How to Learn to Skydive Solo and Earn a License at Skydive Chicago

Updated

Skydive Chicago offers a structured learn-to-skydive path that takes you from your first jump to a solo license, built around the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) progression. It suits complete beginners who want to jump on their own rather than only as a tandem passenger, and it runs at the center's facility about 90 miles from Chicago. The site lists "Learn to Skydive" and "Solo Skydiving to Earn Your License" as dedicated program pages, so the exact steps, requirements, and pricing live there rather than in the general overview.

What the program is designed to do

The center describes itself as a world-class skydiving center with world-class instruction and a welcoming skydiving community. Its stated mission is excellence in customer service, facilities, and safety. For students, that translates into a progression model: you start with training and supervised jumps, then advance toward jumping without an instructor holding onto you.

The site frames the experience as more than a thrill — "a perspective shift" and "a lifelong memory" — but the practical takeaway for a prospective student is that the program is set up for people moving from first-timer to licensed skydiver, not just one-off jumps.

The general path from first jump to license

Skydive Chicago's own materials point to two entry points: First Time Skydiving (tandem) and Learn to Skydive (solo). The solo route is where you earn a license. Based on how the center describes its offerings, the progression looks like this:

  1. Start with a first jump. Many students begin with a tandem jump to experience freefall before committing to the solo program. The site's "First Time Skydiving" section covers how to prepare and what to expect.
  2. Enter the solo/AFF track. The "Learn to Skydive" and "Solo Skydiving to Earn Your License" pages describe the progression from instructor-assisted exits toward independent freefall.
  3. Complete advanced training. The program includes advanced training and equipment instruction, so you learn to handle gear and build skills rather than only jump.
  4. Earn your license. The AFF progression is the route the center uses for students working toward a license.

The site does not publish the specific jump count, cost, or medical requirements in the overview text provided, so treat those as details to confirm directly with the center before booking.

What supports you along the way

Skydive Chicago's facilities and community are part of why the program works for students:

  • Instruction and community. The center emphasizes experienced instructors and a welcoming skydiving community, which matters when you're progressing through multiple jumps.
  • Training infrastructure. The main hangar is 46,000 square feet with indoor packing on mats, auditorium, team rooms, and classrooms — spaces used for instruction and debriefs.
  • Aircraft. The fleet includes 3 Twin Otters, 2 Skyvans, 2 Caravans, and 1 Cessna 182, which supports a high volume of student and experienced jumps.
  • Gear and rigging. A full-service rigging loft and equipment rentals are on site, plus helmets, altimeters, AADs, and other gear in stock — useful if you don't own equipment yet.
  • On-site amenities. A cafe, gift shop, campground with RV hookups and tent camping, and a swimming pond make multi-day training visits practical.

How to get started

  • Go to the "Learn to Skydive" or "Solo Skydiving to Earn Your License" page on skydivechicago.com for the program specifics.
  • Review "First Time Skydiving" if you haven't jumped before, since that's the common starting point.
  • Check the "Pricing" and "FAQs" sections for current costs and common questions.
  • Use "Contact Us" or "Book Now" to confirm scheduling, requirements, and next steps with the center directly.

Because the site's overview doesn't list prices, jump counts, or eligibility rules, confirm those with Skydive Chicago before you plan your first training jump.