Programs & Services

Indoor Rock Climbing – Old Town

Old Town Indoor Rock Climbing

Fitness Formula–Old Town hosts the most established and popular climbing facility in Chicago. Newly named THELEDGE, it offers not only the most complete climbing program available in the Chicago area, but a unique one as well. A dedicated group of seasoned instructors using both traditional and novel methods, combined with a sharp route setting team, create an environment that is known for developing the best climbers in the midwest! Novice climbers mix comfortably with hard-core enthusiasts… and then become devoted enthusiasts themselves! There is plenty of bouldering, top-roping and lead climbing available on an ample array of well-considered, fun and complex climbing routes—spread evenly over the range of challenges, from entry-level thru moderate phases, leading to the toughest routes around!

And if your just interested in a birthday party for the kids be sure to check us out!.We design corporate teambuilding activities, too! THELEDGE is Chicago’s best full-service rock climbing destination!

Open Climbing Wall Hours
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THELEDGE is open for member and non-member use whenever the Club is open, even when the climbing wall is not staffed.

Staffed Climbing Wall Hours
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Mondays and Wednesdays5:30 - 9:00 PM
Tuesdays and Thursdays3:30 - 9:00 PM
Fridays6:30 - 8:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6-Week Climbing Classes
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Next 6-week session begins the week of September 13. All registrations handled at Old Town club:

Monday, September 13, Climbing, Multi-Pitch, 6:30-8:30pm
Monday, September 13, Climbing, Beginner, 7:00-9:00pm
Tuesday, September 14, Climbing, Level 1 Beta, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuesday, September 14, Climbing, Beginner, 7:00-9:00pm
Wednesday, September 15, Climbing, Level 2 Beta, 6:30-8:30pm
Wednesday, September 15, Climbing, Beginner, 7:00-9:00pm
Thursday, September 16, Climbing, Level 3 Beta, 6:30-8:30pm
Thursday, September 16, Climbing, Beginner, 7:00-9:00pm
Saturday, September 18, Climbing, Beginner, 11:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, September 18, Climbing, Intermediate, 1:00-3:00pm
Saturday, September 18, Climbing, Advanced, 1:00-3:00pm
Sunday, September 19, Climbing, Bouldering, 1:00-3:00pm*

Climbing, Beginner Climbing - An introduction to indoor toprope climbing and bouldering, the safe and proper use of climbing equipment, knot tying, and perfected belaying skills. Includes Certification (in Week 2). Level: Beginner Fee: $100/members, $150/non-members

Climbing, Bouldering - Pure cordless free climbing blending raw power with intelligent technique. Level: Intermediate Fee: $100/members and Pass holders, $150/non-members.

Climbing, Intermediate Climbing - A course for anyone who has already been certified and knows what fun climbing is, focused on improving climbing techniques, and introducing the use of ATC-type belay devices. Level: Intermediate Fee: $100/members and Pass holders, $150/non-members.

Climbing, Advanced Climbing - A more rigorous course for climbers who have completed Intermediate Climbing, focused on technique and strength training . Level: Advanced Fee: $100/members and Pass holders, $150/non-members.

Climbing, Lead - Sport Lead Climbing in all it's magnificence! Lead Belaying. Anchoring. Rappelling. Everything you'll need to know to take it outdoors and nothing less! Level: Advanced Fee: $100/members and Pass holders, $150/non-members.

Climbing, Level 1 Beta -- Unique small group format for climbers working into the 5.7 to 5.8 (easy/moderate) difficulty range. Instruction focuses on the best move-by-move options to ascend the newest routes on the FFC-Old Town wall and begins to develop useful route-reading and visualization skills.

Climbing, Level 2 Beta -- Unique small group format for climbers working into the 5.9 (moderate) difficulty range. Instruction focuses on the best move-by-move options to ascend the newest routes on the FFC-Old Town wall and develops improved route-reading and visualization skills.

Climbing, Level 3 Beta -- Unique small group format for climbers working into the 5.10 (hard) difficulty range. Instruction focuses on the best move-by-move options to ascend the newest routes on the FFC-Old Town wall and develops optimal route-reading and visualization skills.

Climbing, Multi-Pitch -- Our most advanced course focuses on basic necessary skills needed to tackle long, full-day outdoor multi-pitch sport and trad climbs with speed and safety as the common link between climbers. Some additional equipment required.

Climbing, Pre-Lead -- In Pre-Lead we address any psychological necessities (like confidence) and technical issues (like movement efficiency and resting skills) that will be needed to eventually get on the sharp end of a rope and lead! Level: Advanced Fee: $100/members and Pass holders, $150/non-members (all registrations handled at club).

Pricing for Members
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Belay Certification Lesson $35 (includes free shoe rental)
Climbing Shoe Rental Fee FREE!
Climbing Wall Fee FREE!
One-Hour Private Lessons* $35

Please contact Tom at tpetraitis@ffc.com for more information.

Group Pricing for Members
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Any 6-Week class*$100
7-Week Multi-Pitch class$125
Accelerated Lesson Package**$125 each person
Weekend Toprope Anchor Course(See Below)

* Fee includes 6 weekly 2-hour lessons and equipment.
** Available to private groups of two to four on an open schedule worked out in advance. Includes five weekly 90-minute lessons and equipment.

Pricing for Non-Members
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Belay Certification Lesson $35 (includes shoe rental and second visit)
Regular Climbing Wall Fee $15
Students (ID Required) $12
Fridays $12
Kids $12
10-Day Pass/Expires in 60 days $100
10-Day Pass/Expires in 120 days $125
20-Day Pass/Expires in 60 days $150
20-Day Pass/Expires in 90 days $175
20-Day Pass/Expires in 120 days $200
40-Day Pass/Expires in 365 days $400
Climbing Shoe Rental $5
1-Hour Private Lesson $50
Group Pricing for Non-Members
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Any 6-Week class*$150
7-Week Multi-Pitch class**$175
Accelerated Lesson Package***$175 each person
Weekend Toprope Anchor Course (See Below)

* Fee includes 6 weekly 2-hour lessons, 6 open visits, and equipment.
** Fee includes 7 weekly 2-hour lessons, 7 open visits.
*** Available to private groups of two to four on an open schedule worked out in advance. Includes five weekly 90-minute lessons, 5 open visits, and equipment.

6-Week Beginner Rock Climbing Classes (in association with Chicago Sport and Social Clubs)
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6-Week Beginner Group Class* $150 / Please call the club to register for an upcoming session.

* Fee includes six weekly lessons, six additional open visits, and equipment.

Climbing Programs for Kids
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Kids' 2010 Climbing Camp - For kids ages 6 to 16. 12 open lessons from 3:30 to 4:45 PM (shifting to 3:45 to 5:15 when school begins) on all Tuesdays and Thursdays through November 18. Fee: $200, $300 for 2 siblings!

2-Kid (Duel Use) Lesson Open 10-Pass - Two kids (ages 6 to 16) share this 10-Pass. As climbing partners they receive 5 one-hour lessons to be scheduled in advance, no expiration date. Fee: $250

Accelerated Lesson Package for 2 Kids - Two kids (ages 6 to 16) will each receive a 10-lesson pass with 90-day expiration dates. All 10 one-hour lessons should be arranged in advance. Fee: $200/each

Kid's Single Private Lesson - a reduced Private Lesson fee for kids! $35/hr.

Birthday Parties!
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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
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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.

Toprope Anchor Setting Course at Devil's Lake
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Group trips organized by Tom Petraitis (FFC-OT Climbing Wall Manager) to Devil's Lake, Wisconsin include camping and in depth guidance in the safe setting of solid toprope anchors. Trips usually include two nights camping and two days of anchor setting, instruction, and climbing. Fee varies with group size.

For more details please contact tpetraitis@ffc.com.

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