After School Programs - 2024
Spring
Starting on February 26th until May 8th this 10-week program is running every Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours between 5-7:00PM.
Week 1
First session of our 10-week program was a great success. We welcomed back a few familiar faces and have a great new group of teens ready to start climbing. Our first session always focuses on the basics of bouldering - defining a route, falling and climbing safely. Everyone came with a great attitude and once we started climbing we could see the enthusiasm as everyone got on the walls. Our instructors led warm ups and played ‘floor is lava’ with climbing holds to have the teens work on their hand, eye and feet coordination. Looking forward to the weeks ahead!
Week 2
After getting introduced to the basics of bouldering, week 2 started to focus on goal setting. The group tried their best at deadhangs and planks to get a baseline of their current limits, and we’ll come back in a few weeks to see the progression. It may be hard to beat this week’s record of a 9-minute plank! We’re already seeing the group moving up the levels and try harder grades as their technique and strength develop. We also threw in some dynos for good measure to see how explosive and coordinated everyone can be.
Week 3
Week 3 introduced the concept of route reading and how to analyze a problem to ensure you’re following the right sequence, rather than figuring things out on the wall and wasting energy. It takes some practice to accurately visualize the problem against how it really feels climbing it. We’re also seeing the confidence growing as the teens are getting more comfortable with mantling and topping out on some of the scarier routes. Progress every week! We also had the great fortune of overlapping with the @arcteryxchicago event which treated everyone to good music, drinks and people - always great to see all the familiar faces.
Summer
Starting on June 25th until August 1st this 6-week program is running every Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours between 3-5:00PM.
Week 1
We were excited to return to Movement Wrigleyville last week for the start of our 6-week Intro to Rock Climbing program. This summer’s group included 15 teens, with a few familiar faces returning from past sessions.
The first session focused on the fundamentals—route reading, safe falling techniques, and basic climbing movements. From the start, the energy was high and the group was supportive of one another, cheering each other on throughout the session.
Our instructors led warm-ups and introduced games like “floor is lava” using climbing holds to build coordination and comfort on the wall. It was a great start, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the group continues to grow in the coming weeks.
Week 6
This week marked the end of our summer Introduction to Rock Climbing program. Over the past six weeks, we’ve watched an incredible group of teens challenge themselves, support one another, and grow their climbing skills.
Our instructors provided steady guidance, encouragement, and inspiration throughout the program, helping participants build both confidence and technique on the wall.
We’re excited to see many of these climbers continue beyond the program and stay connected to the sport. A big thank you as well to the gym staff for their ongoing support in making this program possible.
Fall
Starting on September 23rd until December 11th this 10-week program is running every Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours between 5-7:00PM.
Week 1
The first week of our 10-week Intro to Rock Climbing program began with a strong start. We welcomed back a few returning climbers and introduced a new group of teens ready to dive into the world of climbing.
The opening session focused on the basics of bouldering—reading routes, practicing safe falls, and gaining confidence on the wall. The excitement was obvious from the moment the group started climbing. Everyone brought great energy, and the walls were buzzing with determination and encouragement.
This session was designed to offer a more balanced experience, with five weeks dedicated to bouldering at our Wrigleyville location and five weeks of rope climbing at Lincoln Park. It set the stage for a season of skill-building, teamwork, and growth both on and off the wall.
Week 9
Week 9 of our Intro to Rock Climbing program marked a huge milestone and was a clear testament to how much progress the group had made. In just one session, nine teens successfully passed their top-rope belay tests—an incredible accomplishment that reflected weeks of dedication and practice.
Throughout the program, it had been inspiring to watch their focus sharpen, their teamwork strengthen, and their confidence grow. They learned not just how to climb, but how to support each other—literally and figuratively—on the wall.
One of the most memorable moments came from seeing climbers push past fear and surprise themselves. Hearing someone say, “That was me, I did that!” captured exactly what this program was all about.
Week 10
Week 10 of our Intro to Rock Climbing program closed out the season with something new—our very first bouldering competition just for teens in the program. The event added an exciting twist, splitting participants into two heats, intermediate and advanced, to challenge their skills and celebrate how far they had come.
What made the day even more meaningful was that the competition was organized by one of our program alumni, now proudly part of the Movement team. It was a full-circle moment that added a personal touch to the whole experience.
The energy in the gym was incredible. Climbers cheered each other on, tackled tough routes, and pushed themselves beyond what they thought was possible. Confidence soared, and the sense of community was front and center. Big shoutout to the team for setting creative, challenging problems—and to every climber who showed up ready to give it their all.