Staff Bios
Joe Czerwinski – Owner
Joe Czerwinski began climbing in 1994, and throughout his life as a climber, he has routeset for some of the biggest international events like the Asian X-Games and Junior X-Games. He continued route setting for the biggest production level events in the Asia and North America, working for ESPN, ESPNStar, NBC, Disney and OLN, and is still the most experienced production level route setter in the United States.
In competition, he was ranked in the top 20 for every national level adult event he has entered. In 2008, he was a member of the U.S. Adult National Bouldering Team and competed in the first IFSC Bouldering World Cup on U.S. soil, finishing 34th. (Vail, CO).
Outdoors, he has bouldered V13, climbed V11 in one hour, and flashed V10. He has climbed a route rated 5.13d/8b 2nd try, and flashed 5.13b/8a. He has been coaching for 15 years, and is the only male American to represent the United States as an athlete (08 Adult National Bouldering Team), and as a coach (USAC National Team Coach 2010-2012). During his tenure as Head Coach, he has produced 16 members of the U.S. Junior Climbing Team, 14 podium finishers, 2 National Champions, and 1 World Champion. He is also a state certified guide for Hueco Tanks State Historical Park.
SPONSORED BY
Ramses Vargas
18 hours ago
We had a great experience! All three of my kids had a great time and want to come back! Very affordable for the time and attention we got. Never felt rushed and the facilities were clean! Highly recommend
Ramses Vargas
18 hours ago
We had a great experience! All three of my kids had a great time and want to come back! Very affordable for the time and attention we got. Never felt rushed and the facilities were clean! Highly recommend
David Flores
2 days ago
Came down to Phoenix for a few days to visit my girlfriend and was looking for a place to climb. I could not have found a better spot! The routes have a ton of variety and the owner Joe is a super cool guy, you can tell his business is his passion. Let’s just say that I’m adding this gym to my list of reasons to move down here.
David Flores
2 days ago
Came down to Phoenix for a few days to visit my girlfriend and was looking for a place to climb. I could not have found a better spot! The routes have a ton of variety and the owner Joe is a super cool guy, you can tell his business is his passion. Let’s just say that I’m adding this gym to my list of reasons to move down here.
Paul A
4 days ago
I was visiting Phoenix from Ohio and had no gear for outdoor climbing so I figured I’d pick a gym for bouldering and I’m so glad I picked this one. The bouldering wall was a great size and had a lot of great routes.
When I walked in, there was a sign on the desk that had a post it note on it saying the worker was in the gym having fun so come find them for help. There were touchscreens attached to the wall in the lobby so I went ahead and filled out the waiver before I walked in (I know the drill) and found Joe setting a route. Turns out he’s also the owner, this dynamic was a first for me.
He ran me through the orientation, how to fall and the grade systems and the basics I well knew and then he asked how long I’ve been climbing. I said, “A little over a year.” He responded, “oh so you’re just a beginner.” Now, I don’t think I’m necessarily good, I’m a sloppy V5 climber in my gym but I thought I kinda knew what I was doing. I was wrong. He was right. When people say “V2 in my gym” they go to this gym. This gym took my soul. I topped one V2 and one V3. V2s were staring me down like V6s in my gym. Your footwork has to great. I swear I almost died on a V0+. I left humbled. It was an incredible experience. I had to buy a t shirt as my trophy.
If this gym was near me I would quit my multi-location membership to just go here. This gym will absolutely make you a better climber. They also have set it up in an awesome way. There are bowls of free chalk around so you don’t have to bring your own, there are auto belays so you can top rope without getting a willing belayer, there’s a gym section, and a moon board. If I’m ever back in town, I will be coming back to this gym. Shoutout to Joe for running a great climbing gym!
When I walked in, there was a sign on the desk that had a post it note on it saying the worker was in the gym having fun so come find them for help. There were touchscreens attached to the wall in the lobby so I went ahead and filled out the waiver before I walked in (I know the drill) and found Joe setting a route. Turns out he’s also the owner, this dynamic was a first for me.
He ran me through the orientation, how to fall and the grade systems and the basics I well knew and then he asked how long I’ve been climbing. I said, “A little over a year.” He responded, “oh so you’re just a beginner.” Now, I don’t think I’m necessarily good, I’m a sloppy V5 climber in my gym but I thought I kinda knew what I was doing. I was wrong. He was right. When people say “V2 in my gym” they go to this gym. This gym took my soul. I topped one V2 and one V3. V2s were staring me down like V6s in my gym. Your footwork has to great. I swear I almost died on a V0+. I left humbled. It was an incredible experience. I had to buy a t shirt as my trophy.
If this gym was near me I would quit my multi-location membership to just go here. This gym will absolutely make you a better climber. They also have set it up in an awesome way. There are bowls of free chalk around so you don’t have to bring your own, there are auto belays so you can top rope without getting a willing belayer, there’s a gym section, and a moon board. If I’m ever back in town, I will be coming back to this gym. Shoutout to Joe for running a great climbing gym!
Paul A
4 days ago
I was visiting Phoenix from Ohio and had no gear for outdoor climbing so I figured I’d pick a gym for bouldering and I’m so glad I picked this one. The bouldering wall was a great size and had a lot of great routes.
When I walked in, there was a sign on the desk that had a post it note on it saying the worker was in the gym having fun so come find them for help. There were touchscreens attached to the wall in the lobby so I went ahead and filled out the waiver before I walked in (I know the drill) and found Joe setting a route. Turns out he’s also the owner, this dynamic was a first for me.
He ran me through the orientation, how to fall and the grade systems and the basics I well knew and then he asked how long I’ve been climbing. I said, “A little over a year.” He responded, “oh so you’re just a beginner.” Now, I don’t think I’m necessarily good, I’m a sloppy V5 climber in my gym but I thought I kinda knew what I was doing. I was wrong. He was right. When people say “V2 in my gym” they go to this gym. This gym took my soul. I topped one V2 and one V3. V2s were staring me down like V6s in my gym. Your footwork has to great. I swear I almost died on a V0+. I left humbled. It was an incredible experience. I had to buy a t shirt as my trophy.
If this gym was near me I would quit my multi-location membership to just go here. This gym will absolutely make you a better climber. They also have set it up in an awesome way. There are bowls of free chalk around so you don’t have to bring your own, there are auto belays so you can top rope without getting a willing belayer, there’s a gym section, and a moon board. If I’m ever back in town, I will be coming back to this gym. Shoutout to Joe for running a great climbing gym!
When I walked in, there was a sign on the desk that had a post it note on it saying the worker was in the gym having fun so come find them for help. There were touchscreens attached to the wall in the lobby so I went ahead and filled out the waiver before I walked in (I know the drill) and found Joe setting a route. Turns out he’s also the owner, this dynamic was a first for me.
He ran me through the orientation, how to fall and the grade systems and the basics I well knew and then he asked how long I’ve been climbing. I said, “A little over a year.” He responded, “oh so you’re just a beginner.” Now, I don’t think I’m necessarily good, I’m a sloppy V5 climber in my gym but I thought I kinda knew what I was doing. I was wrong. He was right. When people say “V2 in my gym” they go to this gym. This gym took my soul. I topped one V2 and one V3. V2s were staring me down like V6s in my gym. Your footwork has to great. I swear I almost died on a V0+. I left humbled. It was an incredible experience. I had to buy a t shirt as my trophy.
If this gym was near me I would quit my multi-location membership to just go here. This gym will absolutely make you a better climber. They also have set it up in an awesome way. There are bowls of free chalk around so you don’t have to bring your own, there are auto belays so you can top rope without getting a willing belayer, there’s a gym section, and a moon board. If I’m ever back in town, I will be coming back to this gym. Shoutout to Joe for running a great climbing gym!
K H
7 days ago
K H
7 days ago
jake richardson
1 month ago
Great route setting, highly recommend this gym. Very cool owner and friendly staff
jake richardson
1 month ago
Great route setting, highly recommend this gym. Very cool owner and friendly staff
Wesley Monnette
2 months ago
I visited Focus while being in town for work. Focus is a modern take on what indoor climbing is supposed to be. Their facility is mostly bouldering with a smaller auto belay area, where practicing lead climbing is allowed. Personally, I haven't sucked at climbing that much since the last time I went outside. This is the place to go if you are looking to train for outdoor climbing! The movement of the problems is very refined. I think its evident heir setters get outside to climb quite a bit, and bring that experience to their guests. Truly, a top tier gym in the Phoenix area!
Wesley Monnette
2 months ago
I visited Focus while being in town for work. Focus is a modern take on what indoor climbing is supposed to be. Their facility is mostly bouldering with a smaller auto belay area, where practicing lead climbing is allowed. Personally, I haven't sucked at climbing that much since the last time I went outside. This is the place to go if you are looking to train for outdoor climbing! The movement of the problems is very refined. I think its evident heir setters get outside to climb quite a bit, and bring that experience to their guests. Truly, a top tier gym in the Phoenix area!
Schnebly Magee
2 months ago
still the best, thanks joe!
Schnebly Magee
2 months ago
still the best, thanks joe!
James Lee
2 months ago
The best climbing gym in Arizona. The owner Joe is a veteran of the sport. Knowledgeable, active and always happy to advise.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
James Lee
2 months ago
The best climbing gym in Arizona. The owner Joe is a veteran of the sport. Knowledgeable, active and always happy to advise.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
The routes are reset regularly, both boulders and auto-belay.
There are several categories of youth climbing teams for the younger climbers, with a high level of climber in the team.
There’s also a kids summer camp which is a fun way for kids to get into the sport.
This gym prides itself on being a local business and not a corporate run of the mill machine. Support local, you won’t regret coming here.
Micah Runyon
4 months ago
I would highly recommend you give Focus gym a try it's the best gym around. The routes are fun but still challenging, the staff is awesome, and the community is super friendly and supportive.
Micah Runyon
4 months ago
I would highly recommend you give Focus gym a try it's the best gym around. The routes are fun but still challenging, the staff is awesome, and the community is super friendly and supportive.
Kevin Boehm
4 months ago
Great route setting, and friendly staff. My favorite gym in phoenix area
Kevin Boehm
4 months ago
Great route setting, and friendly staff. My favorite gym in phoenix area
AZ SUPREME JUNK REMOVAL
4 months ago
Great setting and vibes. I've been coming here, on and off for years.
AZ SUPREME JUNK REMOVAL
4 months ago
Great setting and vibes. I've been coming here, on and off for years.
Andrea Sanchez
5 months ago
Awesome experience! Wide range of climbing options, great vibes and environment!!! Highly recommended 🤙🏽
Andrea Sanchez
5 months ago
Awesome experience! Wide range of climbing options, great vibes and environment!!! Highly recommended 🤙🏽
Joseph Craft
5 months ago
Exactly what I'm looking for in indoor climbing. In an effort to find the right pair of shoes I have been to nearly every gear shop and climbing gym in Phoenix. They are not all created equal. Some are long standing institutions that care about their community and the future of climbing.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Joseph Craft
5 months ago
Exactly what I'm looking for in indoor climbing. In an effort to find the right pair of shoes I have been to nearly every gear shop and climbing gym in Phoenix. They are not all created equal. Some are long standing institutions that care about their community and the future of climbing.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Some are greedy corporate machines with entirely too much money behind them, that are capitalizing the current bouldering craze, destroying local climbing communities and dulling the sport by setting soft parkour problems for gym bros to take their shirts off and campus soft "V1's" for $95 dollars a month. Buying out gyms all over the country, creating a monopoly of mediocrity.
Focus Climbing Center is not that.
Focus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their problems and routes are designed to challenge you and make you a better climber. They are set by climbers Ie, people who climb rocks outside and care about the sport beyond setting clippable dinos to show off on instagram. Yeah they're sandbagged it's supposed to be hard. Grades don't really matter if your new anyhow. The staff is kind, helpful, and honest. You really get a family vibe from the place. Probably because it's owned and operated by a family of professional climbers. Their financial assistance program and discounted rates allow a level of accessibility to the sport no one else in the city is doing. Focus has integrity above all else, and if you fancy yourself someone who cares get down here and send it.
Newt Daily Garnick
5 months ago
YOU GET SPOILED HERE! Joe runs an amazing gym that has incredible climbs, staff, and climbers. I'm in the process of moving out of Arizona and after checking out multiple gyms in the state I'm moving to I can say without any question that FOCUS is the best rock climbing gym you will ever go to. I have not found any other gym that compares in the slightest. If you're new to climbing and start at focus every other gym will simply be disappointing.
Newt Daily Garnick
5 months ago
YOU GET SPOILED HERE! Joe runs an amazing gym that has incredible climbs, staff, and climbers. I'm in the process of moving out of Arizona and after checking out multiple gyms in the state I'm moving to I can say without any question that FOCUS is the best rock climbing gym you will ever go to. I have not found any other gym that compares in the slightest. If you're new to climbing and start at focus every other gym will simply be disappointing.
Madeleine Chandless
6 months ago
Great setting, fun gym! Check it out if you can!
Madeleine Chandless
6 months ago
Great setting, fun gym! Check it out if you can!
