Did you know Sportrock is one of the founding rock climbing gyms in the country?
We are proud of the distinction and grateful to still be around over 30 years, opening the FIRST commercial climbing gym in the DC metro area!
We have some of the tallest rock walls in the country.
Read more to see exactly what we’ve been up to since 1994!
Our founders met while training together at Zich’s (pronounced Zeke’s) Garage, a handmade climbing gym in Chevy Chase. When Zich was 19 he was looking for a place to train in the wintertime. Zich convinced his supportive parents to let him build a DIY climbing space in their freestanding car garage.
When the demand outgrew the space, the Sportrock founders broke off and formed Sportrock's first location in Rockville, MD so they would continue to have a place to climb and train together.
We strive to be a teaching gym that delivers world-class routesetting, exceptional educational programs, and high quality fitness options to support climbers now…and for the future of the sport. That commitment began in 1994 and continues today. And it is the reason we offer:
the TALLEST rock climbing walls in the Mid-Atlantic
the ONLY IFSC Regulation speed wall in the region
the ONLY multi-pitch training ledge in the country and the MOST HIGHLY CERTIFIED routesetting team in the industry!
AND WE DO IT ALL FOR COMMUNITY!
From the group of founders who were simply interested in having an indoor climbing gym, they could use year-round – to the incredible staff, extraordinary routesetters, remarkable members, and curious guests – our community is the reason we keep the lights on 363 days out of the year.
We love fostering and supporting our local community and are committed to making climbing accessible to everyone through inclusive and adaptive events. We also donate our services to hundreds of schools and organizations each year.