We had a great experience in the first ascent bouldering gym. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. The boulder problems are diverse and challenging. The facility in general is in great shape. Overall we had a very pleasant stay with no downsides!

Excellent bouldering gym right in the middle of downtown. The gym is inside Block 37 on level 4. The route setters have done a phenomenal job, there’s route for all levels. And there are quite a few dynos as well. They also have a nice warm up area with rings and trx bands. My only gripe is that the rental shoes were pretty bad. If you are an advanced climber, get your own shoes. Regardless great place to spend an evening

Nice gym, nice location and cool routes. Though my brother and I had a very negative experience. First time for my brother in a boulder gym and first time ever he was bouldering. We asked for climbing shoes to rent and they all had all in the inner top part. I asked for a pair without holes and their response was: “WE KEEP THEM THIS WAY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BUY THEIR OWN SHOES”. How can someone boulder with shoes in those conditions, especially being his first time? Useless to say that my brother did not like bouldering, cause he was not provided the right equipment.

Very cool boulder gym, good location in the city. The place is huge and you can find many boulders. Cool and friendly staff. Totally recommend to go there

Wow, this place is so cool and has it all. There are so many walls for bouldering with varying levels of difficulty. It is really clean and well kept. The staff were also super friendly.

When I moved to Chicago I was looking for a new place to climb and First Ascent was the absolute correct choice. Great and varied routes set very often for all skill levels as well as a membership that enables access to all the gyms across the city. The Block 37 location right off the red and blue lines is perfect especially for the winter. Very happy to have found it and would recommend it to anyone who likes climbing or wants to try it!

One of the most beautiful gyms that I ever went to. I already climbed in other countries and in other cities in the US but this place is probably the best so far.

Amazing experience at First Ascent! Free shoe rental on your first visit and they even offered a teacher discount of $19 for a day pass. You need to sign a waiver and watch a video but the process was quick and we were able to jump right in afterwards. The staff was friendly and informative as well. The gym got busier as the day went on but there is plenty of space and lots of routes so we never had to wait for an open wall. I'm a beginner and my roommate is more intermediate and we were both able to find lots of options that were just the right challenge for us. We had a great time, will definitely be back, and can't wait to tell others about it! An amazing view of the city all around as an added bonus :)

What an amazing boulder gym. They really think of everything: nail clippers, hand lotion, fresh towels, shampoos in showers, convenient lockers, tissues, yoga classes, fitness classes, moon board... Route setting is very creative and walls get frequently new set on a public schedule. I really like your idea of collecting points by just checking in when climbing to then use these points to rent ropes or take your friends climbing "for free".

I love to visit climbing gyms when I travel, and this was certainly one of the best. The staff made first-time check in easy and fast. The facility was super clean. The routes were great with lots of variety, overall probably rated a little easier then I would have guessed, or maybe it was just a good day. I would not hesitate to return next time I’m in town.

Called ahead to make sure my 8 year old could take the 'Learning to Boulder' class. Came in 30 minutes later and the SAME guy I talked to on the phone who told me my son could take the class is now telling me he can't take the class at the this location. Total waste of time, train your employees better.

Great little bouldering gym in the heart of the city. Where the routes are long long, they are technical. Great natural light and ample places to sit and rest while your hands need a break. Definitely coming back here next time I’m in town.

Love having a quality gym in the Loop! The facilities are nice and new with a gorgeous view of downtown Chicago. For the most part, FA Block 37 gets it right but there are a few things to improve: - They offer a towel service but it's completely unreliable, sometimes they have them sometimes they don't. It's currently Thursday morning and they're out of towels until Monday. Having to bring your own towel every day because you never know if they're going to have them completely defeats the purpose of even offering the service in the first place. Not to mention how annoying your day begins if you workout and have to figure out how to get into your work clothes without a towel. I would expect more from an $80/month "full service" gym. - The free weights section has dumbbells only in increments of 5 pounds. I think that's fine for higher weights but for lighter lifters, some 3, 8 & 12lb dumbbells would be nice. - There are no mirrors anywhere except in the locker rooms so no matter what you're doing, you can't check your form. A couple mirrors on the walls bythe squat racks would be great. I've been enjoying going to FA every day, the staff is always friendly and they have some great yoga and fitness classes. Just a few things to improve to make it a 5/5.

I played fall out boy and they turned off the music... Update, they turned it back on.

Really fun climbing gym! The setting was great (a tad soft on the V6/7 range), the gym equipment and training areas are nice and new, and the vibe was super friendly. Will definitely come back next time I’m in Chicago! Also, the gym is on the 4th floor of the mall if you’re having a hard time finding it

Finally a climbing gym closer to downtown. Great facility with gorgeous views and space to work and take a long lunch. The mall location is nice. But don't let it's convienent location fool you. This location has a full set up with campus rungs, moon board, atheletic equipment, yoga studio, weight racks, bathrooms and showers, WiFi and a staff that works to be better everyday. Having something like this downtown helps me feel destress and be more comfortable being in the urban jungle.

I collect bouldering halls in my travels... This joint stood heads and shoulders above most every place I've been before in either the States or Europe. The routes were fairly rated, no sandbagging, and were super fun. I've never had the opportunity to kneebar in a gym before. The modern lockers, clean gym, general amenities, the view out the windows, all of the above... This is a solid hall. I just wish I dragged my lazy bum out of bed yesterday morning to climb then too!

Good bouldering, convenient location, also if you get a membership they have 5 other gyms in town with the avondale location having top-rope/sport climbing routes.

Awesome bouldering gym! I visited Chicago from Chattanooga last week so I only got to climb for an afternoon. Highlights included the solid, creative setting, and large windows that provide views of the buildings and streets downtown. I usually stare at my phone during rests but it was fun to watch all the action outside for a change (I'm not from a big city so this was pretty cool to me). The staff was great, too.

My closest First Ascent location, and therefore most frequented. Spacious facility, friendly staff, constantly changing routes, and a beautiful view out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Let's not forget the gym facilities, which feature new treadmills, bikes, and other assorted gym equipment. Love you, FA!

Was here from for a business trip. Coming from Florida gyms that focus more on money than the climbers, this gym was awesome! All bouldering, kids have to be a certain age to climb, and tons of room!! I would go back here in a heartbeat if I visit Chicago again. Thank you for motivating me again when it comes to climbing indoors!

I called beforehand to make sure it was okay to climb, they told me absolutely and that they close at 11. I showed up, not only was I told to leave by a grinning teenager named Matt but I was forced to pay a $21 parking fee. Thanks for the heads up Matt!

Update 2023-11: A year later, I'm back. Feels like home when the Wifi connects right away ;) This is still a great gym, from setting over facilities to the friendly staff. Not crowded at all on weekends. Older sets can be smeary but no different than elsewhere and mostly nothing that can't be salvaged with some good brushing. They now have a Kilter Board on top of the Moon board. Gym prices in the US are what they are ;) Looking forward to next year already :D --- Great gym and at a, for the US, relatively low price to boot. Grading seemed a bit on the softer side maybe but not too bad. I found the step-up from V4 (which I almost always flashed) to V5 (which I managed one with plenty of projecting) a bit steep, but that may have been coincidence on the routes I tried. Setting was very nice throughout the grades, only a bit strange that I had two lines that seemed to require stepping onto dual tex. Maybe I had the wrong beta. Nice views of the surrounding city streets through the large windows. Free WIFI. Plenty of free to use keypad lockers. Surprisingly empty on a Sunday around noon. Overall a great experience!

This was my second time visiting a first ascent gym in the Chicago area. Their block 37 location was a great space with tons of bouldering problems and variety of terrains. I will definitely be returning.

I'm so glad to have this facility in the loop! They reset new routes often so I come several times a week and still find plenty of various difficulty climbs to work on here. The gym is clean, staff is friendly, plus the classes, workshops and guest passes are great perks to have with the membership.

This First Ascent location is awesome! The gym is huge, especially considering that it's in the loop. The size combined plus constant route setting there is always something new to try and you'll never get bored. The locker rooms are clean, there is a good variety of traditional gym equipment, fun events happening all the time, there's nothing but positives! Grayson does an awesome job running the gym and knows everyone that comes in the door by name so kudos to him and all of the staff.

Strongly recommend the guided session if it is your first time trying the boulder climbing. Dylan was our instructor and he is amazing. Very knowledgable and passionate on everything about bouldering. He went through safety tips in detail and gave a great deal of climbing tips and techniques. We asked tons of questions and Dylan was super nice and patient, and encouraged us to try different routes and beta (problem solving) which was a fun experience. We enjoyed the time at First Ascent Block 37 and we are definitely coming back.

I’ve always wanted to learn to rock climb but no one to do it with so I did the guided session with Colie. She was very warm and welcoming! She was also helpful and really encouraging so that made me confident with my climbs! Great experience, definitely coming back

A great new space, custom fit for the loop bouldering crowd. This space features a condensed gym with free weights and some aerobic machines, yoga and class space, lockers, and changing rooms. For those that work downtown, this space is a great option for bouldering before heading to the train. The color scheme is distinctly Chicago and even has walls that reflect the flag of Chicago. An arch, cave, and overhung walls compliment the more flat walls for people working on strength training.

Had such a great time here! Amazing facilities and great Boulder problems. This was my first time to a bouldering gym (I usually go to a top rope gym) and I will definitely be returning. They even have liquid chalk stations for everyone to use around the gym. 10/10 would recommend.

Great facilities, very large and very clean. Staff is also super friendly! I will be coming back 😊

My husband and I made the decision to sign up for a membership back in January 2020 and we are so glad we did! The staff is so friendly, and in the midst of a pandemic, they’ve implemented protocols that are both safe and efficient. Super fun routes. Usually a lot of space to climb given everyone stay socially distanced. Amazing location that is convenient for those leaving their work offices in the loop.

Great facility! Very clean, professional, and aesthetically pleasing. Great climbs, lots of variety and varying difficulties as well as styles. Enjoyed the atmosphere and had a lot of fun. Staff were helpful and very chill.

Outstanding, clean, not too crowded. There are cardio machines and a full weight training area as well for a well-rounded experience!

A fantastic place to boulder with equally fantastic staff. Plenty of routes ranging from VB to V12, lots of variety in route style and technique required. You can easily spend two hours here without noticing time pass by.

Great bouldering gym! Came here with my brother and his friends, they've all really enjoyed the gym this summer so far. Free pass on your first visit with free shoe rental as well. Clean and well-managed facilities, lots of problems of varying difficult to solve which get switched up pretty often, from what I hear. The holds for climbing down are useful. Walls can get pretty high for bouldering so I wouldn't recommend jumping off from the top. Gym membership is comparatively affordable as well. Wish I had these types of facilities near where I live. Definitely check First Ascent out if you're swinging by!

Love the layout of this gym! I'm not much into bouldering and much more top rope/lead climber but this gym had enough routes to quell my need to top rope or lead climbing. The staff were nice and friendly and the gym was clean and everything I would want in a bouldering gym.

I stumbled into the Block 37 location simply because I was visiting a family member that lives in the building, and wow was I impressed. I had a blast bouldering on the huge selection of walls and routes and am really excited to visit again next time I am in Chicago. It was clean, very nice inside, and had a ton of route options. Makes me want to move just to get a membership.

Staff and members are so welcoming and friendly. Such a laid back environment. The instructional video is super helpful. First time climbers have so many pathway options to jump right in and learn. Definitely a memorable, fun experience, and it’s a great way to get a full body workout!

There's a huge variety of 15' climbs here, and I'd say the marked levels are accurate in terms of difficulty. The full gym is awesome esp the freeweights with the safe 2 level rack with space between each weight. If I were in town I would get a day pass just to use the gym area! Climbing shoes are free to use, and I guess they are supposed to be tight but my normal-shoe 8.5 is really a 9.5 in climbing shoe size apparently. Bring hand cream for after, your hands will thank you!

Visited this location while on a business trip. Pretty good size bouldering gym for downtown Chicago. I really liked their route setting, but from the calendar it seems like it hasn’t been updated lately. Routes felt a tad soft compared to other gyms. Would definitely come back!

Amazing climbing gym right in the heart of Chicago! So much detail in every aspect of the gym, a great place for exercising without wasting any time on commuting. One of my favorite places in the city! ❤️❤️❤️

Spacious facility, friendly staff, constantly changing routes, and a beautiful view out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Let's not forget the gym facilities, which feature new treadmills, bikes, and other assorted gym equipment. Awesome.

Large bouldering gym with fun problems! Grading is on the softer side

Really big bouldering space and gym setup. Went here in a day pass and wish I had more time to explore. Route setting is okay - problems are graded a tad easier than most gyms and could be more creative. Lots of slab and vert

One of the best climbing gyms I've been to! Wide variety of problems and spacious enough to not climb all over other people. The staff was super cool too. Def want to come back when I'm in Chicago next

A note to firstcomers: it's located on the 4th floor of the Block 37 mall complex. The location is pretty central, right in the heart of the Loop. Now here's my review. I needed to keep in climbing shape during a short conference in Chicago. This is a really nice facility with good (but softly graded--not necessarily a bad thing) and thought-provoking routes. There's a gym area with a barbell rack, dumbbells, and kettlebells. Also, there's a moon board! Given the moon board, however, I'm surprised by the lack of hangboards, which seems like an easy addition to the training equipment. All in all, a fantastic gym.

Only walked by here. Filled with people.

Great climbing experience, relatively cheap membership

Was visiting on a Saturday. Routes were fun, staff was friendly, there was plenty of room despite a good amount of people being there, and the floor to ceiling windows let in tons of natural light. Cool place.

I loved this place it is so fun and encouraging to go far I’ll give it a five out of five

Reasonable prices and a great setup. Very convenient for lunch breaks in the loop.

A great bouldering gym at a convenient location!

Fun little boulder gym with enough to keep you busy for the day. Great problems ranging from overhung to slab with plenty of equipment to keep you moving. Stopped by while I was in town and had a great time.

The showers here are amaaaaaaazzziiiinnnggggg.

Great facility, great prices, the bathrooms are state of the art, great climbs for beginners and seasoned climbers. I wish I could go every day. Hope they open one in the north suburbs soon.

Excellent theater with plush seats and great food.

Great place to learn/practice bouldering. It has a great gym too.

Spectacular gym with amazing views of downtown. Conveniently located by the red & blue lives too.

I love this gym. I’m a total beginner and wanted to learn a new skill and a new way to get in shape. I felt welcomed and included from the first time I walked in. Highly recommend!

Fun challenging routes, new grippy holds, and a great community! Special shoutout to Jen for her core class!! It’s free if you get a day pass and it’s unlike any other! Also, thank you JW for making us crimp on sharp crimps...

Very similar in style to the FA Humboldt, but with some amazing city views!

Passing through Chicago and had to get a bouldering session in. The setting is phenomenal, very impressed. Very diverse setting styles and a wide range for beginners to experts a like. I especially enjoyed the sloppers and crimps that we’re set. And to top it off the gym had an awesome view! Will definitely be back. Great atmosphere in there.

This place is a gem in the loop and it's obvious they're making consistent improvements since they've opened to appeal to all clients. My only suggestion is keep making it workout friendly for those looking to shower and head back to the office. Good job guys!

Amazing climbing gym, dope problems, great view and friendly staff. PLUS free wi-fi and digital locks for every locker.

Decent bouldering gym but a few demerits reduce my score: 1.) The strength training area is lacking: a. There are two squat racks, but you can only adjust weights in increments of 20 pounds because the smallest plates they offer are 10 pounds. Including sets of 5 and 2.5 pound plates to allow fine-tuning should be an easy addition. b. There are no gymnastic rings, which are ordinarily a staple of climbing gyms as they allow bodyweight strength training that works many of the smaller stabilizing muscles important to bouldering. Ideally they’d suspend them high like at the Avondale location to allow over-the-ring exercises instead of just attaching them to the crossbar on the TRX cage like at the Uptown location. c. There are no mirrors anywhere in the gym (except the locker rooms) so you can’t check your form as you train. 2.) I climb and workout in the morning and was looking forward to the newly offered towel service so that I could shower before work and not have to carry a bath towel with me the rest of the day. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that there are only fresh towels available about half of the days. The rest of the time, they’re “waiting on their towel delivery.” I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt the first couple weeks as they figured out logistics, but there’s been no improvement. Since you can’t rely on there being towels available, you have to carry a towel anyway – completely defeats the purpose of offering the service in the first place. 3.) The boulders themselves definitely skew heavily towards vertical routes that finish 15 feet above the ground. It would have been nice to see some lower boulder structures like caves that would train other skills as well. The tall boulders definitely add a thrill factor but–even with the padding below—falling 15 feet isn’t particularly healthy or safe. It’s disappointing that so many of the interesting routes feel the need to finish that high. In summary, if all you’re looking to do is boulder and then leave you’ll probably be happy. But FA Block 37 is advertising itself as a full-service gym (and charging full-service-level prices) and as of now is coming up short. I’m of course happy to revisit my assessment in the future as improvements are made.

Just went for a first session at this new bouldering gym. Loved it. It does get crowded by 5.30. And for now the ratings between various setters are a bit inconsistent. But both of these negatives are vastly compensated for by the amazing modern and convenient facilities. Thanks First Ascent!

Great addition to the community. Perfect place for the bouldering savvy

As a climbing gym it's great. But the staff let's members workout barefoot or in socks in the weight area. People putting their sweaty feet on equipment and lifting free weights (and dropping them) barefoot. Staff walks by and doesn't say a word. Unless you're looking for a staff infection I wouldn't use a single bench or machine in this gym.