Take the Plunge -- Skydive in Illinois

Once the dominion of military paratroopers and the occasional thrill junkie, skydiving has become an enormously popular hobby that invites everyone from young daredevils to adventurous seniors to pull a ripcord and glide to Earth. Illinois is no exception to the rule. Skydive centers blanket the state and anyone wishing to jump will find centers in Chicago, Springfield, Joliet, Bloomington, Peoria, Decatur, Ottawa, Vandalia, Paxton, Taylorville, Carmi and more. Choose one that’s closest to find out why Illinoisans keep coming back for more.

Skydive Costs

Expect Chicago skydive lessons to cost more than comparative experiences downstate. Skydive schools in Illinois charge a nonrefundable, one-time sign up fee of at least $50 that may be nonrefundable. Take advantage of one-day instruction package specials that cost from $120 to $210. Ask about discounts given for groups.

Illinois Weather

Summers are warm and ideal for skydiving, but severe weather—snow, ice storms, tornados, extremely high winds and biting cold--make skydiving throughout the winter impossible, particularly in northern Illinois. Every Illinois skydiving school has it’s own weather policy. Some issue rain checks good for unrestricted future dates while others require redemption within a period of time or payments for services are forfeited.

Requirements

You should be in good shape, trim and not prone to fainting or blackouts to meet stringent guidelines for jumps set by Illinois skydive schools. Some have weight limits (250 pounds) and there’s a chance you’ll be asked for medical clearance if you’re over 40 or suffer from serious bone or joint problems. Chronic respiratory ailments could disqualify you as well. Illinois jumpers must be 18 years of age and seniors may be asked to sign a separate waiver before jumping.

Ground Training

While no two Illinois companies operate under the same rules, anticipate receiving ground training from experienced, Illinois-certified skydivers. Instruction can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 6 hours depending upon your jump goal. You will be given demonstrations and have opportunities to practice jump and landing positions and receive instruction on operating your main and reserve chutes. Instructors will help fasten you into your parachute rig, safety helmet and goggles before you board the plane for your first experience.

In the Air

The jump airplane will climb to an altitude of between 3,000 and 13,500 feet. At a prearranged signal, you will jump. Freefall will last at least 30 seconds—probably longer. Illinois instructors recommend flapping your cheeks in freefall to mediate higher-than-normal oxygen molecules bombarding your body. Your automatic chute will open or you will pull the ripcord to release the parachute, using manual toggles to bring your chute back to Illinois terra firma.

Recommendations

Ask to see the credentials of your instructors and rethink your pick of Illinois skydive schools if teachers don’t have USPA-rated and/or AFF Jump Masters credentials. Consider a tandem jump for your first sky dive, as these require little training since your instructor will stay with you from boarding to landing.