Who We Are

Upon returning from his tours in Afghanistan, Andrew Potter decided he wanted to continue to serve the community and pursue his passions. Enter RoKC - a climbing gym founded by Andrew and his brother Frank. A few short years later, RoKC has expanded to include three facilities and a knowledgeable, super psyched staff.

Build it to Give it Away

RoKC was founded on the phrase "build it to give it away," a saying that remains at the heart of all we do. As the community grows, our goal stays the same: to offer the best possible experience for every person who walks in the door. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb at our gyms. If you're looking to learn the ropes, delve into yoga, or get your child involved, we can make it happen. If you have years of experience, rest assured that our passion for climbing matches your own. We love what we do, and hope you will too.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a fun, inclusive, and adventurous environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can learn and be challenged. RoKC was founded on the phrase "build it to give it away" a saying that remains at the heart of all we do.

As the community grows, our goal stays the same: to offer the best possible experience for every person who walks in the door. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb at our gyms.

Friends of RoKC

RoKC donates to over 140 non-profits each year!

Children's Mercy Hospital

Children's Mercy Hospital

RoKC organizes a toy drive Yoga class with Jesse Shroyer each year to help stock the Snowflake Shoppe at Children's Mercy Hospital. The Snowflake Shoppe supplies patients and their families with gifts around the holiday season!
The Birthday Party Project

The Birthday Party Project

The Birthday Party Project’s Mission is to bring JOY to children experiencing homelessness through the MAGIC of a birthday party! RoKC helps to provide a “Birthday in a Bag” and a birthday gift for children on their birthday and a virtual birthday message so kids know how special they are.
Greater KC Chamber of Commerce

Greater KC Chamber of Commerce

RoKC works with the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce's Diversity and Inclusion Director to make climbing inclusive for ALL by donating day passes and rental gear for non-profits and directly to families, continuing education for staff, and dispersing hiring calls through the minority chambers. Additionally, RoKC is a Silver Certified Healthy KC Workplace!
Surrounding School Districts

Surrounding School Districts

RoKC works with school districts to provide job-skills training programs for students with disabilities, hire interns for work-based learning partnerships, and provide scholarships for after school programming and mentoring for local youth.
The Battle Within

The Battle Within

Five-day program for veterans and first responders to develop holistic evidence-based skills and begin the healing process of traumatic injuries in mind, body, and soul. RoKC provides financial and in-kind donations and support in any way needed.
Hope Kids

Hope Kids

Provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-­threatening medical condition. RoKC provides free monthly climbing events for families.
Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Clears the path to a child’s biggest possible future by matching them with a caring, adult mentor in a one-to-one friendship. RoKC provides a free day pass for "Little" with purchase of day pass for "Big".
Exploring Roots

Exploring Roots

Long-term, multi-year program mentoring youth who live in under-resourced urban neighborhoods through nature-based wellness programming. RoKC provides weekly free climbing, volunteer hours, and monetary donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a membership?

No, anyone can purchase a day pass for access to climbing, yoga, and fitness.

I’ve never climbed before - what will my first visit be like?

Before visiting one of our facilities, be sure to fill out a waiver for RoKC Olathe, RoKC North, or RoKC Underground. When you arrive, our staff will check you in, give you a tour of the facility, and instruct you on basic bouldering and auto-belay procedure. You’ll be able to rent climbing harnesses and shoes - no need to have your own gear. Once you feel confident, you can climb as much as you’d like.

What does my day pass include?

A day pass includes unlimited climbing, access to our fitness facility, and one yoga class. You may come and go throughout the day.

Am I able to rent climbing equipment?

Yes. We have climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk available to rent. If you leave the facility and return within the same day, we will hold your rental gear at the desk. 

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit. We have climbers as young as two or three and members in their seventies. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb at our facilities. Children 5 and under are included with the purchase of an adult day pass. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Is there a weight limit?

There is a 25 pound minimum and a 315 pound maximum for the use of our auto-belays. There is no weight limit in our bouldering area (short walls without ropes).

What are the benefits of a membership?

A membership allows you unlimited climbing, access to yoga programming and fitness facilities, discounts on classes, invitations to members only events, and discounts with RoKC partners including MooseJaw Mountaineering, The North Face, and various local businesses. For a full list of member benefits, visit our Membership Benefits page.

Is there a family membership?

Children may be added on to an adult membership for $30 per month. Children five and younger are included with the purchase of an adult day pass. 

What types of youth programming do you offer?

We have Climbing Club options for ages 4-17 years old. Clubs are offered in the fall and spring. RoKC Summer Camps are also an option and run June through August. For dedicated young climbers, our Youth Climbing Team practices three times a week and competes across the Midwest.

Do I need a partner?

Using the auto-belays and bouldering do not require a climbing partner. Additionally, all RoKC belay and climbing classes can be taken without a partner. 

Is there a group discount?

Groups of six or more climbers may schedule two weeks ahead of time to receive a group discount, please email privateevents@climbkc.com.

What classes do you offer?

We offer an introductory climbing technique class, as well as top rope and lead belay classes. Our Gym to Crag series teaches climbers skills to clean anchors on outdoor climbs. We also offer Youth Climbing Clubs, See our full class offerings or calendar. Additionally, we have fitness and yoga classes! See our calendar for full class schedules.