What Is Skydive Chicago?

Updated

Skydive Chicago is a skydiving center and resort about 90 miles from Chicago, offering tandem jumps for first-timers, solo training toward a license, advanced coaching, and events. It suits anyone from a first-time jumper to an experienced skydiver looking for a full-time drop zone with on-site facilities.

What the place offers

The site organizes its services around a few main paths:

  • First-time skydiving — tandem jumps, with pages covering how to prepare and what to expect.
  • Learn to skydive — solo skydiving training toward earning a license.
  • Experienced skydiving events — events aimed at already-licensed jumpers.
  • Spectating and visiting — a spectator experience, space rental, and an observer ride option for people who want to go up without jumping.

Background and scale

Skydive Chicago was founded in the early 1980s and describes itself as one of the largest and most respected skydiving resorts in the world. Its stated mission centers on customer service, facilities, and safety. The operation welcomes first-time jumpers, students working toward a license, and experienced skydivers refining their skills.

On-site facilities

Facility Details
Main hangar 46,000 sq ft; indoor packing on mats; auditorium, team rooms, classrooms, offices; cafe and gift shop; WiFi
Aircraft 3 Twin Otters, 2 Skyvans, 2 Caravans, 1 Cessna 182
Campground RV hookups and tent camping; swimming pond with sandy beach and deck; shower house; for skydivers and guests of specialty events
Cafe Jumprun Cafe in the main hangar; after jumping hours it opens in the Sky Lounge or the Tiki Hut by the pond
Store & rigging loft Full-service rigging loft; helmets, altimeters, AADs, closing loops, gloves, goggles; jerseys and clothing in stock; equipment rentals

Is it right for you?

  • First jump: Yes — tandem jumps are a core offering, and the site has a dedicated first-time skydiving section covering preparation and expectations.
  • Want to get licensed: Yes — solo skydiving training toward a license is offered.
  • Already licensed: Yes — advanced training and experienced-skydiver events are part of the program.
  • Not jumping but coming along: Yes — spectator experience, space rental, and an observer ride are available.
  • Want to stay on site: The campground supports RV hookups and tent camping, though it's noted for skydivers and guests of specialty events.

Practical notes

The drop zone is roughly 90 miles from Chicago, so plan for travel time rather than treating it as a city-center location. Pricing, booking requirements, and age or weight limits aren't specified in the material available here — check the site's pricing and FAQ pages directly before committing. The site does carry a large volume of Google reviews (2,303 at the time of the source), with first-jump customers commenting positively on staff and instructors.