WEST LOOP — A new indoor rock climbing facility in the West Loop will celebrate its grand opening with free climbing, fitness workshops and a party Saturday.
Now that the facility's 50-foot climbing walls in the south end of the building are complete, Brooklyn Boulders Chicago will host an all-day grand opening party Saturday. All events are free and open to the public.
From noon-6 p.m., the family-friendly, festival-style celebration will feature local vendors, live music, free climbing, carnival games for kids and fitness workshops. Fitness activities will include climbing instruction, yoga, acroyoga, breakdancing, parkour and circus arts, said Allison Ullrich, general manager of Brooklyn Boulders Chicago.
From 6 p.m.-midnight, the grand-opening party will include live performances, live art, DJ-driven music, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a zipline and an interactive photo booth, she said. Live acts will include aerial acts, extreme sports demos and spoken word performances.
Participants are asked to RSVP and must sign a waiver prior to entering the grand opening in the building at 100 S. Morgan St.
On Sunday, Brooklyn Boulders Chicago will offer discounted day passes and gear rental for $10. Day passes typically cost $25 and full gear rental $11.
Hard-hat tours for prospective Brooklyn Boulders members are ongoing, said co-founder Jesse Levin, who calls himself the business' "senior cultural chameleon."
Membership is $109 per month, $327 for three months and $925 for a full year.
Brooklyn Boulders opened the north end of its 25,000-square-foot facility earlier this fall. In addition to two climbing walls, the north end of the building features cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, a party room, conference room and space for group fitness classes. Group classes will include yoga and Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.
The climbing facility also includes an “active collaborative workspace,” that incorporates pull-up bars, stability balls and other gear to keep people moving.
Levin envisions Brooklyn Boulders Chicago as a “community and innovation center.” The business will host parties, entrepreneurial sessions and other community activities.
The West Loop Brooklyn Boulders is the company's third location, and its first in the Midwest. The company was founded in New York in 2009 and opened a second location in Boston in 2013.
Want to see more of the climbing walls and artwork at the West Loop facility? Check out our slideshow.
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