Although this is not my home gym, I am a First Ascent member and come here pretty regularly to climb with my sibling. This is probably my favorite location they have due to the variety of climbing walls they have for bouldering, generally less busy than the bigger block 37 location, and also a great weight room section. Parking can be a bit tricky and would make sure to read all signs around the neighborhood to make sure you're not getting a ticket. One thing that I really appreciate is that they really take feedback into account. For example, I had requested a trap-bar for the weight room at this location and my home gym. After a couple months, I saw it was part of the most recent round of gym equipment they ordered. Additionally, I appreciate them trying to keep the weight room organized, especially sectioning off an area mainly for stretching/core/non-weight activities. The only critique is more of a personal preference in that I would prefer they rotate and put up new problems sooner. I think they update a section every 6 weeks? I'd probably prefer closer to a month, but that's mostly because I'm impatient and if I can't get a problem in 1-3 sessions, I basically give up working on it and would like something new. Tl;dr: Great bouldering gym in Humboldt Park with a nice weight room. Would recommend! read more

First Ascent Humboldt Park - Spooky season at First Ascent! - Yoga Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super fun time for those who want some fun exercise ‍ Community is outstanding. Spoke to a fella named Stan (I think, idrk) and he told me all about his story of getting into climbing. How wholesome Bit pricey, but u get what u pay for. It's worth picking up that extra shift bby read more

Tough spot but a good one. Most of the routes at first ascent locations have similar routes since the setters like Fox or McAllister rotate to all the locations. The big differences I see here are mostly there are more "power" and dynamic routes since the wall space is much larger in terms of height n width compared to the other locations like block37 or Avondale. Personally I like how vibrant this spot feels because of its openness. You can see everyone climbing and feel the excitement versus walking into isolated pockets of a gym. They could do more to mix up the holds for beginners v0-2 since most of them involve jugs and maybe one sloper but I would have felt better getting started on those diff holds ( pinches slopes etc) earlier! Some cons would be the parking situation outside, basically grand is best spot to park but also most dangerous. In fact my car side mirror got swiped while parked and the person never left a note. People drive at like 40-50 mph despite 3 traffic light and people crossing into first ascent. I really think they need to build a speed bump or a cross walk due to high foot traffic. read more

I love First Ascent ‍. They have multiple locations and friendly staff that are always helpful if you ever need assistance. Routes change every 4-6 weeks which keeps things fresh and challenging. read more

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I've been coming to this gym for about a year. I love it so much! The staff are super friendly, the routes are always great, and I love the music they play! I've noticed the other gyms play mostly the same things every time I go but Humboldt is so unique and there's always something interesting on and it gets me pumped! read more

I had a lot of fun here tonight. Super casual, laid back, and friendly staff. Extremely clean and well set up. I'm a beginner climber, but I appreciated how friendly and welcome everyone was. There are many options for many level of climbers. It's on the 4th level of Block37, so its super convenient. There is also a mini gym area that is well equipped. We did some quick workouts after our climb and then grabbed dinner in the area afterwards. Super fun! I would highly recommend. read more

An outstanding assortment of bouldering problems in a friendly and fun environment. The setters use the V scale and there are a wide variety of walls and problems. The problems change often enough to keep things fresh and the setters do a great job creating enough routes for all climbing levels. The facility is clean and the staff is knowledgeable and engaging. If your looking to get off the walls and they have a workout facility with cardio machines and an assortment of free weights and machines. In addition, they offer yoga classes and climbing lessons. Climbing is a great form of exercise and stress relief and I cannot recommend this facility enough. read more

This is my favorite bouldering in Chicago. I don't know what else I would want in a climbing gym.

This place needs more 5 star reviews. Clean facilities. Nice staff. Wide variety of routes, overhang, slab. Routes can be a bit tight/squished for me since I am rather tall/chubby. But otherwise, this place is awesome. Given the "Goldilocks" turnover rate of new climbing routes across all 3 (now 4) facilities, I am very impressed with the route setters. I don't know what they get paid, but I hope their pay is a lot! Because honestly, FA would not be the same without them. Anyone can buy climbing holds and throw it on the wall. FA is great because of the setters. read more

I typically don't love bouldering but this gym makes me go more often. The routes are varied and always changing and I love how spacious it is. read more

Visiting in Chicago and wanted to take my nephews bouldering for the first time. These clowns were going to charge me $70 for what would cost me $45 at a world class bouldering gym in Denver. Hell, my monthly payments for my gym are $59!! Do not recommend for first timers or anyone that wants to climb at a reasonable price. Multiple gyms offer $10 entry for first timers, but I'm supposed to pay the same for an 8 year old here that I would pay for a day pass anywhere else. Of course a climbing gym in Chicago would have no connection to the true climbing community. read more

We came in for the first time and got the noob package! ( not sure what it's called, beginners maybe?) I came with a group of four as my 9 year anniversary surprise! It's something I've always wanted to do. Pilar was our guide, she was great! Very sweet, helpful and knowledgeable! I definitely hope to return and sign up! I want to work on my overall fitness first and loose some pounds. read more

Great bouldering gym. Change the routes regularly. Could provide more variety. For example you rarely see a crimpy hold on V2s or V3s (lowest difficulty level is VB (beginner), followed by V0 and V1). Similarly there is only one route under a V4 on their overhang cave. This makes it hard for a beginner/low intermediate climber to be adequately challenged or stimulated. The gym also has really decent cardio and weight lifting amenities in addition to its bouldering walls (a key reason I left Brooklyn Boulders to join the First Ascent family). My criticism is that there is no separation between the gym area and climbing area so the machines are covered in chalk and - more importantly - I'm affected by chalk in my lungs when doing cardio. I'm not sure if climbing gyms are covered by indoor air quality regulations, but at a minimum the staff could make an effort to wipe down surfaces and vacuum daily (including hrs to reach places). And perhaps management can install more effective air filters. I haven't experienced this air quality problem at other climbing gyms, including First Ascent's Avondale location. read more

Friendly and helpful. No attitudes. Bit pricey but a lot of fun. Cool venue. Would definitely go back on a discount day or Groupon. Hardly anywhere to park however. read more

Tons of route variety, huge space. The bouldering league seems like it's a super fun community, and I'm glad FA has done that for Chicago. Sadly I moved away from the area, but this gym was my home for climbing while I lived in Humboldt. I'll always come back to climb here. read more

I love climbing at first ascent. The atmosphere is very welcoming to all ages/experience levels. They are always changing climbing routes on a rotating basis among the many walls, which means you can always find something new to challenge yourself, but also come back and work on problems you couldn't quite send the week or two before. The facility itself is clean and large, with places to sit and hang out when you're not on the wall. There is a fitness area and yoga studios you are welcome to utilize as well. Most of the bouldering here is longer/higher routes (vs. Uptown where some of the walls/routes are shorter). In the bathrooms, there are showers and lockers with temporary codes to lock up your valuables if you don't want to toss them on a cubby. You can rent climbing shoes/chalk if you don't have your own. They also have classes if you want to up your game in working out/climbing/yoga. Their daytime membership is priced really nicely if you'll be climbing before 3 on weekdays. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and if you get bored at one gym, try out one of the others in Chicago. A day pass/membership allows you to gym hop! read more