time climber, looking to explore a new hobby. The session was outstanding. Dylan tailors his teaching & guidance to your skill level & provides real time, actionable feedback in regards to climbing approach & technique. Highly highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring climbing as a first time hobby. The Guided Climb gave me the tools to be able to return to First Ascent w/ the necessary knowledge to be independent. Looking forward to going back!
Lauren S.
Lauren S.
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We had a great time! Avra made us feel totally comfortable and capable as rookie climbers, and the facility was very cool. Looking forward to coming back!
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Here's how to book your Guided Climbing Session:

You can book a Guided Session for up to 6 people. 

Looking to book a Guided Session for more than 6 people? Check out our Group Events.

If you’re booking with kids 14 or under in your group, at least one person needs to be an adult (age 18+).

Looking to book a climbing experience for just your child? Check out our Kids Rock Blocks.

 

Guided Session for 1

Get an expert guide all to yourself and enjoy a solo adventure.

$49

Guided Session for up to 6

Grab friends or family members and climb to new heights together.

$49 for the first person
+$29 for each additional climber

Ready for some adventure? Let's do this.

Here's a step-by-step guide to booking your session:

STEP 1

CHOOSE YOUR FA LOCATION

Select your FA Chicago location below.

Not sure which FA location to choose? Here are some things to consider:

If you have any questions about which location is best for you, drop us a line at guide@faclimbing.com. 

STEP 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT FA AVONDALE

Click below to access the full Guided Session schedule via the FA Portal.

As part of the booking process, you’ll need to complete a waiver. All visitors are required to complete a waiver before climbing, spectating, or participating in other activities at First Ascent – no exceptions. Anyone joining you for your Guided Session will also need to complete a waiver. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian complete the waiver on your behalf.

BOOK YOUR GUIDED SESSION

Need help? Give us a call at 773-564-9815 or email us at guide@faclimbing.com.

STEP 3

COME ON IN

Once your session is booked above, here’s what you need to know:

Please arrive 15 minutes before your Guided Session start time so we can get you checked in and started on time.

How to get here: First Ascent Avondale is located at 3516 N Spaulding Ave in Chicago (click for directions via Google Maps). We have free parking on site and plenty of free overflow street parking is available. We also have covered bike racks, and we’re an easy walk from the Addison stop on the Blue Line and other public transportation.

What to wear: We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Pants or long shorts that cover your knees are best. If you will be renting climbing shoes, we also recommend wearing socks. 

What to expect: When you arrive, our friendly staff will get you checked in and geared up, and your guide will take it from there. 

We look forward to climbing with you!

STEP 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT FA BLOCK 37

Click below to access the full Guided Session schedule via the FA Portal.

As part of the booking process, you’ll need to complete a waiver. All visitors are required to complete a waiver before climbing, spectating, or participating in other activities at First Ascent – no exceptions. Anyone joining you for your Guided Session will also need to complete a waiver. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian complete the waiver on your behalf.

BOOK YOUR GUIDED SESSION

Need help? Give us a call at 312-285-2337 or email us at guide@faclimbing.com.

STEP 3

COME ON IN

Once your session is booked above, here’s what you need to know:

Please arrive 15 minutes before your Guided Session start time so we can get you checked in and started on time.

How to get here: First Ascent Block 37 is located on the 4th floor at 108 N State St in Chicago (click for directions via Google Maps) in Block 37, an urban shopping center. Enter any of the Block 37 entrances and take the elevator to the 4th floor, then exit right to find First Ascent Block 37. We recommend taking public transportation to get here – both the Red and Blue Lines stop at Block 37, and you access the space via the Pedway without having to go outside. There is also paid parking available. 

What to wear: We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Pants or long shorts that cover your knees are best. If you will be renting climbing shoes, we also recommend wearing socks. 

What to expect: When you arrive, our friendly staff will get you checked in and geared up, and your guide will take it from there. 

We look forward to climbing with you!

STEP 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT FA HUMBOLDT PARK

Click below to access the full Guided Session schedule via the FA Portal.

As part of the booking process, you’ll need to complete a waiver. All visitors are required to complete a waiver before climbing, spectating, or participating in other activities at First Ascent – no exceptions. Anyone joining you for your Guided Session will also need to complete a waiver. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian complete the waiver on your behalf.

BOOK YOUR GUIDED SESSION

Need help? Give us a call at 773-697-9743 or email us at guide@faclimbing.com.

STEP 3

COME ON IN

Once your session is booked above, here’s what you need to know:

Please arrive 15 minutes before your Guided Session start time so we can get you checked in and started on time.

How to get here: First Ascent Humboldt Park is located at 2950 W Grand Ave in Chicago (click for directions via Google Maps) at the corner of Sacramento Blvd and Grand Ave. Street parking is available on Grand and Chicago Ave as well as on Sacramento – just be sure to mind any permit parking in the neighborhoods to the north. Grand Ave is bicycle friendly, and Sacramento Blvd features low traffic side streets perfect for biking down from Humboldt Park to the north, and we have plenty of indoor bike racks to keep your bike safe and out of the elements.

What to wear: We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Pants or long shorts that cover your knees are best. If you will be renting climbing shoes, we also recommend wearing socks. 

What to expect: When you arrive, our friendly staff will get you checked in and geared up, and your guide will take it from there. 

We look forward to climbing with you!

STEP 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT FA UPTOWN

Click below to access the full Guided Session schedule via the FA Portal.

As part of the booking process, you’ll need to complete a waiver. All visitors are required to complete a waiver before climbing, spectating, or participating in other activities at First Ascent – no exceptions. Anyone joining you for your Guided Session will also need to complete a waiver. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian complete the waiver on your behalf.

BOOK YOUR GUIDED SESSION

Need help? Give us a call at 773-275-1212 or email us at guide@faclimbing.com.

STEP 3

COME ON IN

Once your session is booked above, here’s what you need to know:

Please arrive 15 minutes before your Guided Session start time so we can get you checked in and started on time.

How to get here: First Ascent Uptown is located at 4718 N Broadway Ave in Chicago (click for directions via Google Maps), just south of Lawrence on Broadway. Paid street parking and surface lots are plentiful. You can easily get to us from Lake Shore Drive by taking the Lawrence exit, or by driving over on Lawrence or up/down on Broadway. We are steps from the Red Line – you can see our location from the Lawrence Red Line stop. Lawrence and Broadway both have protected bike lanes, and we have limited indoor bike racks available. 

What to wear: We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Pants or long shorts that cover your knees are best. If you will be renting climbing shoes, we also recommend wearing socks. 

What to expect: When you arrive, our friendly staff will get you checked in and geared up, and your guide will take it from there. 

We look forward to climbing with you!