To truly understand the essence of Climb On and its remarkable journey, we must go back to its humble beginnings in 1997. Climb On came into existence through a stroke of luck and chance. Glenn and Mary Jo Van Sipma, the founders and owners, found themselves at a crossroads. As jewelers by profession, they faced a difficult decision: open a jewelry store or embark on a venture that was rare and new in the entire country. The answer came through a rock-paper-scissors competition, which ultimately led them to establish Climb On. Becoming the third rock climbing gym in Illinois, Climb On set out to create a space that went beyond the ordinary, fostering a sense of community and connection among its members.