chicago gyms

Chris treggE wrote:

Going to be at a hotel near Millennium Park downtown for a conference for a week coming up.  What's the closest bouldering gym, or gym with auto belay?  Hidden Peak?  Walking distance ideally...  TIA

Maggie Daley is fun and cheap, but you need a partner because they charge a crazy fee for autobelays...otherwise it is $15 for your first visit+belay check...$7 for a day pass after that.  If you are climbing on the tall section or the steep overhang, you won't be surrounded by tourists/kids.  Downside is that it gets really hot in the sun, the walls are prone to spinners, and they have some goofy rules regarding helmet use (but whatever...that's just how they make sure you are a paying customer and not somebody who just hopped the 3ft tall fence).  They have some decent routes...don't change them often, but you won't care as a 1-time visitor. Kind of a cool, novel experience to climb outside right downtown.

Brooklyn Boulders and First Ascent: Avondale are your two big gym options with autobelays, and are both accessible via the train.  BKB is closer to you, but FA is a better gym.  First Ascent: Uptown is also easily accessed via the train, but it is bouldering only...

The climbing scene in Chicago has changed dramatically from when this thread was originally created, so much of the past advice doesn't really apply anymore.  Hidden peak is still open, but it wouldn't be my suggestion for a visitor.

Ended up walking a couple times to Brooklyn Boulders (2.5 miles straight west from Millennium Park).  They have a deal for $45 where you can go as many times as you want for one week.  With rare exception, the problems were really good, the gym is bright and clean, and there's lockers and a shower, as well as a workout area upstairs.  The only thing I might change was the slick finish on the walls -- not a big deal, I just had never been to a gym that didn't have some type of texture for smearing (maybe it forces you to place your feet more carefully).  Oh and the dogs fighting while their owners climb -- could do without that, but it's not a deal breaker.  I didn't end up using any autobelays, but they have a few.  I'd go back there if I was in Chicago again though.  Thanks for the advice.  

Good practice for Devil's Lake. ;)

Trying to remember the climbing gym i went to as a kid (early 1990's) on the south side. Was off Maxwell Street. Anyone remember this?