Skydive Chicago was amazing they have a fun-loving, courteous, professional, experienced staff. It was beyond my expectations. Great location, not to far from Starved Rock with campground on site. They were very welcoming to seasoned Skydivers, first timers and students. There's a little cafe to grab food have some munchies and smoothies while you wait. Spectacular views all around as you slowly coast back to earth to the drop zone. You won't regret anything here at SDC, everyone here has awesome personalities to ease any anxiety or fears. SDC Summerfest was astounding and the skydiving community comraderie with each other was like a big happy family reunion. Not to mention, after you adrenaline rush you can just walk down to the Tiki bar and relax. I can't wait to jump again. Thanks for everything SDC! read more

The. Best. Ever. Don't stop after your tandems. Everyone treats you like family if you have one jump or if this is your 12,000th jump. Best facilitities, awesome staff, super professional. Can't say enough wonderful things about these guys. Looking for something to change your life? Try this out... read more

I had an amazing experience at skydive Chicago! The atmosphere was so much fun. Every worker I encountered was extremely friendly, talkative, and they made sure I was taken care of. The instructor I had was Jeff and the instructor my boyfriend had was Donovan. Both instructors were fun, knowledgeable, and made sure we were comfortable at all times. Overall the instructors made the dive a blast. read more

Skydive Chicago - Skydiving Near Me - Ottawa, Illinois

Skydive Chicago is a full action packed overnight or weekend destination. Experience the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you make your first skydive harnessed to one of Skydive Chicago's professional instructors. You will sit though a 20 minute class before you and your instructor get geared up and ride in one of Skydive Chicago's two Super Otters up to an altitude of 13,500 feet! Challenge your courage as you step out into thin air and freefall for 60 seconds hitting speeds of up to 120+ MPH!! You will then deploy your parachute at 5,500 feet and enjoy an amazing 5-7 minute canopy flight as you make your decent back down to earth. Boasting a 220 acre mega resort, Skydive Chicago has a rec center with a foosball and pool table, pro shop, Eat Up Cafe which consists of multiple beverage and food locations such as the Sky Lounge and the Tiki Hut full bar. Just to the East is a full hook-up campground featuring a large pond that's surrounded by sprawling decks and highlighted by a serene island. On the North shore is a beautiful white sand beach that adjoins a large pavilion with showers, laundry facilities and volleyball court. Skydive Chicago's entire complex is surrounded by acres of pastures that gently roll to the banks of the Fox River. Swimming, hiking/biking trails and horseback riding are also available on the property! Skydive Chicago is fun for the whole family. read more

I visited Skydive Chicago for a week in 2010 and had an awesome time. The local skydivers were very friendly and several offered to jump with me. The jump ticket rates are reasonable and the pilot is pretty good too. The gear store has a good selection and there are rigging facilities on site as well. The amenities at the drop zone are awesome. There are cottages on site as well as shower facilities, laundry facilities, a restaurant, plenty of entertainment after sunset, neat and clean areas to relax inside and out. I would have no problem visiting with my family for an extended vacation. read more

Whew!!!! I am still coming down from the major adrenaline rush I got from my jump at Skydive Chicago. This was my third tandom jump but my first time at SDC, and I would definitely go back. It was super busy because there was a competition going on and because it was one of the first nice weekend days we've had in the Chicagoland area. We did have to wait quite a while for our jump, but we just hung out and watched the other jumpers landing. We packed some food with us, but they did have a little food place that looked decent and drinks available. Make sure you plan to spend at least half a day there when you're jumping. Finally it came to jump time. We were a party of 6, we each had tandom divers and three in our group had never been before so they also had video/pictures (which cost extra) and we were excited because we all got to go in the same plane. Everyone we dealt with from SDC- the instructors (my instructor was Marcello- he was fantastic), the camera guys, the dudes just walking around- everyone- were awesome. Everyone was totally chill and happy to be there. They really made the experience great. We all had safe jumps. We all enjoyed our time there and we had an experience that we will never ever forget. Thanks, Skydive Chicago! read more

One of the best experiences of my life, don't walk, run you will not regret it! You feel alive when your free falling the tandem masters and the staff are outstanding! I thought everybody was great. The worst part about the experience was just the flight, but that was due to the nervousness and anxiety, once you exit, which was amazing, you will have a lifelong memory! I can't wait to do it again! read more

What can I say, if you're going to jump out of a plane you better do it with the best of the best and you will find that at SDC. I surprised my dad for his 50th birthday. Our tandem instructors as well as the camera guys were just super cool, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, people. Its hard for this sort of thing not to be amazing, but they truly took the day to the next level. I did my second jump a few weeks ago. Theres nothing like the first jump, but the second was incredible, too. Jeff and Adam...MUAH! read more

WOOOHOOOO !!! AWESOME !!! Just one word. I went with my family - my bro, sis, mom, cousin and friend - all of us jumping for the first time. My brother and mom came from India and I wanted them to get the experience and they simply loved it. The instructors are great, very clear and easy to understand, but at the end of it, it's totally okay if you dont get anything of what they say and end up doing none of the few things they let you do on your first jump. The instructors are there for you to do everything needed and safety is taken seriously here. All you have to do is ENJOY the beauty from up there. The only downside here is the wait-time. Wen went on a Saturday, prettypacked it was. We had to wait 3 hrs after the paper work and before the jump. But, it was worth the wait !!! They have games to play and a cafeteria, so you should be good for the most part. If you are looking to do your first jump, go ahead, book it, and don't forget to take the videos and pictures. Have fun ! read more

I jumped with Chad for my first tandem and had such a great experience! My sister has gotten her license here and has nothing but good things to say so I wanted to check it out myself and I had an amazing time. Already bought my second tandem jump and I'm considering going for my license! :) read more

I did my 3rd tandem at Skydive Chicago and also completed the Advanced Freefall Program just two months ago. I have to say, I can't imagine a better place to learn how to skydive. The DZ is HUGE, the entire staff is friendly, and the instructors are professional and very helpful. The instructors go over everything several times, so you never feel rushed and you progress completely at your own pace. Safety is their top priority, I left the program feeling very confident in my skills and everything they have taught me. I have jumped at other dropzones and so far no one comes close to Skydive Chicago. If you haven't jumped yet I definitely recommend having your first experience at Skydive Chicago...just be careful, you might end up addicted to it like the rest of us... read more

Need to do something totally mind-blowing?!!!! Skydive Chicago is the place to go! I've been here twice. Planning on a third time. The instructors are very helpful and humorous also. I paid $200 for my first jump then a discounted $100 for my second jump within the next year! I could not pass up the wonderful deal. Along with our jumps, Skydive Chicago also provided us a campground for the night. It's a great place to gather your friends to skydive in the morning, then spend the night relaxing around a bonfire. I totally recommend coming here. They are very safe. They check all their equipments multiple times. It is such a rush! I cannot wait to go back again! read more

Skydive Chicago is the best dropzone in US and Worldwide. I have seen a lot of dropzones, and SDC is simply the best, the safest and mostly memorable place for extreme activities. Myself I do jump there every good weekend now (if weather is good), My wife has done 4 tandem jumps already and will take an AFF class next summer at SDC. This place is also one of the best resorts around Chicago, not only for skydiving, but other different activities, they have great beach, cool tiki-bar at summer (on the lake), and sexy lounge (if it is chilly outside), if you want to take a wakeboard class you can also take it on Skydive Chicago, they have powerboats, so you can rent wakeboard and all other gear, you may also rent a JetSki (on the Fox river). They have a full hook-up camping, recreation centers with pool tables, video games, sport complex, a pro shop with great selection of gear and apparel. For the first time jumpers - they have advertise a lot of discounts or cut price deals, as an example $125 tandem jump Groupon's Deal for 6 months (so you can use this deal until July 23rd of next year): http://www.groupon.com/deals/skydive-chicago Feel boring in your life, come to Skydive Chicago and try something you have never done. If you have already done it, you know the drill I am sure you want to do this again :). You know, you will never regret it! Blue Skies! read more

It's a great facility with terrific instructors and a fantastic place to try tandem skydiving. Safety is a priority and everybody is most helpful. They want everyone to enjoy a terrific jump. We came to tandem skydive as my friend and I have both jumped at other out of state locations. We waited an additional 2.5 hours after our 12pm appointment time. They are extremely busy as a skydiving school so make sure to allow for additional wait time because you'll most likely be sharing a plane with solo jumpers. My cameraman was hilarious, my instructor was super nice, and I immensely enjoyed watching my personal video. Thank you Chicago Skydive, you are the best! read more

Skydive Chicago - Skydiving Near Me - Ottawa, Illinois

This place is so amazing. Came here for a camp. Came here to do a tandem. Got strapped to a strong man. Can't wait to be back. Going to do my AFF so I can start squirrel suit from cliffs and shit. YEY! read more

I'll start out by saying I was terrified of skydiving. But I made a promise and decided I would stick by it. All the way there, even in the plane on the way up I wasn't sure I was going to go through with it. But...I did. And it was great. Terrifying still, but great. I have nothing to compare it to but this place was great. They made me feel as comfortable as one can feel with the prospect of jumping out of a plane. I have 2 suggestions: 1 is get the video package. I thought it would be a waste but it was so worth it. They send another jumper up with you and take a ridiculous amount of pics. The 2nd thing is understand that your reservation time is not the time you're going to jump. Plan to be there for at least a few hours. If you know that going in, you'll feel better about it. I'm normally not the most patient person but to be honest I wasn't in that much of a hurry to jump out of that plane! Now the big question: will I go back? I know my group will. Right now I'm just enjoying the satisfaction of having done it. I'll decide that another day! read more

I completed the AFP student program at SDC, and it was positively amazing! I completed two tandem jumps about a year ago and then started the student program in late April. All of the instructors are world-class, and they made me feel so safe and confident in my abilities. Everybody who works at SDC, from the instructors to the ladies in manifest to the kitchen staff to the grounds crew, are friendly and supportive. I am SO spoiled by my experiences at SDC. I've been to other drop zones since, and none of them compare to the amazing, positive vibe at SDC. It's the world's best place to learn to skydive! read more

Incredible experience! The instructor, Chad, was a hoot - he knew when to make me laugh and how to keep me focused on the task at hand. I highly recommend Skydive Chicago when you want to intentionally jump out of an airplane. read more

I wish there more were stars to give this place, because I would. Let me first explain the process step by step (incase you have never been there). Miguel though, explains things PERFECTLY. You get there to check in and have to fill out the usual, (if you get hurt/die and sue us..you can't win) waivers. You wait a bit for your tandem class to start, they basically show you a video, of a guy that looks like Mr Belding with a huge beard, about skydiving and the experience. The guy running the class (a VERY experienced instructor) goes through the jump STEP BY STEP. Showing you the equipment, telling you about it, and then going TOTALLY through the jump. I even think that he went through it twice. He goes through types of turns you can do etc. Then you are asked if you have any questions, and are told to go hangout in the hangar. Now, depending what day you go, you SHOULD expect a wait. Consider this place can get busy, but they run things VERY smoothly and efficiently. I do have to say first off, that the office staff, is VERY friendly, and polite, and really on top of their stuff. I got there after driving an hour and a half, after I had worked all night, and I was able to shower and change. So, you wait in the hangar a bit, get to watch others jump, and eventually your flight number is called. On the monitor it is a 3 digit number (ours was 313) but listen for them to call "Load #X) or whatever your number was. You will get a 15 min call, a 10 min call, a 5 min call, and a NOW call. The person you are going to go tandem with, will get you in a jump suit, and a harness. The jumpsuit is HIGHLY recommended, unless you want to grass stain your clothes. (The staff ALSO explains this..Which I liked how they did that). The Instructor who you are going to go tandem with will introduce themselves, and talk toyou a bit about yourself, if this is your first jump, etc etc. If you are getting video/stills done, the videographer will ALSO begin filming at this point. The instructor will go through the jump with you again. I won't post it here, but I will let you find out on your own (since I am NOT an instructor, but a newbie). ANYHOW, He goes through it once or twice, and then you are told to just sit tight for a minute. Show it up for the camera, joke around with the camera guy if you are having that done. But if you are a bit afraid, don't show it..lol I heard that they will play that up a bit. Funny though. After that, you will walk towards the holding area, and sit down. You will then load the plane, sitting on the ground, in between each others legs, like in a bobsled. I actually got to sit in the co-pilot seat. I was going to ask to fly..haha. So, It comes time to get hooked to your instructor. By now, if you have a videographer, he is filming you and talking to you. Have fun with it. Laugh, joke around, tell him to never show this DVD to your mom if something happens. Get hooked up, and you will be told to kneel. AGAIN, you will go through the jump process, from jump to landing, and start making your way to the door. Miguel was COMPLETELY right in that looking out the open door DOWN from 13,500 feet is INDEED a humbling experience. You get the "What in the heck am I doing?" Thoughs go through your head. You walk on your knees to the door, and then comes the count. 1 2 3 ARCH! And you are falling. 0-120mph in about 2 seconds. There is nothing to explain the feeling of freefall. It feels like flight, and falling, and floating all at once. You do your thing, and pull the cord as you were instructed on the several run throughs, and you are under the canopy, talking to your instructor. I say this: I am going to be one year cancer free on the 9th of July. This was an incredible experience that I am glad I had friends with me to do. You HAVE to do this ONCE in your life. ATLEAST once. Everyone who has done it, wants to go back and do it again, and again. You get a huge rush of endorphins and adrenalin in freefall. I beg and plead with you. GO DO IT. NOW. 1800-skydive, Skydivechicago.com Go. NOW! You will love it! I promise! In addition, the instructors and the staff make this place what it is. They are a great place, everyone from manifest, to pilots, to instructors to cafe staff. I jumped with Donovan, an AWESOME guy. I hope to jump with him again. They ALSO have an Advanced FreeFall Program, to where you can EVENTUALLY do jumps solo. A+++++++++ to Skydive Chicago! I wanted to add something AFTER reading Antoine F's review below. First. SHUTUP. No one has EVER been injured or killed on a tandem at SDC. Yes, people have died or been injured skydiving, but that is the nature of skydiving, but not on tandems at SDC. Read that again: NO TANDEMS have ever been injured or killed at SDC, the staff is incredibly safe and professional. They are TOP NOTCH PEOPLE. Please get your facts straight before posting, and making yourself look UNEDUCATED. Have a nice day. read more

I've been here twice for tandem skydives. Let me start by saying the biggest advice I can give: GO EARLY. Both times we have ended up being the last people to sign up for the day and waited a long long time as there were so many people ahead of us. The first time I went it was exciting and scary. I remember as we went up in the plane we got about halfway up and they opened the door and some advanced people jumped out and it was one of the only times I actually got scared as it just looked so crazy. Then once I jumped out myself it was rushing winds, loud, and somewhat disorienting. I enjoyed it and the canopy ride was fun too. The second time was 100 times better than that, though. I was seated right in the front next to the door, which they opened halfway up to let some cool air in so I was looking out at the ground getting further and further away. When we jumped I knew what to expect and had a blast as I raced toward the ground and we did spins and such. It's amazing to watch the landings on the pros as they come in so fast and just come to a stop almost instantly just before they hit the ground. I would definitely recommend anyone going at least once (possibly twice since the second time was much better) and I actually have recommended it and brought a group of newbies with me the second time. But like I said, get there as early as possible. Finally, let me close by saying that as far as I know NOBODY has died at this place from normal tandem skydiving. The people that have died have been very experienced skydivers who were doing dangerous stunts to link up hundreds of people together in mid-air. Tandem skydives are simple and have been basically perfected by these people. Also, the new style of parachutes allow you to pick a spot and land exactly on it so there is no danger of landing in a tree like in the movies. read more

I had an awesome time at Skydive Chicago, my second time tandem jumping there (last time was over 20 years ago). Great instruction and safety procedures. Eric "FlyEasy" Von is without a doubt the best instructor ever, and put me and my girlfriend totally at ease with his laid back and fun personality! Will be back!! read more

I went skydiving for the first time today, and it was amazing! I was really nervous before I arrived, but everyone was very professional and focused as much on your safety as they were with your experience. read more

I have completed two tandem jumps at SDC, if you go with a group they will keep you together as long as you all fit on the plane and if you go solo you get popped right into a open spot with very little wait. If you have to wait around for your turn to jump there are activities to do in on the property, Frisbee golf, swimming hole lounge etc. I highly recommend not only training here but jumping here. read more

I thought the people running the place were great on top of the literally and figuratively speaking, breath-taking, experience. If you're even thinking about it, you should do it! For sure at least once! The price is worth it for something that most people don't get to experience very often. read more

Had my first skydiving experience with Skydive Chicago about 3 weeks ago. My fiance and I were looking for something different and exciting to do, so we decided we'd go skydiving, since we've both always wanted to. The professional skydivers at Skydive Chicago made us both feel so comfortable and safe during our first jump. We both did a Tandem jump. I was surprised that I barely had any nerves before my jump. I credit that highly to the guy I jumped with. We went on a Friday and were there about four hours total, but the time goes by pretty fast. They show videos of people who jumped that day on their screens in the cafe area. It's cool to see how other first time jumpers react. The guys that both my finace and I jumped with spinned us around in the air once the parachute was pulled. It made the experience that much more unique and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Skydive Chicago for anyone who is interested in skydiving. My finace and I both plan on going back there for our next jump! read more

This was a great experience! I got paired with Ryan, who couldn't have been more knowledgeable or fun. I highly recommended Ryan as a tandem instructor! He was AWESOME! read more

Took one for the kids 18th Bday, so we researched it pretty thoroughly. Can safely say these guys exceeded expectations. Professional, safe, fun, meaningful....u pick it. Once in a lifetime event and our instructors Mike and Enzo, as well as our video guys Scott and Ron, were incredible pros. Go jump....u won't regret it! read more

All the positive reviews on this page are accurate. Fun, positive, professional, safety oriented. First jump was pretty amazing. Instructors make you feel comfortable, and give you the confidence necessary (sometimes a nudge) to get you out the door of the plane, when your body and mind are doing everything to keep you inside the plane. Once you're out, sensory overload. Spectacular feeling and views. Landing is easy, right on your butt. Great experience read more

Where do I sign up for my 2nd jump! I completed my first and not my last sky dive jump today......all I can say is WOW! What an experience! The staff from the women at the check in desk all the way to the young man who gave us our harnesses were nothing but wonderful. If you have ever thougth of trying sky diving.....this is where you need to experiment. Enjoy! read more

Absolutely amazing place! Whether your jumping as a tandem for your first time, or an experienced jumper, this place is amazing. Great people, great facilities, great aircraft. read more

Top notch facilities, airplanes and staff. I jumped here during the last Summerfest and was impressed with how everything ran. It was seamless and everyone treated customers great! It also has its own restaurant, pond to swim in and at night a bar. Who could ask for more. read more

I took my son skydiving for his 22nd birthday today. All I have to say is TODAY WAS PERFECT!!!! Everyone was so happy and nice. My instructor was Ryan and he was such a wonderful person. Had my son and myself laughing the whole time. My videographer was Ron and he kept me smiling and did a perfect job. I love my video and my pictures. He even got my son Dylan jumping out of the airplane. Dylan also had a great instructor his name is Sean and his videographer is C-bass. They were great also. His video turned out awesome. We had so much fun I didn't want to leave. I wish I could of stayed for the fireworks and party they had tonight for the 4th of July. Maybe next year. I am sooooooo going to do this again. OH!!!!! And they give you a coupon for your next jump at only $125. You have to buy it in 7 days from your jump but you have one year to use it. I will go next weekend. If you are looking for a place to jump go here it's flipping awesome. And I would spend the extra money for the video. It's well worth it. read more

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I went to Skydive Chicago for my first tandem jump. My instructor Jacob was great not only did he make the lesson before the jump exciting but comfortable too. He also was my photographer while I jumped these are some of the most impressive pictures of me...and he took them while falling out of a plane! Mike was my instructor who jumped with me! He was great made me feel safe while falling and pulled the cord when I forgot.....so he basically saved my life and we got to do all these fun turns and spins while i was falling! I totally recommend Skydive Chicago and Jacob and Mike! They were the best two for the best experience of my life! I cant wait to go again next year for my second jump! read more

They offer you the chance to purchase your photos after you jump and they told me video department can't "find" them. It's like they want you to pay $99 for the photos before you jump and hoping they come out good. read more

Ryan was absolutely the best skydiving instructor I could have asked for. He had such positive energy and made me feel extremely comfortable even though I was about to jump out of a plane from 13,000 feet. I felt like I could trust him to attach himself to me and give me the most exhilarating freefall of a lifetime. The plane ride up was full of anticipation. Ryan kept a smile on my face and anxiety at bay. When we jumped headfirst out of the plane, my body and mind were in complete shock and awe. It was a feeling of true weightlessness and incredible speed. I could see the endless landscape beneath me, and the cameraman got some great pictures of me and my surroundings. Ryan had given me the choice to freefall for five more seconds or enjoy a longer canopy ride. I chose the extended ride and was able to experience the thrill of spinning around by pulling the levers of the parachute myself. I'm so glad I was paired with Ryan and even more ecstatic that he genuinely provided an all encompassing experience where I not only adventured but felt taken care of at the same time. Never have I done anything as adrenaline-pumping as skydiving. I will definitely consider doing it again, and if I go tandem, I will choose Ryan! read more

Wow! What an amazing experience this was. I'll admit I was scared sh*tless when filling out the paperwork. Every other line was "You will not sue us if you die" or something similar to it in attourney language. Thats the freakiest part. They take you through a couple quick training sessions then up you go for your first tandem jump. The instructors are what you would expect skydive instuctors to be. Cool as hell. They were messing with me and cracking jokes like "We haven't lost one yet this week." Halarious for them I'm sure but I was really nervous. When you actually jump, a strange sense of peace comes over you and you are not scared but calm. My only downside was that my ears popped worse than they have ever popped before. You can make a weekend of it and camp there if you want which I thought was cool. I highly reccomend getting the video package on your visit. Everytime I watch it I get tiny adrenaline rush. read more

Went here yesterday with my sister for some fun. Everybody there was awesome! My tandem trainer was the greatest! I got to jump with him twice, he was knowledgeable and talked me through everything. The views are incredible. It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful day with family and friends! Think I might be hooked.... read more

I cannot say enough about Skydive Chicago. The were an exceedingly professional staff, with great instructors and very, very safety conscious. My instructor, RYAN, was terrific. Patient, funny, and with 3200 jumps a wealth of knowledge in the sport of skydiving. I recommend that any new jumpers request Ryan. read more

Such a great experience!! Stop thinking about doing it and do it!! Chad and Ron were amazing!! I had such a great time! I will definitely be back. You HAVE to get the video and photos. SO worth it!! read more

I visited Skydive Chicago a few times this year. They have a great landing area and very nice airplanes. But the bathrooms need some real work many of them do not work. If they do they tend to be out of toilet paper. The worst is the smell, other people told me it is due to the water. I do believe that you can treat that water and get rid of the smell. Please do something. read more