Discover the fun, challenge and excitement of climbing with the 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 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 ($35) to get access to the wall.
August 27 - 31
Monday - Friday | 1:00 - 5:00pm
Wind down your summer with all kinds of fun at LVAC! We have an exciting week planned for ages 7 - 15 with some basic climbing instruction, Pilates training and obstacle courses.
Open to ages 7 – 14
Monday | Wednesday | Friday
Ages 7-10 receive a half hour of Pilates
Ages 11-14 receive a full hour of Pilates
Tuesday | Thursday
All Climbers will race though an obstacle course in Studio 2
Pricing:
Weekly | Member: $300 Non-Member: $350
Daily | Member: $110 Non – Member: $120
Sibling discount: Register two siblings in the same full week of camp and receive $25 off for each kid.
*Climbers have access to harness and shoes at no additional cost.
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 $35). 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.
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.
For information and registration, click here.
This course is for certified climbers who are 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. 2-week session with 6 hours of instruction.
Times and session start dates: email Climbing@chicagoathleticclubs.com
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.
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.*
More information for Evanston classes here.
More information for Lakeview classes here.
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.
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
More information for Evanston online here.
More Information for Lakeview online here.
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
More information for CAC Youth Climbing Teams here.
Please contact climbing@chicagoathleticclubs.com for details on joining.
Learn the skills and techniques of climbing while building the strength and flexibility needed for success! Our campers will learn knot tying, belaying, climbing technique and so much more while working with our knowledgeable staff. Then they will head over and work with our Pilates team to build strength and flexibility while playing on the Pilates equipment. Our goal is to teach a well-rounded approach to the sport climbing all the while building our campers confidence and having fun!
*Campers have access to a climbing harness and shoes at no extra cost.
Register Here!
Have Questions? Email us at climbing@chicagoathleticclubs.com
