Our story with climbing began in 2009—just two kids curious about this intimidating sport and looking for something real to hold onto. We didn’t know then that climbing would become the thread that wove through the rest of our lives.

I—Evan here—dove deep into the climbing world through routesetting, developing a deep respect for how movement, challenge, and creativity come together on the wall. Setting became a craft—one that taught me how powerful climbing can be when it’s built intentionally, for every kind of climber. Competition climbing was cool, but there was nothing like building climbs that engaged the bodies and brains of every type of climber—and made them smile.

At the same time, Mariah was pursuing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology while also co-founding and operating a successful swim school, Oklahoma Swim Academy (shoutout to our local friends!). Her passion for building something meaningful—especially something that empowered people and families—was already in motion long before the first hold was bolted to the wall at Blocworks.

Climbing, though, was always at the center. It was how we spent our evenings after work or school. It was our weekends in Arkansas, chasing steep sport routes and sharing stories around a campfire. It was our vacations, our community, and our compass.

So when the opportunity came to build something of our own, Blocworks was born—not just as a gym, but as a way to share the deep joy, adventure, and connection this sport gave to us. It’s a place for first-timers and lifers, for people who are curious, scared, inspired, or simply looking for a place to belong.

And to answer the question you may be asking—no, we don’t have investors or outside partners. Blocworks is owned and operated by two climbers who are still in awe of how climbing has changed their lives. We live, play, dream, and climb in and around the Edmond metro. We drink coffee and connect with our community. We open our eyes and lay our heads each day with gratitude that we get to serve climbers—and build new ones.

There’s no place we’d rather be. And we think if you try out our gyms and meet our community, you’ll feel the same way.

If you’ve been wondering whether climbing is for you—this is your invitation.

We’ve been in your shoes, and we built Blocworks for you.

See you at the gym,
Evan, Mariah & the Bloc Crew