Vertical Endeavors

This top-notch climbing gym is located within the enormous health club Life Time Fitness in Warrenville, IL. The gym features 18,000 feet of Nicros "textured rock" wall. This means that in addition to having the familiar bolted hand- and footholds, the wall itself looks and feels almost like real rock, with ledges, plenty of cracks and even a chimney. The gym features sport bouldering, sport climbing and plenty of top-roping. Several auto-belay systems allow you climb safely without having another person belay you: very convenient when you go alone or with an odd-numbered group. This gym is a real treat!

How far? 45 minutes by car if there is no traffic (never go there during rush hour - it will take you forever). If you need to get a ride, email the OAC Mailing List.

Hours

• Monday - Saturday:
  10 am-10 pm

• Sunday:
  10am-6pm

Directions by Car

From Hyde Park take LSD North to I-55 West to I-90/94 North to I-290 West. Follow I-290 to I-88 West towards Aurora. You will need to pay 40 cents toll on I-88. Exit to Winfield Rd South. The gym is located inside a big red building that will be in front of you once you turn onto Winfield Rd.

Costs

For OAC members the rate is $10 per visit. For gear rental price go to their webpage.

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This is the best gym for routes in the chicago area and a newcomer to the scene. I know nothing about the type of climbers who climb there but the guy who runs it is cool. It has nicros fake rock which is very realistic. all the holds are nicros too. it has crack systems that you can jam and autobelay systems so you don't even need a partner. There a number of good routes. However, this gym is way out in the suburbs and not accessable by public transportation. And it is quite expensive($18) but transferrable punch passes help($12 per time).
Type: TR and Lead Routes:9/10 Scene:? Price:5/10

Merrick Schaeffer

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