Hello:

i am new to sport and want to do an outing with some friends. we are in the chicago area. we tried indoor but want to do some outdoor stuff. i see that devils lake is a good spot but we are new - we have no gear and no idea where to start. can anyone recommend some places that might be willing to take a half dozen folks out for the day to get us started? or any other recommendations on how to get into it? thanks!

I don't have any specific advice for your area, but a good place to ask would be at the local climbing gyms. Even if the gym doesn't offer a guiding/teaching service they should be able to recommend something to you.

Hey Moekae in bloomington, IL at upper limits they have climbing clases at DLSP this summer from beginer to lead climbing. Go to the web site at www.upperlimits.com they are a great group of guys.

If you wanted to learn to jump out of a plane and not hit the ground what would you do? Isn't there an Association that has to do with tossing live bodies from aerial crafts?
The AMGA can put you into direct touch in an instant with American Mountain Guides Assoc Certified Rock or Alpine Guide who will teach you and your friends everything you want to know correctly and safely. Search it on the web - Guides are listed by region.
You will pay them, they will teach you how to climb, you'll have a ball, they'll show you how to stay alive forever in climbing (but something else will kill your ass later anyway, as it shall mine) and you will know more than most of your colleagues when its over. If you don't think its worth the money, then enough said.