In a city filled with slopes, hills, and steep inclines, it’s only natural a climbing scene would emerge. Southside’s Ascend gym brings novice and expert climbers together to create community, and scale some rocks.
Ascend primarily features three large, unique 16-foot indoor boulders, which means you can climb courses on your own, with no complicated harasses or equipment required. But, if you’re looking for more vertical climbing, try out the facility’s 24-foot tall top-rope pillar with 20 rope stations and auto belays.
Sound like gibberish? If you’re new to climbing you can get a day pass and try out beginner routes on your own, attend bouldering basics, or sign up for a Climbing 101 course.
Ascend offers climbing groups for everyone
And if you don’t want to climb on your own, Ascend has a variety of inclusive climbing meetups, including Womxn on Walls (WOW) and Many Colors, 1 Route (MC1R) where you can climb and conquer routes as a group.
Ascend offers much more than just climbing, with a full set of fitness classes, a yoga studio, and a child watching service, it’s not unimaginable that a visitor could spend a whole day in the expansive space. Day passes start at $17 and include unlimited climbing and a fitness or yoga class. Memberships begin at $64/month and include unlimited climbing, classes, and yoga.
Ready for your first visit? Score a discounted day pass and a donation-based yoga class during Ascend’s monthly Big Free Yoga series every month. Afterward, stick around and climb for only $10.
Know Before You Go: Ascend Climbing Gym
Parking: The South Side’s notoriously tricky parking won’t be an issue when you visit Ascend. The gym has its own lot where you can park for free during your visit.
Bus: 48, 51, 54, 75, 81, and 83 bus lines all run within a few blocks of Ascend.
Biking: Ascend provides secure bike storage on site.
Video produced by Daymon Long.
