This campaign has been postponed. Please read on to learn about our mission, get interested, and stay tuned for a future launch date. Thank you.

The Birth of a Bouldering Gym

If you've ever tried climbing you know the incredible rush that comes with each step: The excitement of your first attempt, the focus as you think and feel your way through each movement, the intensity of effort, and the satisfaction of giving a challenge everything you have. My name is Kris and I've been addicted since the first time I pulled on a pair of climbing shoes. Here I am 10 years later, ready to dedicate myself to bringing this experience to Champaign! 

Climbing can appeal to any age or skill level and this facility will provide a fun challenge for everyone from the absolute novice to the unstoppable professional. With your help this gym will become a reality by early 2015 (or even sooner!) 

What's a Bouldering Gym? Bouldering is a form of climbing that doesn't involve a rope. Because our walls will only be 15' tall, you can fall or drop onto a 16" thick foam floor that is specially designed for climbing. Safe and sound. Bouldering gyms are popping up all over the world because they are extremely convenient. You don't need a partner to climb and it requires less equipment than roped climbing.

What does it take?

CU Boulders is going to be a new breed of climbing gym. I envision it constantly growing to meet the needs of the community as it grows. The goal is to start small and continually reinvest. Even this 'small' start requires about $200,000 to get built. Raising $50,000 shows that we have a community willing to support this project and that will influence bigger investors to hop on board and get us to the overall goal. Without any hesitation I also say that it would be incredible to raise the full amount exclusively through this campaign ;) 

CU Boulders loves the Midwest! We'll get our holds largely from SoIll, an Illinois/Missouri based company that supports the UIUC climbing club and produces outstanding products. The gym will host works from local artists and be a venue for local musicians.

In addition to that great feeling you get from knowing you're helping, I've cooked up some great rewards so you can get in the door and check out the amazing gym YOU helped build (maybe even be the first!). All of the perks are offered below planned retail price. We plan to be open in December and climbing passes make great holiday gifts and it's an amazing way to take on any fitness based resolutions you might make for New Year.

This is an 'all or nothing' campaign! Meaning that if the goal isn't reached you'll get 100% of your pledge back, but we're going to get there! Get behind it, get your friends behind it, get the whole community behind it (parents, kids, small and large businesses, students, teachers, ALUMNI). Think of how nice it will be to have another option in the hot summers or frigid winters. Every dollar helps, every single pledge shows that one more person supports this project. 

LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!

The Impact

CU Boulders is going to be more than just a climbing gym. It's going to be a place for people to grow, physically and mentally. It will also be a place of community. What you can expect:

• Climbing classes, yoga classes, general fitness and health classes
• a place to socialize, a place to bring friends, and a place to make new ones
• a friendly, safe, and fun environment for all ages and abilities

Challenges

So you love the cause but funds are tight

If you can't contribute that doesn't mean you can't help:

• Please help get the word out and make some noise about this campaign. 
• You can use the Indiegogo share tools!