Our Story
I face challenges on a daily basis. This is nothing new. This is what makes a good story. But often times those challenges can weigh me down too much and make me feel defeated. However, there may be a way to turn the challenge I am facing into a victory. There may be a bit of information I was not aware of that could help me overcome whatever obstacle is in my way. One slight modification or maybe a major shift in my life, could be holding me back. Often times, I need people in my life to help me see those areas of I can alter to overcome my obstacle.
At Rising Up Rock Gym we climb. The routes are called “problems” and we will have them created in the gym. Climbers may encounter one or more of these problems that seem unsurpassable. However, that should not stop them. There has to be a way to “send it” or complete it. There definitely is a way to send it… just like the problems in life.
Our goal at this gym is to work together as a community of climbers and learn how to rise up and overcome the challenges set before us. Whether the challenges are on the rock wall or in real life, it matters not.
Nelson Juarez
Owner
Meet Your Crew
Lydia
Lydia has been working the front desk with us since the fall of 2024. She works early childhood education and has recently returned back to school to further her education in hopes of having her own classroom one day. Lydia is Wadsworth based but found Rising Up Rock Gym in October of 2023. While she enjoys being at the gym, she really enjoys traveling with friends and family. Lydia is passionately involved in her church and desires to continue to learn more about life.
Emily
Emily joined our front desk staff in March of 2026. She has been a member of the gym since we opened in 2023. Her weekly sessions and consistency has been a proven force behind her ability to break down beta and send her routes. Emily is behind the front desk a couple of times a week and still in the gym and on the wall a couple more times a week. Bouldering gives her a special outlet as she has her mind focused on her coursework - her return to school for her masters - and her other job! We appreciate what she does for us!
Melissa and Family
If you happen to see Melissa behind the front desk, chances are better than average that you will see some kids with her too! Melissa is Nelson’s wife and has supported this operation of the gym from day one. While Melissa’s passion for climbing may be more passive than active, she loves to support our local family business and help new climbers feel comfortable in the gym.
Meet Your Setters
Stephen
Stephen began climbing in college at The University of Akron. He then continued climbing at Rockmill and growing his interest in the sport. As a Medina resident, Stephen was incredibly excited when news of Rising Up Rock Gym was opening in Medina, and he quickly became one of our first members the summer Rising Up opened in 2023. In the spring of 2024, Stephen joined our setting team and has been creating fun and challenging routes ever since! Stephen’s creativity and complexity truly comes to life on some of his physically challenging and brain puzzling routes.
Brandon
Brandon joined as a punch pass holder on Halloween of 2023 - this is important because his membership picture is him in a Buzz Lightyear costume! Brandon brought his wife Alyssa with him and they were both hooked. Growing in understanding and strength of the sport of climbing, Brandon joined our setting team in October of 2024. Brandon has developed a deeper understanding of coordination moves and unique body positions in his challenging sets. He was once asked to incorporate a rock over and he never looked back. If you use a rock over in our gym, or any gym, think of Brandon… He would love it.
Alyssa
Alyssa joined climbing at Rising Up with her husband - Brandon in the fall of 2023. We will never forget the infamous brown route in the cave that taunted Alyssa for 6 weeks. She worked on this route up until the last day before it was coming down. Her sheer determination and desire to get the full send, brought her to success! Alyssa joined our setting team with Brandon in October of 2024. Her setting creativity really opened up when we changed from setting by color to setting with tagged routes. She loves creating routes in any color that take beginners on an adventure more than just a “ladder” climb.