Youth Climbing Instructor - Avondale & West Loop Gym Locations

First Ascent • Chicago, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is hiring a part-time, hourly Youth Climbing Instructor for its Avondale and West Loop gym locations. The instructor helps create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment where climbers ages 3–17 can build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy climbing. Programs include recurring classes, drop-in programs, camps, birthday parties, and other youth offerings.

The role delivers engaging, age-appropriate instruction that balances skill development, safety, and fun. Instructors adapt their approach to different needs, abilities, personalities, and learning styles, and work with fellow instructors and program leadership to maintain consistent standards and a positive experience for participants and families. Instructors must work at least 1.5 instructional hours per week to maintain active staff status and be available between 4:00–8:00 p.m. on weekdays and/or 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on weekends. Preference may be given to applicants with additional weekday availability. Additional opportunities may include private lessons, camps, birthday parties, group events, and other youth programs at a premium rate.

The work takes place primarily in an indoor, climate-controlled climbing gym, with some outdoor programming possible during summer. Noise levels range from moderate to loud. First Ascent offers a free membership to all its locations and access to pro deals. The company describes its commitment to an inclusive workplace and climbing community and is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience working with grade-school-aged children.
• At least 1 year of personal climbing experience.
• Confidence and competency in top rope belaying upon hire.
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to remain attentive and engaged while supervising youth.
• Positive, energetic, and encouraging presence when working with children.
• Strong communication skills with youth and adults.
• Ability to adapt instruction to different ages, abilities, personalities, and learning styles.
• Patient and supportive approach to helping young climbers navigate challenges.
• Creative and flexible approach to teaching, problem-solving, and maintaining participant engagement.
• Ability to receive and apply feedback to continually improve instruction.
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared for scheduled programs.
• Collaborative and team-oriented working style.
• Enthusiasm for climbing, youth development, teaching, and community building.
• Ability to stand and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to actively supervise youth participants throughout climbing activities.
• Ability to lift and move climbing or program equipment as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate climbing movements and techniques as needed to instruct participants effectively.
• Ability to maintain focus in a busy environment with frequent distractions and communicate effectively with youth, families, and staff.
• Availability between 4:00–8:00 p.m. on weekdays and/or 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on weekends.
• Ability to work a minimum of 1.5 instructional hours per week to maintain active staff status.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience teaching or coaching climbing to youth.
• Additional weekday availability.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, age-appropriate climbing instruction for youth ages 3–17.
• Independently lead 60–90 minute classes of approximately 4–6 participants or co-instruct larger groups of approximately 6–12 participants.
• Implement First Ascent's established curriculum and adapt activities and instruction to individual participants.
• Keep participants engaged through creative climbing activities, games, challenges, and teaching techniques.
• Teach and reinforce climbing movement, equipment use, belay practices, and safety expectations appropriate to each program and age group.
• Give positive, constructive, age-appropriate feedback to help young climbers build skills, confidence, and independence.
• Create an inclusive learning environment where participants feel welcomed, encouraged, and comfortable trying new things.
• Actively supervise participants and prioritize their safety throughout classes and activities.
• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians about participant progress, successes, and areas for continued development.
• Coordinate with program leadership about participant needs, program concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with fellow instructors to provide consistent, high-quality youth programs.
• Contribute ideas for teaching exercises, games, activities, and other program improvements.
• Represent First Ascent professionally and contribute positively to the gym community.

Benefits

• Free membership to all First Ascent locations.
• Access to pro deals.
• Opportunities to work private lessons, camps, birthday parties, group events, and other youth programs at a premium rate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed