Helwig Recreation Center
The 68K square foot Helwig Recreation Center is your centrally located athletics hub for fitness, wellness, and recreation. Open to all current North Park students, faculty, and staff, Helwig offers a variety of facilities, programs, and services to help you stay active, relieve stress, and build community.
Hours (fall 2025)
| Monday-Thursday | 7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 2:00–8:00 p.m. |
What you’ll find at Helwig
- Fitness and weight training areas
- Cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights (contact Ericka Adams for a free orientation on cardio and weight machines)
- 200-meter, two lane indoor track
- Two basketball and three volleyball courts
Features
- Vertical Climbing Wall: 26′ high × 12′ wide with three routes and 75 adjustable holds for all difficulty levels.
- Traverse Wall: 11′ high × 19′ wide. No rope or harness needed—perfect for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
Hours
- Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
- New to climbing? Join a free orientation on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:00 p.m.
Getting started
- Bring your NPU ID to access Helwig.
- Check in with the climbing wall attendant before climbing.
- Waiver required: Sign on site or have a parent/guardian submit a signed copy (for those under 18) via fax to (773) 244-5269, attn: Ericka Adams.
- A certified attendant must be present—no unsupervised climbing allowed.
Safety & rules
- Gear: Helmet and harness required for vertical wall; only Helwig harnesses allowed. Personal helmets and shoes permitted.
- Dress code: Athletic wear only. No jeans, sandals, bare feet, or dirty shoes.
- Maintain 3 points of contact while climbing.
- No jumping off the wall—rappel down only.
- Stay clear of climbers and equipment on the floor.
- Traverse wall use is restricted when someone is on the left side of the vertical wall.
- Only staff may adjust climbing holds or equipment.
- No chalk available. Remove jewelry and tie back long hair.
- Unsafe behavior may result in suspension.
Group reservations
Interested in a group climb? NPU-affiliated groups can reserve the wall outside regular hours. Contact Ericka Adams, Director of Wellness & Recreation. A small fee may apply.
To join group fitness classes, follow these steps:
- Reserve your spot: Sign up at imleagues.com for in-person or virtual classes.
- Bring your ID: Students, faculty, and staff must present a valid North Park ID at check-in.
- Complete required forms: Submit a waiver, release of liability, and PAR-Q form once per academic year for safety.
- Participants under 18 need a parent or guardian’s signature. Forms can be faxed to (773) 244-5269, Attn: Ericka Adams.
Fees:
- Students: Free for current North Park students.
- Faculty/staff: $75 per semester via payroll deduction.
- Spouses of seminary students and resident directors (living in campus housing): Must purchase a Helwig semester visitor pass from undergraduate Student Services and obtain a North Park ID.
Reach your fitness goals with personalized support from a nationally certified trainer. Personal training is available to North Park students, faculty, and staff in flexible one-hour sessions that fit your schedule. Choose individual or group training for 4, 8, or 16 weeks. If interested, please complete the personal training information packet and return it to Ericka Adams.
Training options and rates:
Duration Individual Group 4 Weeks $150 $100 8 Weeks $275 $200 16 Weeks $500 $400
Policies and guidelines
All students, faculty, and staff must sign the Helwig Release Form online once per academic year. Access will not be granted without it.
- Under 18? A parent or guardian must sign a physical release form instead. Fax to (773) 244-5269, Attn: Ericka Adams.
A valid North Park ID is required for entry.
To protect access and privileges:
- Do not share your ID or use someone else’s.
- Damaged or inactive IDs must be fixed at Campus Safety.
- Misuse may result in disciplinary action or loss of facility privileges.
- Consult a physician before starting physical activity.
- Entry is through the front entrance only. No re-entry without ID.
- Prohibited: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, food, gum, and cell phone use in locker rooms.
- Allowed: water in closed plastic containers only.
- Attire: Wear appropriate athletic gear. No jeans, sandals, or muddy shoes.
- Clean up: Wipe down equipment after use.
- Respect: Loud, profane, or suggestive language is not tolerated.
- Security: Lock personal items in provided lockers or cubbies.
- Safety: Report injuries or equipment issues immediately.
- Only Helwig-approved signs may be posted.
- No animals, unless assisting individuals with disabilities.
- No bikes, blades, or skateboards inside. Lock up or store in designated areas.
- Personal headphones only—Bluetooth speakers require staff approval.
Helwig is a shared space—respect others and follow all policies. Violations will be addressed as follows:
- 1st offense: Verbal warning and documentation
- 2nd offense: Meeting with staff and same-day suspension
- 3rd offense: Suspension for the semester and report to campus authorities
Helwig is a substance-free zone. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will be asked to leave immediately and may lose facility access. Smoking is not permitted in Helwig Recreation Center or within 15 feet of a building’s entry on campus by law.
Helwig access is limited to:
- Current North Park students, faculty, and staff
- Spouses of seminary students and resident directors living in seminary housing (with a semester guest pass)
Note: No external memberships are allowed due to zoning restrictions. View Helwig Recreation Center member handbook.
A guest pass may be purchased for $10.00. Guests must be accompanied by a North Park student or faculty/staff member. Guest Pass Policy Guest Waiver & Release Form
Contact
Helwig Recreation Center
3205 W. Carmen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
Main: (773) 244-5700
Weight room: (773) 244-5264
Susan Zimmer
Associate Athletic Director and Athletics Facilities Director
szimmer@northpark.edu
Ericka Adams
Recreation and Wellness Director
ejadams@northpark.edu