Thank you for your interest in attending the United States Parachute Association's National Skydiving Championships. Below are some of the questions we are commonly asked. If we didn't answer your question here, please contact us for more information.
Contact Information
For questions regarding payments and cabin reservations, contact manifest:
815.433.0000 or Info@SkydiveChicago.com
For questions regarding competition rules and procedures, contact the Meet Director, Bill Wenger: 719.200.8947 or bwenger48@hotmail.com
For all other questions, please contact the Event Coordinator, Jess Bittner:
815.433.0000 or Nationals@SkydiveChicago.com
If one of my teammates is not a US citizen, can we still compete?
The general qualification requirements for medal contention for a team or individual are spelled out in the Skydiver's Competition Manual (SCM) Chapter 1, Section 5. Teams that do not meet the eligibility requirements for medals can still compete as Guest Competitors. The Meet Director for the 2013 National Championships extends an open invitation to teams wishing to participate as Guests as defined in SCM Chapter 1, Section 5.3.
Where can I get a copy of the rules and the dive pool?
The rules and dive pools for each event can be found on the USPA website, under the "USPA Members" -> "Downloads", or just click here to access the Skydiver's Competition Manual (SCM). If this is your first time at Nationals, please read Chapter 1 carefully, as well as the section specific to the event you are interested in.
How can I register for Nationals?
We are currently in the process of developing an online registration system. Check our Nationals page to stay up to date on our progress, the expected launch date is June 1.
Can I do more than one event?
A competitor can enter any or all of the events in a discipline. The disciplines are: Style and Accuracy, Artistic Events, Formation Skydiving, and Canopy Formation. Within each discipline there are two or more events. For example, in the Formation Skydiving discipline the events are: 4-way, 8-way, 10-way, 16-way, and Vertical Formation Skydiving.
A competitor cannot enter events in different disciplines unless they are scheduled at different times. For example, a competitor could enter Accuracy and Canopy Formation, or Vertical Formation Skydiving and Artistic Events, because there is no scheduled overlap in these disciplines. A competitor cannot enter both Formation Skydiving and Canopy Formation because the two will be running simultaneously.
Within each discipline, the schedule is designed to allow meet management to deal with weather problems. Using Formation Skydiving for an example, 4-way and 8-way are scheduled to run from Sunday through Wednesday. This does not mean that the two events will take place simultaneously. The reason teams must be on site throughout the four days is that if we lose the first two days to weather, we will run some 4-way as well as some 8-way in the last two days to get both events a fair number of jumps. Conversely, if it looks as though the last two days would be lost to weather, we would need to run some 8-way during the first two days.
If the weather looks great, we will run all of 4-way and then all of 8-way. In this situation the 8-way draw would be held back until completion of 4-way and the registration extended so interested competitors could form 8-way teams.
The bottom line, though, is competitors only doing 4-way or only doing 8-way must be available to jump all four days in case we have weather problems.
Other Disciplines will run in a similar manner.
Why does the registration fee vary across disciplines?
Registration fees are based on projected participation and the expenses related to the discipline. Smaller disciplines have fewer people sharing the costs of staff and equipment so they cost more to run.
We do not have a dedicated videographer, can Skydive Chicago provide one?
Teams are required to provide their own videographer. Most of the experienced videographers at Skydive Chicago will already be committed to a team or dedicated to our student program. Do not count on being able to find a videographer at the Nationals.
Do you take checks?
No, Skydive Chicago does not accept checks. We do accept cash and all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Are there packers available? Can we bring our own packer?
There will be plenty of packers, however, during large events they are very busy. We highly suggest that you make arrangements with a packer before or upon arrival, rather than waiting until competition starts. Teams who would like to bring their own packer may do so, but please be prepared to pack outside. All team and paid packing will be set up on the South Lawn. The hangar will be reserved for tandem, student and competitor packing. All packers must pack in accordance with the FARs as follows:
Sec. 105.43 Use of single-harness, dual-parachute systems
No person may conduct a parachute operation using a single-harness, dual-parachute system, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft using a single-harness, dual-parachute system, unless that system has at least one main parachute, one approved reserve parachute, and one approved single person harness and container that are packed as follows:
(a) The main parachute must have been packed within 180 days before the date of its use by a certified parachute rigger, the person making the next jump with that parachute, or a non-certified person under the direct supervision of a certified parachute rigger.
Please have your team packer bring a copy of their FAA Rigger's Certificate.
Can we set up a team account?
No, every competitor must pay on their individual account.
Do you have team rooms?
Yes, we have a limited number of team rooms available for use during the competition. There are no overnight stays in our team rooms. Reservations are encouraged as these rooms fill quickly. Please contact Jess Bittner for availability and rates: Nationals@SkydiveChicago.com.
We are coming in an RV, do you have hook ups available?
Yes, we have a limited number of electric-only RV slots available on a first come, first serve basis. Please check in at our main office upon arrival to obtain your space and a member of grounds crew will escort you to your RV slot.
Where is the closest hotel?
There are a few hotels within 5 miles of Skydive Chicago. Please visit our Hotels and Lodging page for more information.
What is the weather like in September?
The temperatures can be anywhere from the mid-60's to the low 80's during the day, and down to the 40's and 50's at night. During the first few hours of jumping, temperatures at altitude may be below freezing.
Our team has some sponsors and we would like to display their logos. Is this allowed?
We understand the importance of sponsors to the competing teams, but any display of commercial logos other than that worn by team members must be approved in advance by Skydive Chicago. Please do not bring any signage or stickers to place on aircraft, mock-ups or bathroom and dropzone walls. We will remove them immediately from all aircraft and most facilities, and prefer to not go through the hassle. Teams that medal will have an opportunity for photos on the podium with sponsored gear, but will not be allowed to bring it on the podium during the actual awards presentation.
Do you have a gear store, or offer rigging services?
Yes, Para Concepts offers full service rigging, and has a fully stocked gear store. If you have any questions, please contact them Sales@Para-Concepts.com.
Is there food available on site?
Yes, we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available daily at our Eat Up! Cafe.
I will be jumping at Skydive Chicago during the Nationals, but I do not plan to compete. Will there be fun jumping?
Yes, there will be fun jumping, but all competition loads will have priority. It should be noted that during parts of this event, certain activities such as low passes, high openings, tracking and wing suit jumping will be restricted. Please check with manifest before planning these types of jumps.