Best Indoor Rock Climbing In Chicago
Don't worry that the holiday pounds are taking a while to work off because winter weather has interfered with outside runs. Rock climbing is a great way to work off calories while increasing flexibility and core strength. It also is a fun sport to try during the winter before tackling rock climbing outdoors at such Midwest vacation spots as the Wisconsin Dells. There are several good indoor climbing facilities in the Chicago area. They range from park district centers to private venues and from fairly straight-up walls to challenging overhangs.
Annerino Community Center
Bolingbrook Park District
201 Recreation Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
(630) 739-0272
www.bolingbrookparks.org
The Annerino Community Center in the western suburb of Bolingbrook has private and semi-private lessons. You don't have to live in the Bolingbrook Park district to use the facility. The Center offers belay certification, which is useful when you want to go with someone else. That way you can take turns climbing while someone manages the top rope. The facility used to have auto-belays but was unhappy with some of their mechanisms. The climbing wall is 23 feet tall with five routes.There is an excellent staff to work with visitors of all ages and skills.
Brooklyn Boulders
100 S. Morgan St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 268-0002
www.brooklynboulders.com
Brooklyn Boulders is a new, 25,000-foot facility in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood near Halsted Street. It has everything and does everything related to rock climbing. Climbs range from 50 feet and 30 feet high to a 23-foot wall and what is known as bouldering. Bouldering is climbing without a rope within a limited height and distance so there is no need for a harness or technical training. Bouldering is good for improving technique, strength and movement. Visitors here can learn lead climbing, knots and rappelling. A popular class is "Learn the Ropes," an introductory course on skills and need-to-know basics.
First Ascent
3516 N. Spaulding Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 564-9815
www.firstascentclimbing.com
A new climbing and fitness facility near Addison Street and Elston Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood, First Ascent has the gear you need for climbing and classes for beginners. More experienced climbers would go through a belay check before having at it. There are several climbing walls with dips and overhangs so routes range from short and easy to challenging. It also has a bouldering area.
Related: Best Indoor Rock Climbing In Chicago
Climb On
18120 Harwood Ave.
Homewood, IL 60430
(708) 798-9994
www.climbon.net
Climb On attracts all ages from the experienced visitor to climber wannabees. Outside is the southern suburb of Homewood, but inside the climbing walls feel like real rock. There are several routes, corners and overhangs. Instruction ranges from the basics to how to tackle overhangs and challenging routes. One of the corner routes is called "The Bat Cave."
Libertyville Sports Complex
1950 N. Highway 45
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 367-1502
www.libertyville.com
Operated by northwest suburban Libertyville, the town's sport complex has a climbing mountain supervised by knowledgeable staffers. The mountain is 28 feet high but has several routes and challenges including cave, chimney and crack climbs. It has manual and automatic belays. The facility offers classes and belay certification.
Related: Best Winter Hikes Near Chicago
Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
