A look inside Fort Wayne’s first climbing gym

What’s happening: After years of anticipation from the climbing community, Fort Wayne is finally home to a climbing gym. Collin Jester and Edwin Chow, both climbers and entrepreneurs have opened Summit City Climbing Co. in southeast Fort Wayne.

The gym held its soft opening on April 27 and is open only to members until May 18, when Summit City Climbing Co. will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m., after which it will be open to the public.

Cody HeckberSummit City Climbing Co. is Fort Waynes first climbing gym.What it is: The gym, located at 1331 E Berry Street, features 2,130 square feet of bouldering, which accommodates all ages and climbing abilities. The colorful holds and murals contribute to a fun atmosphere and climbers can expect those climbing routes to be updated routinely by a USA Climbing Certified Route Setter. (Bouldering, if you’re unfamiliar, is a form of free climbing performed on small formations or rock walls.)

“GOAT Ambassadors” are on site to help people through orientation and shoe rental. They’re also there to help any beginners who might need some assistance with understanding the ropes of climbing. The gym also features a gear shop and mural work done by local artist Chris Catalonga.

Cody HeckberClimbers explore bouldering routes.
Why it’s important: This is the first climbing gym in Fort Wayne. Local climbers used to have no option other than to drive to gyms in nearby cities like Indianapolis, but that all changes with a local gym. Fort Wayne has a lively climbing community, and Jester estimates, based on conversations with other industry professionals, that Fort Wayne might be the only city of its size without a climbing gym.

Other climbing gyms have been announced in Fort Wayne in years past, like the one that was announced in the early stages of the Electric Works campus development, but each of them has failed to happen for one reason or another. Permits and lack of funding could be two potential reasons. Local climbers have called this experience frustrating but were hopeful that Jester and Chow would succeed.

Jester and Chow say they’re hopeful their gym will not only attract seasoned climbers to the area but also attract new climbers to the sport. They’re also hopeful that this climbing gym won’t be their only in the northeast Indiana region.

Membership: Memberships start at $17 for a day pass, $20 for a weekly membership, or $75 for a monthly membership. Summit City Climbing Co. also offers a 10-punch pass for $144. They offer a family membership for two people for $110 plus an additional $20 for any additional climbers.

Anyone who signs up before April 30 is considered a founding member and will gain early access to the gym, but will not be charged again until July 1, giving them an extra four weeks of climbing at no extra costs.

Members also get an extra 10 percent in savings on gear from the pro shop and two guest passes per month. (Founding members get 20 percent off until May 18.) 

Summit City Climbing Co. also offers discounts on membership for nurses, first responders, veterans, students, teachers, social workers, and nonprofit organizations.

Hours: After their grand opening, guests can visit the gym Monday through Friday from noon until 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

Take a look:
Cody HeckberFounding members attempt routes at the soft opening of Summit City Climbing Co.Cody HeckberThe mural by Chris Catalonga inside Summit City Climbing Co. depicts Promenade Park.Cody HeckberClimbing routes at Summit City Climbing Co. will be updated routinely by a USA Climbing Certified Route Setter.Cody HeckberMembers wait for their turn to try out the new routes at Summit City Climbing Co.Cody HeckberClimbing at Summit City Climbing Co. accommodates all ages and abilities.Cody HeckberSummit City Climbing Co. features 2,130 square feet of bouldering.Cody HeckberA mural done by Chris Catalogna inside Summit City Climbing Co. depicts Promenade Park.
Cody HeckberSummit City Climbing Co. features 2,130 square feet of bouldering.Cody HeckberClimbing routes at Summit City Climbing Co. will be updated routinely by a USA Climbing Certified Route Setter.