Experience the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you make your first skydive harnessed to one of our professional instructors. You will sit though a 20 minute class before you and your instructor get geared up and ride in one of our 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 150 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.
Skydive Chicago's staff of instructors are second to none. Many of the instructors have 1000's of jumps and work at Skydive Chicago full time. Each one is held to the highest standards above and beyond what is required. SDC randomly drug tests its staff to ensure your safety. Have the confidence that you are jumping with the best.
Click on any one of these links to learn more about the Tandem Skydiving at Skydive Chicago™
Your first tandem jump includes:
- One hour instructional class, learning basic freefall and canopy skills
- One Jump harnessed with a professional Tandem Jumpmaster
- Approximately one minute of freefall from 13,500 feet!
- A peaceful 5-7 minute canopy descent from 5,500 feet
- A First Jump Certificate, Logbook and Discount Coupons
- An option to have your jump videotaped at an additional cost.
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Rate Type
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Price
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First Tandem Skydive / Walk in rate
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$209.00 |
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Internet Special
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$199.00
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Tandem Tuesday Special
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$189.00
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Birthday Special (must come in on your actual birthday)
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$189.00
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| Video and Digital Stills |
$119.00
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For groups of one to four (1-4), discounted pricing is only available if payment is made in full three (3) days prior the scheduled jump date.
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Group Size (must be preregistered in advance)
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Group Member Price
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Group Organizer Price
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| 5-9 People |
$189.00
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$179.00
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| 10-14 People |
$179.00
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$169.00
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| 15-20 People |
$169.00
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$159.00
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| 21-29 People |
$159.00
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$139.00
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| 30+ People |
$159.00
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FREE!
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** For groups of one to four (1-4), discounted pricing is only available if payment is made in full three (3) days prior the scheduled jump date.
To receive the discount group rate, a $50 non-refundable deposit per person must be received at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the jump. Balance of payment is due upon registration by cash, money order, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or Amex (ATM on-site). WE DO NOT ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS. Call for more information or questions. (815) 433-0000
We now offer the opportunity to purchase your second tandem jump at half the price - $125.00. To take advantage of this great offer you must purchase your second jump within one week after making your first tandem skydive. This level 2 tandem certificate is good for one year from the day of your first skydive.
If a two (2) day notice is received, the $50.00 deposit may be transferred to another day or refunded. The $50.00 deposit secures your reservation and earns the discounted rate. If on the day of the jump you are not able to jump for whatever reason you have two options: a rain check will be issued which is good for one year, or a refund less the $50.00 deposit for the class. Please make sure your group understands this policy!
Your $50 deposit is non-refundable in the case of weather. We do offer our tandem class rain or shine and in the event of weather you have two options. a) You may come down and sit through the 25 minute tandem class and, in the case you are not able to make your jump, we will issue a raincheck that is redeemable for up to one (1) year from your original reservation date. If you return to make your jump within 6 months of taking the class, you will not need to take the class again. b) You may reschedule your reservation for up to one (1) year without incurring penalties. We realize that we are a long drive for most of our customers, so in the case of weather, you may call us the day of your reservation at 815-433-0000 to reschedule for a future date. We will hold your $50 deposit for up to one (1) year. Please understand that safety is our number one concern and unjumpable conditions may include but are not limited to cloud cover, high winds, rain, snow or low temperatures. The weather is usually quite different here in Ottawa than in Chicago. Keep in mind, if it's raining in the city we may have beautiful blue skies here.
For reservations online, and to be eligable for our online discount, you must make your reservation using our online reservation wizard. For reservations over the telephone, you may call our offices directly at (815)433-0000. Please try to make your reservations one to two weeks in advance for small groups, and two to three weeks in advance for large groups.
- Your arrival time is the time you scheduled online or on the phone.
- You must bring a valid government issued ID (Drivers License, State ID, passport)
- You must be 18 years of age (Sorry, NO EXCEPTIONS)
- You must weigh less than 250 pounds
- You must wear gym shoes (absolutely no 'hook' style laces)
- You should wear comfortable attire suitable to the weather
- PLAN ON SPENDING THE ENTIRE DAY on weekends, half the day on weekdays
- Free tent camping is available with your jump
Video your first jump! Capture the excitement of your skydive on video and 24 digital stills! Our expert freefall photographers fly side by side with you for remarkable video footage. Then, at our on-site studio, we'll professionally edit your tape with special effects so you can take it home that day. Your video package will consist of a fully edited DVD and still photographs all for $119. For more information, reservations or group discounts call Skydive Chicago at (815)433-0000.
Is there an age requirement?
There is no maximum age but you must be at least 18 years of age regardless of parental consent. There are no exceptions to this rule. A valid photo ID (drivers license, state ID, or passport) is required to sign up for class. If you do not have an ID you will not jump.
Is there a weight requirement?
Yes. Jumpers must weigh less than 250lbs., exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Contact the office for more information.
Is there a time requirement?
For weekend reservations allow yourself to spend the entire day. We encourage jumping on weekdays. Tandem classes last only one hour. After the class, the time it takes for you to jump has a few variables such as weather, if we are busy that day, and when you signed in. Ideally a tandem jump can be completed in half a day. Please remember though, be prepared to spend the entire day.
Are there any physical requirements?
As with any sport, the better shape you are in the easier it will be and the more fun you'll have. However, we've taken people with many different disabilities. We have some of the most experienced tandem masters here at Skydive Chicago. If you have a special requirement, call us! We can make your dream of flight come true!
If you have a special medical concern, please contact your doctor.
Is skydiving safe?
Skydiving is like any other extreme sport: there are inherent risks that require careful training and execution. Failure to follow that training can lead to serious injury or death. Skydiving is as safe as the individual(s) make it. The equipment has improved considerably over the old-style round parachute and is so reliable that, when used properly, skydiving can be as safe or safer than any other extreme sport.
Can I jump by myself the first time?
No. At Skydive Chicago, your first and second jump must be tandem, in which you're harnessed to the front of an instructor. In case you forget something like pulling the parachute, it is good to have someone there.
What will the skydive feel like?
The sensation of freefall is more like flying than falling, and is intensely exciting and liberating. The canopy flight is peaceful and relaxing.
How long does the skydive last?
Almost 60 seconds in freefall and about 5-7 minutes under canopy.
How fast do you fall?
The average human body falls approximately 120 miles per hour.
What's the landing like?
Most landings are quite soft, with many people doing stand-up landings. Sometimes, especially on calm days, the forward speed of the parachute will provide you with a smooth sit-down sliding landing.
I am coming out with a friend(s); can we jump at the same time?
Yes. Smaller groups (less than 5) are usually no problem. Our planes will seat 23 people, so with advance notice, we can accommodate larger groups also.
What if I love it and I want to continue skydiving?
At Skydive Chicago, you only need to make two tandem jumps and acquire jumpmaster approval. Then, you can transition into our Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) for students.
What kind of parachute will we use?
The parachutes used today bear little resemblance to the classic round parachutes of years past. Today, nearly all jumpers use "ram-air" parachutes. These are rectangular in shape and, when open, act like an airplane wing. They are more like gliders than umbrellas. The aerodynamics of the parachute provides it with exceptional maneuverability, allowing the jumper to land almost anywhere he/she wishes. This wing shape is also what makes the tiptoe soft landings possible.
What happens if the parachute doesn't open?
Although it is unlikely that your main parachute will fail to open properly, it does sometimes occur and this is a common question. According to federal law, every jumper must be equipped with a main and a reserve parachute. In addition, all Skydive Chicago equipment are equipped with an Automated Activation Device (AAD), which will automatically open the reserve parachute should the jumpers be unable to.
Can I bring my own camera with me on the jump?
No, you are much too busy with your skydive to look after your cameras. It very easily may get lost or broken and we cannot risk dropping it in freefall or under parachute.
Can I get a video or photographs of my jump?
Yes. Skydive Chicago operates a freefall cinematography business right here on site. We can provide you with videos that have been edited to music and include a pre-jump interview. They also provide high definition digital stills of your skydive.
Can we get one video for our whole group?
No, the time/distance gap between jumper exits preclude a camera person from being able to film more than one student at a time.
How long is the first tandem jump training?
About 45 minutes to an hour.
Can I bring my friends and family to watch?
Definitely YES! We have so much to do here at Skydive Chicago, bring everyone! We have swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, hiking or biking the trails, volleyball, and so much more! You can even plan on camping overnight, but keep in mind that for every person jumping, you are allowed a maximum of 2 non-jumping overnight guests.
Can I jump again the same day if I like it?
Yes. Skydive Chicago has a special offer for your second tandem. If you pay for it the same day that you make your first jump, it'll only cost you $125.00. You can use that the same day, or save it and use it for up to one year later.
What if I come out and take the class and decide not to jump?
If you go through the class and decide not to jump, you will be refunded less the $50 deposit. Once you have boarded the plane, the entire amount is non-refundable.
What type of payment do you accept?
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex, or Cash (ATM on site). Sorry, NO CHECKS.