First Ascent Avondale

First Ascent Avondale is the largest of the Chicago climbing gym’s locations, with 26,000 square feet of terrain and walls up to 60 feet tall. Climbers can use auto belays, top rope or lead routes, and there are about 100 boulder problems for people who would rather stay low. The gym also has a yoga studio with more than 20 classes a week, cardio machines and free weights, campus and hang boards, locker rooms with showers and a workspace with free WiFi. First-timers can buy a day pass and rent a full gear package.

What to know

• Address: 3516 N Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL 60618.
• Phone: (773) 564-9815.
• A day pass is $28, or $23 for students and people under 18; the rental gear package is $11.
• Parking is free, and the Addison Blue Line stop is about a half-mile walk.
• Climbers sign a waiver before the first visit.