Shaker Rocks

This heartfelt letter from one of our longtime members is a reminder of why we love the community we've built at Shaker Rocks. We're grateful for every person who has walked through our doors and helped make this place so much more than a climbing gym.

Why community in a Cleveland climbing gym matters A heartfelt letter from one of our long time Shaker Rocks members in a Cleveland climbing gym.

Today, we’re saying goodbye to one of our original staff members, Theo.

From day one, Theo has been such a huge part of what makes Shaker Rocks what it is. His impact can be seen all over this gym, not just through his incredible and thoughtful routesetting, but through the countless hours he’s spent coaching, instructing, and building community.

Theo has helped shape this space in more ways than we can count, and while we’re incredibly sad to see him go, we’re so excited for his next chapter in Germany.

Thank you, Theo, for everything you’ve brought to this gym, our staff, and our community. Your presence here will be deeply missed, but your impact will stick with us.

Wishing you nothing but success, adventure, and amazing climbs ahead. Germany is lucky to have you.

Seven years ago, we opened our doors to the community, and what a seven years it’s been.

What started as a climbing gym has grown into something much bigger. We’ve watched members push their limits, send long-term projects, and take their climbing outside. We’ve seen our team kids grow, compete, and make it all the way to Nationals. But beyond the walls, we’ve also been part of something even more meaningful, watching kids who grew up here head off to college, celebrating engagements and weddings, and hearing about life milestones both big and small.

This is exactly what we always hoped this space would become: a place built around climbing, but held together by camaraderie and community.

As we celebrate 7 years, we reached out to some of our founding members to reflect on the journey:

Ken D.
What does Shaker Rocks mean to you now? - "The community – everybody
there. Sometimes I spend more time talking to people than climbing! I got
my family to join!"

What would you tell someone joining today? - "I would say the whole
climbing community here is great; if you’re new to the community, you can
ask people anything, and they will help you. The people here are so
welcoming."

Why have you stayed a member for so long? - "Live a mile and half away!
Where I moved is because of the gym!"

Tony G.
What makes this community different from other gyms or spaces? - "The
community – I found a group of people that I have a great time with.
Everyone is so open, friendly and caring."

What’s something you’re really proud of in your climbing journey? - "How
much I have improved and still climbing at my age. I’m a better climber
than I was before!"

Favorite post-climb snack or drink at Van Aken? - "Once in a while, I will go
and get a beer with my friends or go to Brassica."

What’s changed the most since the gym opened 7 years ago? - "The number
and avariety of people that come any given night, from families and
children to people like me"

From day one to now, it’s always been about the people.

We can’t wait to see what the next 7 years bring. Thanks for being part of it. 🖤

Huge shoutout to our guy Dylan for taking on the Boston Marathon yesterday!

The Boston Marathon isn’t just any race; it’s the result of months (and honestly years) of early mornings, long runs, and serious dedication. Watching someone put in that kind of work day in and day out makes this moment even more meaningful.

We’re proud to have Dylan on our team and even more proud to see him chase something this big. Go give him some love next time you see him on the floor.