Cities/Chicago/Programs/Climbing Classes

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Learning the Ropes

In this 90-minute class, learn the knots, belay technique, and communication needed to access open top rope climbing and our 60 foot walls at First Ascent Avondale. Book your class with a partner, or book by yourself and we’ll partner you up with another climber during class.

Price: $49

Available at: Avondale

Learning to Boulder

Discover the fun of climbing and connect with a group of newer climbers in a 60-minute Learning To Boulder class! Our friendly instructors will show you the basics of bouldering technique and safety, then guide you through a series of climbs to help you gain skills and confidence on the wall.

Price: $29

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UpGrade Series

Discover the specific skills and strategies you need to send the next grade with our UpGrade Series. Each class is led by an expert instructor with a small group of climbers at your ability level so you can unlock the next grade – together.

Price varies based on class and location

Available at: AvondaleBlock 37Humboldt ParkUptown

Learn To Lead

Ready for the sharp end? Learn both sides of lead (climbing and belaying) with 6 total hours of instruction in our Learning To Lead class.

Price: Members $110 | Non-members $140
(includes rental gear)

Available atAvondale

Learn To Lead II

Learn advanced clipping techniques, belay techniques, and strategies for climbing at your limit while on lead. This class is built for climbers who know how to lead, and are looking to get more comfortable on the sharp end. 

Price: Members $65 | Non-members $95
(includes rental gear)

Available at: Avondale

Terrain Series

This class series will tackle one type of climbing terrain at a time (overhand, vertical, and slab) in order to equip you with the techniques you need to excel. This class is intended for intermediate climbers looking to up their skills to the next level.

Price: Members $30 | Non-members $45
(includes rental gear)

Available atAvondale


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Gym To Crag

Learn the rope skills, ethics, etiquette, and best practices for sport climbing outside. 

Price: Members $85 | Non-members $125
(includes all gear)

Available atAvondale

Intro to Rappelling 

When to rappel? How to rappel? Where to rappel? We’ll cover all the basics of rappelling in this class.

Price: Members $65 | Non-members $85
(includes all gear)

Available atAvondale

Intro to Crack

The perfect place to begin your crack climbing journey! We’ll cover techniques for jamming hands and feet in a wide variety of crack sizes.

Price: Members $65 | Non-members $85
(includes all gear)

Available atAvondale


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Special Workshops

We host regular special workshops that will help you learn specialized skills or take the next step in your climbing progression, yoga practice, or fitness development. Click below to see what’s coming this month.

Price varies based on workshop

Available atAvondaleBlock 37Humboldt ParkUptown

Private Coaching

Work with one of our expert instructors 1-on-1 or up to 4-on-1 to build your climbing skill set and advance your progression.

Price varies based on instructor-to-student ratio and duration of sessions

Available atAvondaleBlock 37Humboldt ParkUptown