2022-08-02 16:58
First Ascent Arlington Heights hosted USA Climbing Youth National Championships from July 25-31 2022. Read on for a recap of the competition, some highlights from the FA Climbing Team, and [… Read More
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First Ascent Climbing & Fitness Blog
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A blog covering tips about indoor climbing and fitness, and general information about First Ascent Climbing & Fitness in Chicago.
2022-07-25 18:45
We’re hosting USA Climbing Youth National Championships at First Ascent Arlington Heights from July 25-31, and 21 of our very own FA Climbing Team kids will be competing at this [&hell&hell…Read More
2022-07-21 15:48
First Ascent Arlington Heights is hosting the 2022 USA Climbing Youth National Championship July 25-31. So we thought we’d give you a rundown of competitive climbing, how it bega… Read More
2021-09-15 19:55
In August, we had the privilege of hosting Patrick Leddin, Vanderbilt Professor and leadership expert, on tour for his recent book, The 5 Week Leadership Challenge. He was joined by Lucy Wes… Read More
2021-09-01 15:06
Meet FA members (left to right) Manasi Deshpande, Paige Trotter, and Meaghan Cusack . They’re training at First Ascent for the Paraclimbing World Cup in LA in October, and we’re… Read More
2021-08-02 16:48
Sport Climbing Makes It’s Olympic Debut After a year of uncertainly due to the Covid pandemic, the Olympics are finally underway in Tokyo! This week, 40 of the world’s top sport… Read More
2021-07-09 15:19
The First Ascent team is beyond stoked to announce that we’re expanding FA Block 37! If you’ve been to our Block 37 location recently, you’ve probably noticed the adj… Read More
2020-11-30 21:39
If you’ve binged all the Netflix and Amazon series and are looking for something fresh to watch for inspiration, fear not: here are 5 climbing films we recommend that will help you tak… Read More
2020-08-20 19:34
This is a bit of a different post from our usual here at First Ascent. We’re in the middle of a shelter-in-place order to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, and people, as well as sm… Read More
2020-07-21 22:07
Meet Dustin Sammarco, a longtime member who frequents FA Humboldt Park! Editor’s note: All answers and photos below are from the pre-COVID era. How did you get into climbing? Gro… Read More
2020-06-23 21:53
Dear FAmily,
We hope this message finds you, your family, and loved ones well!
Great news: First Ascent will reopen all of our Chicago locations on Monday July 6th!… Read More
2020-05-27 21:14
Dear FAmily, We hope this message finds you, your family, and loved ones well! We have heard from so many of you who are eager to get back to First Ascent, and we love and share… Read More
2020-04-28 23:43
Dear FAmily,
First of all, we want to thank the FA community again for your amazing support. The outpouring of support we’ve received means the world to us, and it ensure… Read More
2020-04-07 20:33
Dear FAmily,
Words can’t fully express our gratitude to the FA community for stepping up to support First Ascent. Which is good, because we’re speechless seeing how much… Read More
2020-03-23 16:15
Dear FAmily,
We are overwhelmed and deeply humbled by how you and the First Ascent community stepped up to support us and our staff.
Over 90% of First Ascent members stayed active in M… Read More
2020-03-16 19:37
Dear FAmily member,
With heavy hearts, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close all First Ascent locations from Tuesday, March 17th until Tuesday, March 31st to do… Read More
2020-03-13 21:14
Last Updated: March 13th, 2020. We will publish updates here as more information becomes available.
First Ascent’s mission and commitment is to serve you and the broader community i… Read More
2020-03-13 21:14
Last Updated: March 15th, 2020. We will publish updates here as more information becomes available.
First Ascent’s mission and commitment is to serve you and the broader community i… Read More
2020-01-20 17:08
This is Part 2 of FA member James Dunn’s story about preparing for his first multi-pitch climb outdoors. If you missed Part 1, read that first here: Journey to Multi-Pitch: Part 1. The… Read More
2020-01-15 20:22
FA member Saul Boast shares the beta on his favorite climbing podcasts. Thanks for contributing, Saul!
I’ve been binging on podcasts lately and it’s really helped my motivatio… Read More
2020-01-10 16:49
This is Part Five of our “How to Start Climbing” series. If you haven’t yet, check out Part One: Get Started at a Climbing Gym, Part Two: Your First Visit, P… Read More
2020-01-03 20:24
This month, we’re featuring Jen Saito, Yoga and Fitness instructor at First Ascent Block 37! Take it away, Jen.
How did you get into climbing?
My yoga student and friend… Read More
2019-12-18 22:29
Normally, Trip Reports cover our members’ trips to new areas. But sometimes, we get people like Adit Venkataraman, who was so kind as to write us a mini guide in addition! He wrote abo… Read More
2019-12-12 16:44
This month, we’re featuring Colin Manning, General Manager of Membership & Fitness at First Ascent. He’s new-ish to climbing (and catching the bug), so we asked him some ques… Read More
2019-12-04 20:27
This is Part Four of our “How to Start Climbing” series. If you haven’t yet, check out Part One: Get Started at a Climbing Gym, Part Two: Your First Visit, and Pa… Read More
2019-11-26 21:05
Let’s face it: Becoming a stronger climber when you’re traveling without a gym to train in is tough. But maintaining your level of fitness? You can definitely do that, and you&rs&hell…Read More
2019-11-19 19:10
Last week, the New York Times featured First Ascent in a full-page Style section article discussing the rise of climbing in the US over the last 5 years.
That was an exciting moment… Read More
2019-11-18 21:46
This past Saturday, November 16th, we held the second annual Humboldt Rumble Bouldering Competition at our Humboldt Park location. Climbers of all ages climbed comp-style problems custom set… Read More
2019-11-08 22:34
Somehow, it’s already November and the holiday season’s right around the corner. If you have any climbers in your life, you might be wondering what gifts to buy for them.
But… Read More
2019-10-25 04:13
We’re shining the staff spotlight on Christine Antonio, First Ascent’s Learning to Boulder class instructor at Humboldt Park! Read more about her journey through the world of cli… Read More
2019-10-18 15:01
Back in September, we celebrated our fourth anniversary of opening our first location, First Ascent Avondale. In the four (already four!) years we’ve existed, we’ve welcomed thou… Read More
2019-10-10 15:37
First Ascent is launching its second 6×6 Challenge the week of October 14th, and I for one cannot be more excited for another 6×6.
In many ways, I consider myself the le… Read More
2019-10-08 20:25
We’re shining the staff spotlight on Paula Bui, First Ascent’s Yoga Coordinator and AcroYoga extroadinaire. Read more about her journey into the world of yoga. Sign up for a yoga… Read More
2019-10-06 16:20
For the first time ever, the Reel Rock tour is headed to Chicago for an official tour stop, and we’re proud to be taking part as a sponsor.
We may be biased, but as long-time fans… Read More
2019-10-03 22:26
This is Part Three of our “How to Start Climbing” series. If you haven’t yet, check out Part One: Get Started at a Climbing Gym and Part Two: Your First Visit.
Ask… Read More
2019-08-20 20:11
In this pursuit [of climbing], we found a community — strengthened by different stories, experiences and perspectives. This community has shown us that the only way forward is together… Read More
2019-08-17 17:24
Twelve years ago I was introduced to rock climbing by a friend from work. It became the number one hobby that I never had time for. Even after twelve years, I wasn’t an especially adva… Read More
2019-08-14 03:14
Last summer, I went bouldering for the first time. It was my partner’s birthday, and he wanted me to try it out since he’d started earlier that year and really enjoyed it. We wen… Read More
2019-08-08 15:51
Meet Lester Arguelles, FA Member since the beginning and constant presence around all of the FA Chicago gyms! Lester climbed for the first time in Denali National Park, and he often ponders… Read More
2019-07-23 19:51
This is Part 2 of our “How to Start Climbing” series. If you haven’t yet, check out Part 1: Get Started at a Climbing Gym.
So you’ve been bitten by the climbing bug (… Read More
2019-07-19 19:00
Chicago used to have a bad rep in the outdoor world. We’re too far from the mountains and the ocean, our vast expanses are at least part suburb, and our weather swings from balmy hot t… Read More
2019-07-16 17:30
In this trip report, Danny Delanty tells us about his weekend trip to the New River Gorge in Fayetteville, WV. Thanks for the beta and the wisdom, Danny!
Over the past weekend, I was able… Read More
2019-06-20 17:42
We’re shining the staff spotlight on Brandon Bradberry, Intro to Bouldering instructor at First Ascent Block 37. Read more about his climbing journey below and say hi next time you see… Read More
2019-06-18 17:46
This is the first part of our “How to Start Rock Climbing” series. Stay tuned for How To Start Rock Climbing Part 2: Your First Visit
So, you want to start rock climbing… Read More
2019-06-14 21:18
First Ascent Peoria has opened, and as I slowly pull myself back into the climbing world, I’ve had my eyes opened to the amazing evolution of climbing standards, technology, and risk m… Read More
2019-06-06 20:33
Anyone who climbs understands that rock climbing is different from other sports. This may be our way of justifying its absence in the arena of popular, publicized athletics; climbing isn&rsq&hell…Read More
2019-05-21 17:09
If you’ve been climbing in the gym for a while, it’s a pretty safe bet you’ve caught the outdoor climbing bug—after all, outdoor adventure is the root of our sport. B… Read More
2019-05-14 23:16
There’s something about the sport of climbing that allows us to show what we’re really made of. Are we prepared to face the challenges the sport—and life— presents us… Read More
2019-05-10 20:51
In this month’s trip report, Sydney Bock, FA Youth Climbing Team member, tells us about a trip to Jackson Falls back when she was only 9. She is now 11, and felt it was important to me… Read More
2019-05-02 20:53
In today’s Member Spotlight, we’re highlighting Cristina Anichini, who checked into FA more than 280 times last year! Read on to learn about her all-girl band, her Chicago vegan… Read More
2019-04-24 18:14
Throughout my career as a Licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Behavioral Psychologist (yes, I know that’s an obnoxiously long title), I have explained to parents the benefits of the… Read More
2019-04-16 21:55
We’re spotlighting FA member Jevon Penalosa and recent competitor in the CrossTown Bouldering League. Read on to learn more about his love for climbing, what he does outside of the gym… Read More
2019-04-08 21:43
One of the things we love about running and working at First Ascent is being able to contribute to and provide a welcoming space for this amazing community. Something we’re particularl… Read More
2019-04-01 13:08
Since we first opened the doors of First Ascent Avondale in 2015, we’ve watched as the Chicago climbing community has grown immensely with the growth of access to indoor climbing… Read More
2019-03-14 15:43
We talk about it all the time at First Ascent: at the heart of it all, we’re helping to build a community. That’s not just an FA thing, either. Since the 1960s, rock climbing has… Read More
2019-03-04 15:58
We’re spotlighting FA member Diane Wee, who logged 279 visits to FA in 2018. That’s incredible!! Read on to learn more about her love for climbing, food, design, and more climbin… Read More
2019-02-27 20:47
We’re shining this staff spotlight on Robin West, Desk Lead and Retail Coordinator at First Ascent Avondale. Robin’s calm, cool presence and one-of-a-kind laugh are contagio… Read More
2019-02-21 18:36
How often do you consider your nutrition after a good climb session? What if I told you that eating nutritious foods post-climbing could help you climb better next time?
Climbing causes your… Read More
2019-02-12 21:47
A trip to the climbing gym is the ultimate experiential date, so it’s no wonder that so many couples in the FA community either met here or spent a lot of time here early on in their r… Read More
2019-02-08 19:45
This weekend, we’re sending 17 incredible members of the FA Climbing Team to 2019 USA Climbing Bouldering Youth Nationals, and we couldn’t be prouder of this crew! They&rsqu&hell…Read More
2019-02-04 16:00
In this month’s Staff Spotlight, we’ve got a trifecta. Meet Jonathan Scaccia, Amanda Villiger, and Brad Moser – leaders of the First Ascent Peoria staff team!These three ar… Read More
2019-01-25 21:29
Four years ago, the Setter Showdown was started by Louie Anderson, a well-known routesetter and hold shaper, to bring routesetters from around the country to share ideas and techniques to be… Read More
2019-01-16 19:33
To help support the gym to crag transition, we’ve created a set of 5 guides for newer gym climbers interested in starting to climb outdoors for the first time: How to Navigate the Crag… Read More
2019-01-08 18:08
Looking to make the switch to an assisted braking belay device for lead belaying, but not sure what device to choose or how to make the transition?
The most important thing as you cons… Read More
2018-12-19 18:59
This is part 5 in our 5-part series How To Navigate The Crag. If you missed them, be sure to read Part 1: Leave No Trace, Part 2: Crag Etiquette, Part 3: Learning Local Issues… Read More
2018-12-07 21:56
The outdoor climbing season here in the Midwest has wrapped up for most people, and almost instantly the holidays have arrived. We asked ourselves what we’d want to receive or give as… Read More
2018-11-26 21:39
This is part 4 in our 5-part series How To Navigate The Crag. If you missed them, be sure to read Part 1: Leave No Trace, Part 2: Crag Etiquette, and Part 3: Learning Local Issues… Read More
2018-11-14 14:06
For the month of November, First Ascent is hosting the Paradox Mile, an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Paradox Sports, an organization that supports adaptive climbers in their… Read More
2018-11-10 22:42
This is part 3 in our 5-part series How To Navigate The Crag. If you missed them, be sure to read Part 1: Leave No Trace and Part 2: Crag Etiquette so you’re up to speed.
Last time in… Read More
2018-10-30 14:13
Welcome to the #Sendsgiving Challenge, where we celebrate climbing, community, and giving back in the month of November!
The #Sendsgiving Challenge involves 10 actions you can take to deepe… Read More
2018-10-23 15:39
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on FA staff member Eric Schafer. Eric is a long-time member of the Chicago climbing community. He is also our Fitness Coordinator at FA, so… Read More
2018-10-11 23:05
This is part two of our five-part series, How to Navigate the Crag. Part 1 covered Leave No Trace.
If you’ve been rock climbing for a while, you’ll have heard the term befor… Read More
2018-10-08 17:14
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on artist and FA Member Sarah Landon! Sarah is currently showcasing her artwork in the first ever community art installation at FA Blo… Read More
2018-10-01 16:19
My name is Oliver Rivera and I am a physical therapist at UIC. You may have seen me at the Uptown or Block 37 locations last March and April trying to recruit FA members to participate in my… Read More
2018-09-26 21:47
Climbing outside is not as easy as grabbing your new rope and quickdraws, piling into your buddy’s Outback and parking it outside Miguel’s at the Red. If you do that without prep… Read More
2018-09-13 19:46
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on FA Member Dr. James Lee! Starting this month, James will be using his expertise to offer physical therapy services at all First Ascent locati… Read More
2018-08-30 18:39
Fear is basically impossible to get rid of, and it’s completely natural. When you’re climbing at your limit, about to make a big move, you will feel fear on some level. It’… Read More
2018-08-10 15:22
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on FA Member Jun Yu Tan! We caught up with him to find out more about Jun’s Kickstarter campaign and why he loves climbing at FA. Fol… Read More
2018-08-01 21:09
We are excited to announce that First Ascent Uptown is expanding!
If you’ve been wondering about the brown paper covered windows at 4718 N Broadway, wonder no more: First Asc… Read More
2018-07-19 20:31
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on FA staff member Pilar Amado. Pilar is the fearless leader of our Women Crush Wednesday sessions at FA Avondale, where women boulder… Read More
2018-07-12 00:12
After climbing in the gym for a while, you’ll inevitably get bit by the outdoor bug. Maybe you’ve been venturing up to Baraboo for some quartzite bouldering, or your friends have… Read More
2018-05-20 18:06
In this special guest post, FA member Julia Kuo shares how she got into climbing through illustrations and words. You can see more of Julia’s work at juliakuo.com. We love stories like… Read More
2018-04-23 21:53
On March 28, 2018, Savannah Buik passed away in a trad climbing accident at Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin. Savannah was an original member of the First Ascent Staff, co-founder of… Read More
2018-04-20 17:35
The city is thawing, the birds are singing, and spring is on its way, which can only mean one thing – it’s time to get outside! Nothing quite compares to the feeling of real… Read More
2018-04-17 14:26
We’re shining the spotlight on FA member Adnaan Soorma this month! Adnaan started climbing at First Ascent Uptown and hasn’t looked back since that fateful day in 2015. He has ta… Read More
2018-04-12 14:13
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on FA staff member Lisa Ragins. Lisa is a mother of two (twins no less!), a runner, a serial tie-dyer, and a constant presence at First Ascent A… Read More
2018-02-22 23:19
Back in 2015, we opened First Ascent Avondale with a lot of hard work, some good fortune, and the collective energy of Chicago climbers. The video below tells the story well:
Now, less… Read More
2018-02-06 19:38
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re shining the spotlight on the recently engaged Mara Jacobucci and Brad Sackfield! Brad popped the question right here at FA Avondale a few fee… Read More
2018-01-23 21:59
This month we’re shining the FA Member Spotlight on Rachel Van Loon! She brings passion, positivity and hard work to the FA community, and we can’t with to share her story with y… Read More
2018-01-03 17:51
It’s finally 2018 and you know what that means – time for New Year’s Resolutions! Did you follow through on your 2017 resolutions? Most of us make it through the first few… Read More
2017-12-19 18:06
The fear of falling is common — but you can get past it with the right mental training tools and support from your climbing community. If you struggle with the fear of falling while le… Read More
2017-12-03 19:20
FA Setter Ryan Smith recounts his Thanksgiving trip to two sandstone bouldering meccas: Rocktown near La Fayette, Georgia and Stone Fort (aka Little Rock City) in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, bot… Read More
2017-11-29 18:47
Jenn Hipps, an FA Youth Instructor, shares ten things she loves about AcroYoga at First Ascent after finally taking the plunge despite her initial fears and doubts. Read on, then join us for… Read More
2017-11-14 22:49
Climb off those extra calories and give back with First Ascent’s
#SENDSGIVING CHALLENGE!
Here’s how it works:
1. Visit all 3 FA locations (Avondale, Uptown, and Humboldt Park)… Read More
2017-11-10 21:32
While the time spent at First Ascent or on an outdoor climb is great for the mind and soul, you might be wondering: Are there health benefits to rock climbing? Should I do cardio or weight… Read More
2017-10-23 05:15
Just weeks after the grand opening of our latest location, First Ascent Humboldt Park, we have some very exciting news to share with you…
We are opening two more locations in 2018!
Th… Read More
2017-10-13 16:21
This week we are shining the light on Justin Slobodin, FA Uptown’s Gym Manager! You can catch Jesse either eating his body weight in tacos, traveling the world (probably to find good t… Read More
2017-10-05 03:37
This month we get to shine the spotlight on Justin Parks, and we can’t be more excited! Justin is an avid outdoorsman, adventurer, and hugger. His buoyant spirit is contagious, an… Read More
2017-09-18 18:44
Shelly Sital has been a First Ascent member and fixture in the FA community since the beginning. She sent us this blog just after our two-year anniversary, and all we could say was “Aw… Read More
2017-09-11 16:54
This month, we’re shining the FA Member Spotlight on Laura Guengerich. She is the perfect example of how happy and versatile our FA Community is! You can find Laura taking multip… Read More
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