In January 2025, Blocworks Climbing launched its second bouldering gym in Midtown, Oklahoma City, five years after the first facility opened in Edmond, Oklahoma. Entrepreneurs Mariah and Evan Small identified a significant opportunity in the local climbing market, prompting them to explore areas suitable for a second location. The Midtown space presented itself unexpectedly when […]
Horizon Climbing Opens in Champaign, Illinois
On August 16, Horizon Climbing officially opened its doors in Champaign, Illinois, founded and owned by Natalie Broadhurst and Mika Malter. After both having fantasized about launching a climbing gym, they realized that their visions aligned perfectly, leading them to focus on creating an inclusive environment for climbers of all levels. “We wanted to establish […]
inSPIRE Rock Opens New Location in Lubbock, Texas
inSPIRE Rock has launched its latest climbing facility in Lubbock, Texas, officially opening its doors on October 11, 2025. The new gym is spearheaded by an ownership team that includes Christina and Bryan Robins, Robyn and Blake Birkenfeld, Cece and Grant McCasland, and Terri and Paul Short. Notably, Paul Short was instrumental in establishing the […]
Central Rock Gym Opens in Troy, New York
Central Rock Gym (CRG) has expanded its presence with the launch of its new location in Troy, New York, which opened on July 12, 2025. Founded by Ed and Joe Hardy, CRG began its journey in 2009 with its first gym in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since then, the chain has rapidly grown to include 30 locations […]
Velocity Climbing Opens in Miami
Velocity Climbing made its debut in Miami, Florida, in March 2024, aiming to create not just a world-class climbing gym but also a vibrant and supportive climbing community. According to Dylan Hewins, the gym’s Marketing Director, Event Coordinator, and Routesetter, the initiative arose from the recognition that “South Florida has long needed such a facility,” […]
National Climbing Center: A New Hub for Climbers in Nieuwegein, Netherlands
The Dutch National Climbing Center (NCC), part of the Climbing Network chain, is currently under construction in Nieuwegein and is set to open in phases throughout 2026. Owned by Johan Cave, Leopold Roessingh, and Frederick Houtenbos—active directors involved in the center’s operations—the NCC aims to establish itself as a premier climbing destination. Originally founded as […]
Rock Revolution Opens Its Doors in Charlottesville, Virginia
Rock Revolution, Charlottesville’s newest bouldering gym, celebrated its grand opening on August 30. Owners Jessica and Mike Kinnick moved to the area in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the region’s access to outdoor adventures. “We spent many weekends hiking, camping, and biking, often visiting the New River Gorge with our daughters,” Mike shared. […]