Memphis Rox: Reimagining Currency Through Community and Climbing

What if a gym didn’t require money to join—just a willingness to give back? At Memphis Rox, a nonprofit rock climbing gym in South Memphis, the currency isn’t cash—it’s community.

For those who can’t afford a membership or day pass, you can “pay” for a four-week membership with five volunteer hours. Whether it’s mentoring youth, cleaning the space, or helping with events, everyone has something valuable to contribute.

“By turning no one away regardless of ability to pay, we’ve deconstructed the idea that money is the only form of currency one has to offer,” states Memphis Rox’s website, “We believe it’s energy: relationship, mentorship, and volunteerism.”

Spanning 32,000 square feet, Memphis Rox is more than a climbing gym—it’s a hub for movement, mindfulness, and connection. Climbers of all skill levels scale towering boulders and rope walls, others find balance in yoga and meditation spaces, and some prefer to build strength in the gym section. 

At Memphis Rox, strength isn’t just measured in muscle—it’s measured in the impact you make. 

Outreach Programs and Volunteer Opportunities at Memphis Rox 

• • Period Power: Memphis Rox teamed up with local nonprofit, Sister Supply, to provide menstrual products to those in Memphis who can’t afford them. 
  • After-School Programs: Children ages 12-17 can engage in guided climbing, creative arts, and homework help. They also receive a healthy meal from the gym’s in-house café, Juice Almighty. 
  • The Soulsville Community Closet: This program provides essential items like hygiene products, household goods, and clothing. Every visitor receives two free items per visit, regardless of their ability to pay, with additional items available at a low cost.
  • Juice Almighty: Memphis Rox’s in-house cafe offers nutritious meals at affordable prices, including smoothies, sandwiches, and salads, with a commitment to accessibility—no one is turned away due to inability to pay. So far, the café has provided 48,000 free meals to youth, families, and guests while promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition education.

Volunteer opportunities with Memphis Rox extend to neighborhood clean-up opportunities, helping with their educational food garden, and so much more.  

Memphis Rox is more than just a gym—it’s a movement built on the belief that everyone has something valuable to offer. Through climbing, mentorship, and community outreach, it creates a space where accessibility, wellness, and giving back go hand in hand. 

Strength isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about lifting each other up. By reimagining what currency truly means, it continues to break down barriers and build a stronger, more connected community in the heart of South Memphis.