Climbing Wall | Chicago Athletic Clubs

CAC’s climbing walls are located at the Evanston and Lakeview locations. Visit the indoor walls at Lakeview and Evanston year round. The Lincoln Park outdoor climbing wall is currently undergoing renovation.

EAC 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 40 routes ranging from 5.7 – 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 ($35) to get access to the wall.

NEW TO CLIMBING

Whether you are brand new or you want to get back into climbing, this section is for you!

Introductory Climb

Open to both members and non-members ages 16+, Introductory Climb is the best way to jump start your climbing adventure with an instructor on hand to tie you in and belay, all you have to worry about is getting to the top, or working hard on in the bouldering cave. We have everything you need here (complimentary climbing shoes and a harness), just wear something comfortable that isn’t too baggy or too short. This is not a class, but the best way to experience what climbing at CAC is all about! Click here to view our daily scheduled introductory climbs!

Interested in Learning the Ropes?

We have a full schedule of classes for ages 5 and up! Click here for more info!

EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS

Experienced climbers ages 16+ are welcome to come and climb with us during any Introductory or Supervised Climbing times!

During your first visit you will need sign a waiver, go through our safety orientation and take our belay certification test.
The certification test is $20 and is valid at any CAC location for over a full year, all re-certification tests after that are complimentary.
Once you’re certified you may climb whenever the wall is open, just grab a partner for some top rope, or work on some hard boulders in cave.
If you don’t have a climbing partner, Supervised Climb is the best place to meet other climbers in the community and hopefully make some friends you could climb with regularly!

Click here to check out our Supervised Climb and Open Climb times.

Guests Climb with us on the All-Access 10 Pass
This 10 Pass is perfect for all certified non-member climbers that are primarily interested in taking advantage of the club’s climbing wall and fitness facilities. If you buy this pass the same day that you get certified, your certification fee ($20) will be waived! Click here to get yours!

BRING THE KIDS TO FAMILY CLIMB

Family Climb is a great chance to get your kids 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 always be accompanied by a parent. It’s first come first serve, so be sure and come early!

CertifiedMember’schild: FREE
Non-CertifiedMember’schild: $10
Non-Member’s Child: $25

*Limit of two children per parent.
*Children must be ages 5+

Kids still can’t get enough climbing? We have Kids and Youth Classes for that. Click here for more info.

PRIVATE ACCESS: From 1-on-1 to Group Events

We offer a range of private climbing lessons and events for ages 5+ to many group sizes. We can arrangements for anything from 1-on-1 private lessons to groups as large as 35.

Private Lessons
Private lessons can be scheduled at your own leisure with one of our highly knowledgeable climbing instructors.

Click here for more details and pricing information.

Group Events
The Evanston and Lakeview climbing walls are available to rent for parties and team-building events all year long. Our most basic accommodations are affordable and fun! Rent our wall for up to 15 Climbers for 2 hours with 2 instructors for just $400. Rates may vary for group events of other sizes and time lengths.

Use this link to inquire and begin your booking now!

*Membership is not required for private lessons or wall rentals

Kids Classes | Ages 5-9

Kids I

Evanston & Lakeview

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.

Kids II

Evanston & Lakeview

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.*

To register for Evanston classes click here.
To register for Lakeview classes click here.

Youth Classes | Ages 10-15

Youth Beginner Class

Evanston & Lakeview

The Youth Beginner class is the perfect starting point for kids ages 10-15, with limited climbing experience. In this 4-week introduction instructors emphasize safety protocols as climbers learn how to tie-in and belay. Climbing movement and technique are taught in conjunction with responsible climbing procedures. Upon completion of the Beginner Class students can register for Youth League to continue climbing.

Youth League

Evanston & Lakeview

Our Youth League provides a great environment for experienced climbers ages 10-15. This 90-minute class focuses on strength and technique in both the bouldering cave and on top rope. Climbers that progress in Youth League can try out for one of our Climbing Teams, with instructor recommendation.

Prerequisites: Youth Beginner class or Kids II

To register for Evanston classes click here.
To register for Lakeview classes click here.

Climbing Team | Ages 7-18

CAC Youth Climbing Teams

Evanston & Lakeview

The Expansion and Advanced Climbing Teams are for highly motivated climbers interested in competing through USA Climbing. Practices include work outs and climbing exercises to advance each team members' technique and strength to prepare them for competitions and outdoor climbing. Coaches will attend competitions as far as multiple climbers advance. Those interested in Team must attend try outs for team in the fall and spring.

More information for CAC Youth Climbing Teams here.

Please contact climbing@chicagoathleticclubs.com for details on joining.

Climbing Team Preparation | Ages 7 - 18

CAC Youth Climbing Team Preparation

Evanston & Lakeview

While the Team is between seasons we want to keep the climbers strong and give potential climbing team members a peek at what the team is all about. So from June - August we host two practices a week at each location give you options and flexibility.

For more Info & Registration click here

Climbing

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Upcoming Events

Check out our Summer Programs

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NEW TO CLIMBING

EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS

BRING THE KIDS TO FAMILY CLIMB

PRIVATE ACCESS: From 1-on-1 to Group Events

Climbing Classes

Adult Classes

Adult Beginner's Class | Ages 16 & up

Learn the ABCs of Climbing

Adult Lead Climbing Class | Ages 16 & up

Youth Classes

Kids Classes | Ages 5-9

Kids I

Kids II

Youth Classes | Ages 10-15

Youth Beginner Class

Youth League

Climbing Team | Ages 7-18

CAC Youth Climbing Teams

Climbing Team Preparation | Ages 7 - 18

CAC Youth Climbing Team Preparation

Climbing Schedules

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