Discover the fun, challenge and excitement of climbing with the Chicago Athletic Clubs.
CAC’s climbing walls are located at the Evanston, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview locations. The Lincoln Park outdoor climbing wall is open through early fall. Visit the indoor walls at Lakeview and Evanston year round.
EAC, LPAC, and LVAC boast some of the highest quality climbing walls in the country, ranging from 40 – 65 feet tall, offering top-rope and lead climbing on indoor and outdoor walls, as well as three bouldering caves. With over 75 routes ranging from 5.6 – 5.13, our walls provide the best terrain for beginners and experts alike!
*Everyone that climbs at the CAC clubs needs to have a waiver on file with us. Minors need their guardians to fill a waiver out prior to getting on the wall. Please download the waiver to bring to your first class. Non-members must purchase a club day pass ($25) to get access to the wall.
If you have never climbed before, or have climbed a few times but never learned how to tie-in and belay, this section is for you!
We have two ways for you to start climbing, you can sign up for a beginner class or you can try it out first, during our daily scheduled introductory climbs.
Classes We have a full schedule of classes for ages 5 and up! See below for more information.
Introductory Climb Open to both members and non-members ages 16+. If you are a not yet a member you will need to purchase a day pass ($25) to visit to the club during our scheduled Introductory Climb times. There will be a climbing instructor on hand to tie you in and offer you a few climbs up our main wall and/or introduce you to our bouldering cave. We have everything you need here (complimentary climbing shoes and a harness), just wear something comfortable to climb in. This is not a class, but a great chance to experience what climbing at the clubs is all about!
This 10 pass is for certified climbers that are primarily interested in taking advantage of the clubs climbing facilities. Sold at the discounted rate of $150, it will permit you to climb at any of the CAC clubs with a wall (The Evanston, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview Athletic Clubs).
If you buy this pass the same day that you get certified, your certification fee ($20) will be waived! Available for sale by our membership advisers at EAC, LPAC, and LVAC. An individual is only eligible to purchase three passes per year.
In addition to having classes for the kids we also have a “Family Climb” time set aside during the weekends.
Family Climb is a great chance to get your kids (ages 5 and older) on the wall! Staff will be on hand to help try to get your child to the top! Climbing shoes and harness are provided, children must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Limit two children per parent, and its first come first serve, so be sure and come early!
Experienced climbers are welcome to come and climb with us (non-members will need to purchase a club guest pass for $25). The first step will be taking our certification test, which involves being able to tie-in and belay safely. The certification test can be given by any instructor during our supervised climb times. The certification fee is $20 and certifies you at all of our clubs with a climbing wall (EAC, LPAC and LVAC).
Once you’re certified you’re free to climb on the wall or in the bouldering cave whenever the wall is open. We require that you retake the certification test every other year, but there is no charge for getting recertified.
View times when you can get certified (any introductory or supervised climb time)
Private climbing instruction is available for all skill levels.
For three people the time is extended to 1.5 hrs and the rate is $145 per lesson.
To set up lessons at EAC, LVAC or LPAC please fill out our Online Registration Form here.
The Evanston, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview climbing walls are available to rent for parties and team-building events. You do not need to be a club member to rent the wall. For wall rentals, please fill out this form.
Beginning Adult Rock Climb (16 years & up)
A great way for new climbers to get certified and familiar with the basics of this exciting sport! This course teaches basic rope and belaying skills, as well as basic movement techniques. This three week course includes 6 hours of instruction (2 hour sessions 1xwk), gear rental, and the certification fee.
Class Fees
6 hours of instruction
Member $100/Non-Member $125
Evanston
Wednesdays 7:00–9:00 pm, Session dates: 8/23 – 9/6, 9/13 - 9/27, 10/4 - 10/18, 10/25 - 11/8, 11/15 - 12/6 (no class 11/22), 12/13 - 12/27
Lincoln Park
Lakeview
This course is for certified climbers (can tie-in and belay) comfortable climbing 5.9 who want to break into sport climbing. The focus of this class is to get climbers certified to lead at the Chicago Athletic Clubs, which includes lead climbing, lead belaying, and cleaning sport anchors.
Class Fees 3-week session with 6 hours on instruction
Member $75, Non-Member $125
Evanston, Lincoln Park, Lakeview
Register online here.
This is our introductory course for kids new to climbing. Emphasis will be on movement and climbing technique as well as maximizing climbing time. The instructors will strive to make the climbers feel comfortable being on the wall, high off the ground. Climbing knots and belaying may be included based on climber’s maturity, skill level and interest.
Class Fees
Member $100 per month/Non-Member $125 per month
*Due to space constraints, waitlist may be in place. Minimum 2-month commitment, requires credit card on file.
Days & Times
Evanston, Lincoln Park, Lakeview
Register online here.
Kids II is for kids that are ready to take their climbing to the next level. The kids will have more time to climb and the instructors will increase the intensity of the climbing, challenging the climbers to push their limits. Climbers should have a working knowledge of the knots and belaying and be able to climb to the top of the wall.
*Kids I instructors will recommend for Kids II.*
Class Fees
Member $100 per month/Non-Member $125 per month
*Due to space constraints, waitlist may be in place. Minimum 2-month commitment, requires credit card on file.
Days & Times
Evanston, Lincoln Park, & Lakeview
A beginning climbing class for youth ages 10-15. This class meets for 4-week sessions and is designed for kids interested in learning to climb. Climbers will learn how to tie-in and belay as well as climbing movement and technique skills. Once kids gain experience in the Beginner Class, they can move up to our Youth League or Climbing Team.
Class Fees
Member $100/ 4-week session, Non-Member $125/ 4-week session
Register online here.
Days & Times
Evanston, Lincoln Park, Lakeview
Our Youth League provides a great environment for experienced climbers ages 10-15 to continue developing their climbing. For kids that have already gone through our Youth Beginner Class, the Youth League will focus on improving their climbing skills and strength. Climbers that progress in the Youth League can move up to one of our Climbing Teams.
*Must be an experienced climber at CAC*
Class Fees
One Day/Week: Member $75/ month, Non-Member $100/ month
Two Days/Week: Member $140, Non-Member $175
Minimum 2-month commitment, requires credit card on file.
Register online here here.
Days & Times
Jr. Climbing Team (EAC & LVAC, Ages 7-12)
Register online here
The Jr. Climbing Team is for kids who are excited about climbing and looking to advance their climbing skills. The Jr. Team practices twice/week for a total of 3 hours, where climbers will have workouts tailored to meet their needs and advanced climbing technique will be introduced. Climbers will be encouraged to attend local climbing competitions in the USA Climbing Youth C & D age categories. Junior team includes access to Family Climb, Must go through an evaluation process with a team coach
Practice Schedule & Monthly Dues
Please contact climbing@chicagoathleticclubs.com for details on joining.
Competitive Climbing Team (EAC & LVAC, Ages 12-18)
Register online here.
The Competitive Team is the most advanced youth climbing level at CAC for highly motivated climbers planning on competing through USA Climbing in the Junior, A, B, or C age categories. The most intensive of the programs, the team practices three/week for a total of 7 hours. Individualized training routines will be geared towards competitions and outdoor climbing. Once per month, the EAC team will hold practice at LVAC, and vice-versa. Coaches will attend competitions (Regionals, Divisionals, and Nationals) as far as multiple climbers advance. Climbers must go through an evaluation with a team coach
Practice Schedule & Monthly Dues
Please contact climbing@chicagoathleticclubs.com for details on joining.
Summer Climbing Camps
An exciting week of climbing designed for kids (ages 7-13) new to the sport or with climbing experience. Instructors will begin with the fundamentals and work to perfect climbing technique with each camper.
Available at Evanston on our indoor wall and two bouldering caves and Lincoln Park on our outdoor wall.
Days/Times: Mon/Wed/Fri 9:30-12pm
Summer Camp Dates (By Week)
Camp Fees
Week: Members $200/wk, Non-Members $250/wk
Sibling Discount: Register two siblings for the same week and save $25/camper.
Register online here.
