USA Climbing is thrilled to announce that Chicago will host the 2022 Youth National Championships, July 25-31, and Youth Climbing Festival, July 21-23. The events will be held at First Ascent’s new Arlington Heights location.

Twenty-four national champions will be crowned as young athletes compete in bouldering, lead and speed over the course of the seven-day Youth National Championships. Occurring two years before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Championships will help to identify some of the young stars who will one day vie to compete at the Olympic Games.

“We are excited to bring our Youth National Championships and Youth Climbing Festival to Chicago,” said John Muse, VP of Sport for USA Climbing. “The central location, excellent gym and family-friendly activities will create a fantastic environment for young climbers and their families.”

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event in Reno, Nev., the Youth Climbing Festival will combine fun, skills-based competitions and convention-style presentations and workshops for athletes, coaches and parents from top climbers, industry leaders, experienced coaches and other experts. All C and D category climbers who qualify for and compete at Regional Championships will be eligible to attend the Festival regardless of their qualifying status for Youth Nationals.

“We are thrilled to host competitors and families from all over the country for USA Climbing Youth Nationals at First Ascent Arlington Heights, our latest, largest gym designed with world-class events and competitions in mind.” Said First Ascent Co-founder, Dan Bartz. “Our team has dreamt of hosting Nationals since First Ascent’s early days, and we look forward to partnering with USA Climbing to make this competition an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

More details regarding the event schedule and hotel block will be shared in the coming weeks.