Rock climbing combines the discipline of ballet, the athleticism of gymnastics, the focus of yoga and the immediacy of creative problem solving. In term of fitness it develops flexibility, balance, core stability, full-spectrum strength, and endurance. Mentally it develops focus and an awareness of the range of the human body. It's also great fun!

Fitness Formula – Old Town and Fitness Formula – Oak Park are hosts to the Chicago area’s most popular indoor rock climbing facilities. Open to both Club members and non-members alike, we offer a complete menu of climbing programs. Novices mix with hard-core enthusiasts. Bouldering, top-roping and lead climbing is available on more than 100 fresh routes—well-distributed from entry-level challenges, thru moderate phases, to the toughest routes around! Experienced and talented instructors teach a well-developed and unique curriculum of classes. We also host birthday parties and corporate teambuilding activities! Fitness Formula is Chicago’s preferred full-service rock climbing destination!

OLD TOWN CLIMBING WALL GENERAL POLICIES
  • Our wall is open to both Club members and non-members.
  • Our wall is open whenever the gym is open.
  • Staffed Climbing Wall Hours are listed below.
  • Belay Certification Lessons are available during Staffed Climbing Wall Hours.
  • Climber and Belayer must both be FFC-OT Belay Certified.
  • Children under age 12 cannot be Belay Certified.
  • Children under age 12 may be belayed by a Belay Certified parent.
  • All Certifications are done using Petzl Grigris.
  • Grigris and harnesses are available at no charge.
  • Climbers may use another belay device if they can demonstrate proficiency.
  • Guest fees and Passes may be used any day, all day.
  • Guest fees and Passes are for Climbing Wall and locker room use only.
  • The gym's workout equipment is reserved for Club member use only.
  • Bouldering is allowed for all climbers.
  • Using a spotter when bouldering is highly recommended.
  • Climbing shoes are required.
  • Open chalk must be kept on the floor.

    PRICES FOR MEMBERS
    Belay Certification Lesson$35 (includes free shoe rental)
    Climbing Shoe Rental Fee$5
    Climbing Wall FeeFree!
    One-Hour Private Lessons$35 (e-mail tpetraitis@ffc.com)
    6-Week Beta Instruction Class*$100 (register at Front Desk)
    6-Week Intermediate Class*$100 (register at Front Desk)
    6-Week Advanced Class*$100 (register at Front Desk)
    6-Week Lead Class*$100 (register at Front Desk)
    *We run seven class sessions a year. All equipment is included.
    Accelerated Lesson Package**$100/each (e-mail tpetraitis@ffc.com)
    **Available only to partner groups of 2, 3 or 4. Pays for five weekly 90-minute lessons, Certification, free shoe rental. Lessons should be scheduled in advance.


    PRICES FOR NON-MEMBERS
    Belay Certification Lesson$35 (includes a free second visit and shoe rentals)
    Regular Climbing Wall Fee$15
    Students (i.d. required)$12
    Fridays$12
    Kids*$12
    *ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a Belay Certified Parent
    10-Pass / 60-day expiration$100
    10-Pass / 120-day expiration$125
    20-Pass / 60-day expiration$150
    20-Pass / 90-day expiration$175
    20-Pass / 120-day expiration $200
    40-Pass / 365-day expiration$400
    Climbing Shoe Rental Fee$5
    1-Hour Private Lessons$50 (e-mail tpetraitis@ffc.com)
    6-Week Beginner Class$150 (register at www.chicagosocial.com)
    6-Week Beta Instruction Class*$150 (register at Front Desk)
    6-Week Intermediate Class*$150 (register at Front Desk)
    6-Week Advanced Class*$150 (register at Front Desk)
    6-Week Lead Class*$150 (register at Front Desk)
    *We run seven sessions a year. See session calendar here. Fee includes 6 weekly small group lessons, 6 additional open visits, and equipment.
    Accelerated Lesson Package**$150/each (e-mail tpetraitis@ffc.com)
    **Available only to partner groups of 2, 3 or 4. Each person gets one 60-Day 10-Pass. Pays for five 90-minute lessons, free shoe rentals, and Certification. Lessons should be scheduled in advance.


    STAFFED CLIMBING WALL HOURS
    Mondays6:00 - 9:00 PM
    Tuesdays thru Thursdays5:00 - 9:00 PM
    Saturdays and Sundays1:00 - 5:00 PM
    Additional hours by appointment (e-mail tpetraitis@ffc.com)


    SUPERVISED CLIMBING
    Mondays thru Thursdays5:30 - 7:00 PM
    During Supervised Climbing hours an FFC Rock Climbing Instructor will be available to belay uncertified climbers. There is no fee for being belayed. Guests must pay the normal Climbing Wall fees. Members would only need to pay the shoe rental fee if they do not have there own climbing shoes.

    Certification Lessons can also be done during Supervised Climbing as well as other Staffed Climbing Wall Hours.

    “OPEN” (un-staffed) CLIMBING WALL HOURS
  • The Climbing Wall is open for Club member and non-member use whenever the Club is open, even when the wall is not staffed.
  • First-time visitors to FFC-OT who arrive when the wall is not staffed may boulder. New boulderers must sign a Bouldering Waiver at the Front Desk.

    6-WEEK BEGINNER ROCK CLIMBING CLASSES (in association with Chicago Sport and Social Clubs)*
  • 6-Week Beginner Group Class $150*
    *pays for six weekly group lessons, six additional open visits, and equipment
    For session dates and enrollment go to www.chicagosocial.com.

    BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
    Yes, we offer fun-filled climbing activities for kids celebrating birthdays from 5 to 15. Please contact tpetraitis@ffc.com for more details.

    CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING EVENTS
    This program offers a customized event designed to foster a non-competitive team-oriented approach to problem solving. Climbing challenges require participants to work on Reliance, Achievement, Excellence and Trust. For more details please contact tpetraitis@ffc.com.

    FULL-WEEKEND OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURE CLASS
    This privately-run fair-weather weekend class is designed for small groups of no more than four climbers. It provides the know-how necessary to become independently safe, proficient, and ready outdoor climbers! It involves:
  • Camping/Climbing trip to Devil's Lake Wisconsin
  • On-sight instruction in outdoor rope-setting skills
  • Guidance in unique outdoor climbing and belaying skills
    Cost: 1 person $300*; 2 person $400*; 3 persons $500*; 4 persons $600* *does not include transportation or camping expenses
    For more details please contact tpetraitis@ffc.com.

  • Phone
    312.640.1235

    Parking
    Parking is available in the valet garage on the east side of Clark St., across the street from 1030 North Clark St. entrance.

    Hours
    M-Th 5:00a-10:00p
    Fri5:00a-9:30p
    Sa-Su7:00a-8:00p

    Open Climbing Wall Hours
    M-Th5:00a-10:00p
    Fri5:00a-9:30p
    Sa-Su7:00a-8:00p

    Address
    FFC Old Town
    1235 N. LaSalle
    Chicago, IL 60610

    Climbing Schedule

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