This month, we’re spotlighting FA member Jevon Penalosa and recent competitor in the CrossTown Bouldering League! Read on to learn more about his love for climbing, what he does outside of the gym and what kind of climbing goals he has. Don’t forget to say hi when you see him around FA!
1. How did you get into climbing?
My best friend and bouldering league teammate Justin got me into it.
He did the referral for first timers so I could try it out, right when he just joined First Ascent. I was hooked on my first day. He told he would pick me up and we would climb whenever he was free if I joined too. So I joined right after my second day of climbing. He would hit me up everyday and we would go to Avondale even though my body was dead and didn’t want to. Climbing daily just became my part of my life. Avondale is only a five minute drive from where we live, so it was easy. Block 37 is only a minute walk from my office, so I now climb at Block 37 Monday—Friday for lunch and after work. Weekends are usually Avondale, Humboldt, and sometimes Uptown.
2. What do you love about climbing?
Don’t really know how to explain it but it’s all of these things:
-It’s really fun.
-It’s the best feeling when you send a boulder problem especially when it’s really tough and been working on it for awhile.
-Progress and growth.
-Get to hang out with friends. I’ve met so many great people through First Ascent who’ve become close friends of mine.
-It’s my escape from work, stress, problems, and boredom.
-Great way to workout and stay in shape.
-The community is the best.
3. Bouldering or sport climbing?
What is sport climbing? All I know is bouldering, but I would love to sport climb too.
4. What is your favorite place to climb outdoors? What other outdoor activities do you participate in?
I’ve only climbed outdoors once and it was in New York in the Shawangunks. It was awesome—never really had the opportunity to climb outdoors since I’ve been climbing for only a year now. I don’t know where or how to climb outdoors and didn’t know anyone who did. But I know plenty of people now who are willing to take me.
I really don’t do any outdoor activity. But I’ve frequently started snowboarding a lot with my super duper climbing squad (Dawid, Christine, Roger and Andrew), close friends whom I met through the bouldering league. We’ve gone four times already this winter and I plan on snowboarding a few more times before summer.
5. Do you have any particular climbing projects or fitness goals for this year?
I want to be a solid V7-V8 climber, climb outdoors, and do sport climbing.
6. What keeps you busy when you’re not climbing?
If I’m not climbing, I’m either at work or with friends playing the Nintendo Switch.
7. What do you love about Chicago?
That you can experience/do so many great things here and have tons of great food spots without venturing too far.
8. What is your favorite Chicago spot for food, music, art or culture?
There are too many great food spots for me to just choose one, but I love pizza, sushi and burgers. I listen to all types of music but my favorite ones are very melodic just like Aruarian Dance from Nujabes.
9. What is something about you most people don’t know?
I’m super shy.
10. Anything else you want to say to the FA Community?
Thanks for the awesome experiences, opportunities and friends. You guys are the best. Let’s climb!
