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    First Ascent

    4.4 (16 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Front
    Brian T.

    Arlington Heights is the newest addition to the First Ascent family, and it's a solid gym! There is something for everyone, including yoga, a fitness area, bouldering, top rope, auto belays, and lead climbing! Overall, there is more lead than there is top rope, so make sure you bring your rope to pass the lead safety test. As I was only in Chicago for a few hours during my layover, I didn't plan to travel with a rope. No rope checkouts or rentals available at this time. As far as I could tell, the route-setters do a great job. Grades seemed consistent, and the routes were fun! There is currently a fun 12 with slopers and pinches that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though it pumped me out! I do wish there was more slab climbing here, though. It's also a shame that I couldn't try some of the lead-only routes, as they looked sweet! There were other climbers there, using the auto belays, and it made me think of how useful those would be in my home gym. Sometimes, it's hard to find a belay partner, and I'd love to keep training. All top ropes in this gym are set up with a grigri, so you won't need your own belay device. The safety test for top rope is on point. Although Janay knew I was an experienced climber, she tested me thoroughly. It's important to keep all your climbers safe! If you are a teacher, student, or military, then you are eligible for a discounted day pass! Cubbies are placed around the gym, and there are also locker rooms. Come check out First Ascent Arlington Heights while it's still shiny and clean! It's attached to an apartment building, so you might have to walk around to find it like I did. Some dude told me this place used to be a water park!

    Inside
    Ruth L.

    I used to indoor rock climb years ago, and its so nice to have seen it come into popularity in recent years with dedicated facilities being built for it. First Ascent is a great place! Roughly $34 for day pass includes shoes and harness rental. Friendly staff get you familiar with a tour, some rules, and safety guidance along with helping you with your harness. Its a great facility with autobelays, bouldering areas, and a strength training gym to use. Family friendly as I saw a few young kids there climbing as well. Its so close to home, I definitely plan on coming back.

    Cici C.

    Just opened not long ago, this climbing gym is so new and state-of-art. Lots of coworking space, tables and seatings, lots of cubby shelves everywhere. Also shelves of books but at the moment it's not accessible. There are also party rooms that are enclosed. Bathroom has lots of shower space, keypad lockers, and nice benches. I really like their aesthetic choices in their furnitures and interior choices. They have tampons available for emergency use (yay!). Their keypad was a bit tricky to get used to. My suggestion is to press the "clear" key many times before typing in the numbers. I would also take a picture of the locker number since I tend to forget where my locker is lol. They have two classrooms that offer yoga classes in the mornings. Pretty hidden away but decent space inside the classrooms/dance studio rooms. A lot of top-rope routes but also a good amount of bouldering. I love that the crash pads are really thick/firm/bouncy, as opposed to VE's chips that can get everywhere and in your shoes, but do watch out if you back up not to fall off the edge. They vacuum the crash pads everyday, supposedly, so it looked super clean and new when I went in the morning. You should sign waiver at home before you come in, it's easier. And get a quick mandatory orientation on what to do and not to do. But you don't need to get autobelay certified though they do teach you how to. They have a decent amount of autobelays, though I'd wish they had more. Lol. The autobelay are pretty easy to pull down compared to what I was used to at VE, so it's good for kids who don't have a lot of strength to hold it down by one arm, but the flip side is when you kick off, you descend pretty fast initially but it does stabilize at a certain speed--I heard that's because it works by magnetic and can support up to 300 lb. Took my 9 year old here to climb after 4 year hiatus because of pandemic, and she immediately fell in love and didn't want to leave, she just kept going and going, with endless amount of energy. I might consider taking her here more often or maybe sign her up for lessons!

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    3 months ago

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    Dan B.

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    1 year ago

    My son and I were able to bond while exploring this together. It was a great playground for all ages we both had a blast.

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    2 years ago

    First class gym and classes. Problems are redone often and facilities are clean. Staff is very helpful. I am a happy member

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    Dan B.

    Thanks Mark! Glad you're enjoying the experience. Climb on!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Staff are so helpful. Clean environment. Well run. Super kid friendly for all ages. Money well spent.

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    2 years ago

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    Review Highlights - First Ascent

    The Arlington Heights locations is one of two (soon to be three) that has top rope routes.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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