Climbing is for everyone
What we’re about
Share it.
Everyone on our team has been lucky enough to reap the benefits of climbing. In fact, that’s how we all met. Through volunteering opportunities at our local climbing gym with organizations who hold similar aims of making climbing more accessible we saw the impact climbing can have on those engaged in the sport.
Climbing provides obvious physical benefits but its mental and social benefits are often understated. The climbing community is known for its supportive and uplifting nature with climbers often making the gyms their second home. Climbing can also help develop skills such as problem solving, confidence, team work, and many more.
We want to share these benefits with Chicago by removing as many barriers as possible. This starts with hosting free climbing programs to introduce youth to the sport. Teens get to explore fitness and yoga classes, career opportunities, climbing techniques and safety. We also sponsor memberships and equipment for eligible teens who have completed our programs and are interested in continuing to climb giving them continued access to the gym and the climbing community.
What we offer for eligible teens:
Free instructional climbing programs (in partnership with After School Matters)
Gym access
Climbing equipment
Climbing team sponsorships
Meet up events (including with partner organizations)
Team work.
We are partnering with After School Matters and Movement climbing gyms to host our current programs. Movement Gyms have been incredibly supportive since our inception and have consistently offered opportunities to our teens we could not do alone. After School Matters’ long established history in supporting and developing impactful youth programming throughout Chicago has been integral in allowing us to reach the widest audience possible
Faces.
Meet our team.
Alex Taylor
“Climbing has long been a big part of my life. It has often been my way of dealing with periods of anxiety and uncertainty. I hope to share this outlet with others.”
Wilson Bajaras
“Climbing is a great sport that is for everyone. It has allowed me to improve my overall health, become stronger and be part of an amazing community. I have met many wonderful individuals and friends from very distinct backgrounds who want to improve, have fun or who simply just enjoy climbing.”
Ivy Leung
“Climbing is my active meditation, my only way to focus singularly on my body and my mind. I had never done any sports growing up until I found climbing as an adult, climbing is for everybody!”
Emily Lopez
“I've played many sports in my youth, but none compare to rock climbing. I appreciate that this sport allows me to choose my challenges and move at my own pace. I love my friends I've met along the way -especially the Chicago Climbs folks- and can't wait to learn more.”
Corey Fitzgerald
“I’ve been climbing for almost 13 years and it’s the community that keeps me coming back for more. I’ve made life long friends through climbing everywhere I’ve lived. It’s a unique sport that brings people together from all different walks of life to support each other, be challenged, and have fun.”
Ryan Juguan
“Adaptive sports have been the driving force behind my journey as a former collegiate wheelchair basketball athlete and international paraclimber. I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of sports. The day I started climbing was the day my life took a thrilling turn. Not only has it brought me new friends and unforgettable memories, but it has also allowed me to be part of something much greater than myself.”