EVENTS
LANDING OUT & HAZARDS
- Located EAST of the dropzone. (outlined in red)
- All banks surrounding the Fox River are NOT ideal for landing. They are uneven and forested, resulting in high turbulence.
- Decide as early as possible (2000ft or higher) if you will not be able to land on this side of the river AND find an alternate landing area.
- If you must land east of the Fox River, safely fly yourself east towards HWY 71. Give yourself enough altitude to locate an open field for landing and turn into the wind. There are no roads or boats to pick you up between the Fox River and HWY 71. You will need to walk to HWY 71 for us to pick you up.
- Please avoid landing here if you can do so safely.
- Avoid the horses if you can do so safely
- If you must land at the Horse Farm, upon landing STAY PUT! DO NOT MOVE AROUND! We will come to pick you up. Startling the horses may result in the horse injuring themselves.
- These horses are VERY EXPENSIVE! Failure to follow the rules will result in a $350 fine, and you will be held financially responsible for any injuries to the horses and/or damage to the property.
- If you land in a corn/soy bean field be careful not to damage any plants. Follow the rows to the end of the field to exit.
- These fields are our neighbor’s livelihoods. Please be as careful as possible. If any significant damage occurs, please inform manifest so we can compensate the field owner appropriately.
- The quarry is located directly north of the dropzone. It is a large tan/grey spot.
- DO NOT land here!
- These power lines are located to the north of the dropzone and run East/West.
- The height of the power lines is about 70 feet, and they carry high voltages.
- Turbulence may be caused at any time without warning. However, with proper knowledge and avoidance you can reduce the chances of having an incident due to turbulence.
- East wind days at Skydive Chicago tend to be the most turbulent. Wind coming off the bluff, trees, and hangar can cause undesirable landing conditions. However Skydive Chicago has a large landing area in which there are other locations to land that will not be affected as much.
- The map located to the right is just a guideline. The effects of turbulence may be prevalent outside the area presented on this map. Please use caution and make safe choices on where to land.
LANDING AREA & PROCEDURES
- Always a left hand pattern if altitude permits and can be done safely
- Landing areas are separated by a line from the wind sock east until the taxi way. (refer to map)
- Main Landing area
- Less than 1000 jumps should land south of the line.
- Do not fly over the 1000+ jump area under 1000 feet.
- If you do not have 1000 jumps, do not land here unless necessary for a safe landing.
- Very turbulent on East wind days
- High performance turns are allowed here. Low man has right away.
- Keep your eyes open. Please use extra caution while landing in this area
- The Swoop Pond is permanently closed for swooping.
- Area surrounding the swoop pond can be used as an alternate landing area
- Do not walk across tarmac when coming back to the hangar.
- Skydive Chicago is a private airport. Non-skydiving traffic is rare. Pilots should know skydiving is in progress. Still use caution when crossing the runway.
- Try to not cross the runway under 1000 feet. On north landing days this is quite difficult. Be vigilant of traffic if crossing under 1000 feet.
- Please do not fly under 1000 feet at the end of the runways.
- If crossing the runway on foot, please look both ways on the runway and the horizons. If an aircraft is approaching you should be at least 20 feet from the runway, contain your canopy, and take a knee so the pilot knows you see them.
- Landing direction is determined by jumpers in the loading area. Please be there on the 5 minute call to be informed of the landing direction.
- Follow the landing direction the load has predetermined. Do not chase the windsock. A downwind or crosswind landing is far better than a canopy collision
- When multiple planes are flying, landing direction is set by staff. It is important that EVERYONE knows if the landing direction has changed.
EXPERIENCED SKYDIVER JUMP PACKAGES
50 Jump Package
2024 Season
$1,550
Includes 50 Jumps
- Due to the unprecedented increase in gas prices, a fuel surcharge may be applied upon arrival
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age and be a licensed skydiver
2024 Unlimited Jumps
Starting at…
$2,120
Spaces Limited
- $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your monthly spot
- Monthly membership includes as many jumps you can do in the purchased calendar month
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age and be a licensed skydiver
100 Jump Package
2024 Season
$3,000
Includes 100 Jumps
- Due to the unprecedented increase in gas prices, a fuel surcharge may be applied upon arrival
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age and be a licensed skydiver
DZ Briefing
Every skydiving center has its own unique set of rules and guidelines that differ from center to center. It is important to take note of the following information when jumping at Skydive Chicago.
Licensed Skydiver Requirements >
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must be a current member of USPA holding an A-License or higher
- International skydivers must have a USPA membership (temporary memberships are available) and your country’s A-License equivalent or higher
- You must have a current logbook. (Electronic versions such as a ProTrack or Burble account will work as well.)
- You must have a reserve packing card for each rig you wish to jump that is in-date per the FAA 180-day requirements.
- AAD’s ARE REQUIRED AT SKYDIVE CHICAGO
- Must be current according to USPA recommendations. If you are not within currency guidelines, you can schedule a REFRESHER. Without a reservation, we cannot guarantee instructor availability
LOCAL TEAMS
SDC Rhythm XP
SDC Rhythm XP is a 4-way RW team dedicated to becoming the top team in the world and helping other skydivers develop their skills and grow their love of the sport. Rhythm offers wind coaching and workshops, player coach team training, and team coaching. They organize at Summerfest as well as host events at Skydive Chicago.
SDC Core
SDC Core is a 4-Way VFS team who have been together since 2014! The accolades to this team is long-winded, but it’s safe to say they are the best VFS team in the world! SDC Core hosts and offers workshops, coaching and events throughout the season at Skydive Chicago as well as organizes during Summerfest.
SDC Matrix
SDC Matrix is an MFS team that started in 2022 and made up of Joey Baker & Lindsay Fener & Nick Nash from Skydive Chicago. The team has medalled at the US Nationals, hosts MFS scrambles events to promote the discipline, and are a team known to have a lot of fun!