Dear Chicagoland Climbing Community,
After learning of the imminent closure of BKB West Loop, we have negotiated with the landlord there to take on their lease and operate the gym as First Ascent West Loop starting in February.
We know how much the West Loop gym and the community that calls it home means to so many of you, so we know this news comes with some mixed feelings. We believe that First Ascent stepping in is the best way forward for the BKB community and the Chicago climbing community as whole, allowing us to keep an important climbing hub open to serve you and the broader community. We hope to earn your trust as we begin a new chapter for this gym.
BKB West Loop will officially close at the end of the day on Friday January 30th. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be working hard to reopen the gym to the public on February 28th.
We are working on putting a leadership and staff team in place to provide the same great service and experience you expect from First Ascent gyms. We’ve also planned a number of upgrades for the space, as well as deep cleaning and important repairs. When we reopen, we hope the West Loop gym will still feel like home to those who have called it that before, with a few fresh touches and a new set of routes and boulders for all to enjoy.
We plan to reopen for limited-hours members-only access as soon as we can (aiming for February 20th), depending on how long it takes us to complete the necessary work in the space. Keep an eye out for more updates coming soon. If this timeline changes, we will be sure to communicate that with you.
Once we’re able to reopen the gym as First Ascent West Loop, access to the gym will be included for All Access memberships going forward, giving FA members access to 6 gyms in Chicagoland.
We would love to welcome past and present members of the West Loop gym to join as FA members going forward. For those considering
- Join as an All Access Monthly Member. We will waive your enrollment fee (a $49 value), set you up with free access to other FA locations through the end of February, and start your regular monthly billing on March 1st at $96/mo ($86/mo for Students).
- Convert your BKB Annual or Pre-Paid Membership to an FA All Access Annual Membership. We will honor the remaining time left on your BKB pre-paid membership with access to First Ascent.
We’re excited to make these offers in hopes that FA can become your new home for climbing, yoga, fitness and community. We need to hear from you so we know how you’d like to get started.
BKB Members: please complete the form here to start your FA membership >>
You can also message our Support Team via support@faclimbing.com or our Contact Us page with any questions you have.
We believe there is a bright future ahead for the West Loop gym, and we look forward to bringing this gym back to life together.
All our best,
~the First Ascent team