A 23-foot wall can look and feel intimidating to a small child. But at ABC Climbing Academy Naperville — coming to Chicagoland in late February of 2025 — kids learn in gradual steps.
“It’s about agility, balance and coordination,” which is what ABC stands for, shares co-founder Robyn Raboutou. “At the top of the wall, there’s a bell, and they ring it. Climbing builds a lot of confidence for kids.”
Helping youth find resilience is at the heart of ABC, which Raboutou and her husband, both competitive climbers, opened in Boulder, Colorado in 2003 for their own children, then 3 and 5.
“I thought, ‘How can I create a space that’s comfortable for kids?’” she says. “Our concept is that everything is just ‘miniatured’ down.”
And, despite a boom of climbing facilities over the past decade, “It’s still the only climbing gym dedicated solely to kids,” adds Yassen Nikolov, CEO of ABC. “This is its second location.”
Here are three things parents should know about this new Illinois climbing option.
1. This climbing gym is tailored specifically for children
Climbing facilities designed for adults can be overwhelming to kids — and don’t necessarily meet their needs. ABC Climbing Academy is strictly for ages 3-18.
“There are no adults climbing,” Nikolov says. “It’s a kids’ place.” Children are grouped age-appropriately, too. “3-year-olds are with other 3-year-olds,” Raboutou says. “And our instructors follow a curriculum scientifically and methodically planned for that age group.”
- Bouldering for all sizes: A type of climbing without ropes, it includes climbs for small kids just starting out to experienced teens. “We have boulders scaled down to 13 feet,” Raboutou says. “We teach proper falling, too, so kids can climb safely and feel secure.”
- Tailored top-rope walls: At 23 feet tall, these climbs use safety ropes to support kids as they tackle progressively challenging routes created for different skill levels.
- A treehouse structure: This climbing feature helps kids build independence. The first level has plexiglass so kids can see their parents, while the second is for more open exploration. “It’s a space where kids can progress at their own pace,” Raboutou says.
2. The focus is on building confidence and growth
While ABC has produced three Olympians — including Raboutou’s own daughter, Brooke, the first U.S. woman to win a climbing medal in 2024 — the goal is to nurture kids at all levels.
“Climbing is about finding your own path to the top,” Raboutou explains. “It’s a mental and physical sport that helps kids tackle challenges in a way that feels achievable for them.”
- Small and tailored: Each instructor works with just 5-6 kids. “We have a Montessori philosophy, where we cater to the individual needs of everyone,” Raboutou says.
- There are layers: “Every wall has easy, medium and harder climbs,” says Raboutou. “Three or four years later, you can be on the same wall doing something really difficult. So the climbing is never-ending.”
- ‘Risk’ in a safe space: Climbing also helps kids (and parents!) face fear. “We want kids to play with their agility, balance and coordination so that they’re comfortable in the world with taking risk — in an environment that’s protected and molded for them.”
3. Kids have various paths to explore climbing
Like its Colorado cousin, ABC’s Naperville location is focused on giving families multiple ways to try the sport of climbing, from casual visits to structured programs.
- A flavor: “The first visit is more of an orientation and a taste of what we offer,” Raboutou says. “After that, they can sign up for an 8-12-week class.”
- Open gym: During open gym time, families can explore the facility together. A “lifeguard” ensures fun and safety while introducing the bouldering, treehouse and top rope areas.
- Two tracks: Kids can join a recreational program, designed for ages 2-12, or advance into Team ABC, which offers training for elite athletes ages 5-19.
- Birthdays: Or why not book a party? “I can’t tell you how many of our top athletes were exposed to climbing through a friend’s birthday party,” Raboutou shares.
ABC Climbing Academy Naperville, a kids-only climbing facility, opens in February 2025. Learn about classes, clubs, open gym, camps, birthday parties and more at the ABC Climbing Academy Naperville website.
