Chicago Will Be Getting A Massive New Climbing Gym

By Emma G. Gallegos in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 22, 2016 9:02PM

Climbing at Planet Granite in San Francisco (Photo by Jesse Wagstaff via the Creative Commons on Flickr)

We have some good news for everyone who's not afraid of heights: Chicago is getting a huge climbing gym. You've got to wait, but Planet Granite announced it will be coming to the near North Side sometime in 2018.

Planet Granite claims its Chicago location will be the largest climbing, yoga and fitness gym in the country, clocking in at 45,000 square feet. (FWIW, Vertical Endeavors in Glendale Heights says it is the same size, though it offers no yoga and is more narrowly climbing-focused.)

It sounds like they believe there's a lot of room, both literally and figuratively, in the local scene. Planet Granite founder Micky Lloyd said in a statement, "There are several good climbing gyms in town and we look forward to working with them to help grow the climbing community."

Planet Granite is a chain started in San Francisco 22 years ago. The Chicago location will be 50 percent larger than the chain's flagship operation in Portland, and Lloyd promises it will be "world-class."

This facility will be four stories, and it will feature bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. The space will host about 50 yoga and fitness classes a week, as well. There will be a fitness space with an open floor plan with weights and cardio, and a gear shop on site,

We reached out to the company to find out exactly where they plan to touch down. In the meantime, you can always check out one of many gyms around town—or you could just try climbing the Hancock.