What Chicagoland Skydiving Center does

Chicagoland Skydiving Center (CSC), founded in 1968 in Hinckley, Illinois and relocated in 2011 to a purpose-built 20,000 sq ft campus on 200 acres at Rochelle Municipal Airport, operates as a comprehensive Midwest skydiving destination serving first-time tandem jumpers, licensed skydivers, military units, corporate groups and media production clients. Its core products are tandem skydiving (9,000' to 18,000'), the Freefall University Accelerated Freefall (AFF) licensing program, and Military Freefall (MFF) training enabled by DoD-approved turbine aircraft (Super Twin Otter, PAC 750 XL) capable of carrying up to 23 jumpers per load. The company claims 300,000+ first-time jumpers served since 1968, a self-reported perfect tandem safety record, and consecutive "Best Mid-Size Dropzone" industry awards.

The business operates a multi-stream revenue model spanning transaction-based services (tandem jumps, photo/video packages at PRO/PREMIER/EPIC tiers, observer flights at $59.99, restaurant and bar sales at the on-site Flight Deck Bar & Grill, pro shop and online merchandise at cscgear.com, gift certificates, and the $960 all-inclusive skydiving marriage proposal package), recurring training revenue from Freefall University and the CSC Pro Pass membership, and professional services revenue from demonstration jumps, aerial photography/videography, rigging services and aircraft leasing through its affiliated Sky Team Aviation, Inc. Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via a Burblesoft-powered online booking engine, phone reservations, group booking concierge and on-site walk-ins, with a 90-minute drive-time catchment covering Chicago, Madison, Quad Cities and Bloomington. The company is privately held under the Sky Team Company parent, owned and operated by CEO/President Douglas Smith since December 2000, with 11–50 employees and a year-round management team that emphasizes a "Guest Relations Associate" cultural model across all staff functions.

Name

Chicagoland Skydiving Center

Legal name

Chicagoland Skydiving Center

Website

https://skydivecsc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chicagoland Skydiving Center operates a purpose-built 20,000 sq ft skydiving campus on a 200-acre airport in Rochelle, Illinois, serving first-time tandem jumpers, licensed skydivers, military units, and corporate/media clients with turbine-aircraft operations, training, events and an on-site restaurant.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Skydiving and Aerial Adventure Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Skydiving Experiences (Tandem, AFF, Scenic Jumps) (THAAAMAA)

Keywords

• Tandem skydiving services
• Skydiving license training
• Military freefall training
• Aerial photography videography
• Skydiving event venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochelle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tandem Skydiving: Core revenue stream from first-time skydivers making tandem jumps with professional instructors. Packages include various altitude options (9,000', 14,000', 18,000') and multimedia add-ons.
2. Skydiving Training Programs: Freefall University provides accelerated freefall training for obtaining skydiving licenses (A-License through advanced ratings). Includes coaching, tunnel training coordination, and progression programs.
3. Photo and Video Packages: Professional HD photography and videography services during jumps with multiple package tiers (PRO, PREMIER, EPIC). Includes digital media delivery and YouTube upload services.
4. Food and Beverage Operations: Flight Deck Bar & Grill on-site restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor patio, catering for events, and spectator sales.
5. Demonstration Jumps and Media Services: Professional skydivers for corporate events, promotional videos, aerial photography, stunts, and film productions. Custom event packages with colored smoke, flags, and costume jumps.
6. Pro Shop and Merchandise: CSC Pro Shop selling skydiving gear, accessories, and CSC merchandise including online gear store at cscgear.com.
7. Aircraft Observer Flights: Cockpit experience flights for non-jumping spectators at $59.99, providing aviation experience without leaving the airplane.
8. Rigging Services: CSC Rigging Loft providing equipment servicing, repairs, and maintenance for skydiving gear.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Chicagoland Skydiving Center operates a full-service skydiving center providing first-time tandem skydiving experiences, USPA-licensed skydiver training through its Freefall University, military freefall (MFF/HALO/HAHO) training operations, demonstration jumps, aerial photography/videography services, group event packages, and supporting amenities including an on-site restaurant, event venue, rigging loft, and pro shop. Operations are supported by multiple turbine aircraft (Super Twin Otter, PAC 750 XL) capable of carrying up to 23 jumpers per load to altitudes as high as 18,000 feet.

Product overview

Chicagoland Skydiving Center (CSC) operates as a comprehensive skydiving and entertainment destination rather than a single product. The core offerings include tandem skydiving experiences and Freefall University training programs for licensing, supported by Military Freefall Training operations. These are augmented by add-on services including photo/video packages (PRO, PREMIER, EPIC), aerial photography/videography, demonstration jumps, skydiving marriage proposals, observer flights, and an entertainment venue for events accommodating 10-400 guests. The company maintains several sub-brands including the on-site Flight Deck Bar & Grill restaurant, CSC Pro Shop, CSC Rigging Loft, and CSC Info App for manifest management. CSC relocated from Hinckley to Rochelle in 2011, operating from a 20,000 sq ft purpose-built campus on a 200-acre airport, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive skydiving facilities in the Midwest.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tandem Skydiving First-time skydiving experience where customers are securely attached to a USPA-licensed professional tandem instructor for a freefall and parachute ride from altitudes of 9,000', 14,000', or 18,000'. Targeted at new consumers, celebrations, group events, and gift purchasers.
• Freefall University (Skydiving License Training) CSC's skydiving training school offering the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program plus progression through USPA A-License through advanced ratings, including coaching, tunnel training coordination, and progression programs. Targeted at individuals seeking a USPA skydiving license.
• Military Freefall (MFF/HALO/HAHO) Training World-class training facility designed for US and foreign military freefall training operations using DoD-approved aircraft with no airspace restrictions. Provides HALO/HAHO training and day/night jump training with turbine-powered lift capacity. Targeted at military units.
• Aerial Photography and Videography Services Professional aerial photographers and videographers capture high-resolution photos and HD video from aircraft, in freefall, and while flying parachutes. Available as multimedia packages for tandem customers and as standalone commercial services for events, product photos, fashion shoots, TV commercials, promotional videos, and film productions.
• Demonstration Jumps Professional demonstration parachute team that descends into events with customized options including colored smoke, flags, costumes, and game ball deliveries. Targeted at corporate and public event organizers, brands (e.g., Red Bull, Miller Lite), sports venues, and government events.
• Skydiving Stunts and Film Production Coordination Professional skydiving stunts for promotional videos, including freefall stunts and coordinated demonstration jumps, plus film production coordination with industry-leading aerial cinematographers for TV shows and movies throughout the Midwest United States.
• Skydiving Marriage Proposal Package All-inclusive skydiving proposal package including two 14,000' tandem jumps, two video or photo packages, floral arrangement, champagne toast, and a 'Will You Marry Me?' banner priced at $960 (vs $1,090 retail). Targeted at couples seeking a memorable engagement experience.
• Aircraft Observer Flights Aircraft observer flights allowing non-jumpers to experience the cockpit, wear a headset, listen to air traffic control, and watch skydivers exit the plane for $59.99 per person. Targeted at friends, family, and spectators who want the aviation experience without jumping.
• Group Skydiving Packages Group event packages with custom registration, private facility rental, group transportation, discounted hotel rooms, spectator seating, and food/drink packages catered by Flight Deck Bar & Grill. Targeted at corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, and group celebrations.
• Entertainment Venue and Event Hosting Purpose-built award-winning entertainment venue hosting birthdays, reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate meetings, private dinner parties, banquets, and weddings, accommodating 10 to 400 guests.
• Flight Deck Bar & Grill On-site full-service restaurant and bar open to the public with a beer garden, spectator area, competition sand volleyball court, tent pavilion, and catering for events. Serves as an entry point for spectators who may convert into future skydivers.
• CSC Pro Shop and Online Gear Store On-site pro shop and online gear store offering skydiving equipment sales, gear rental fleet, CSC merchandise, and Performance Designs demo requests.
• CSC Rigging Loft Professional master rigging loft on-site providing harness/container maintenance, reserve repacks, equipment repairs, and gear consultations.
• Accommodations (Camping and RV Park) On-site tent camping, full-service RV park with laundry facilities and showers, plus pre-arranged hotel discounts for visiting skydivers and guests.
• CSC Pro Pass (Membership / Season Pass) Membership or season pass program for licensed skydivers offering benefits and discounted jumps at Chicagoland Skydiving Center.
• Wingman Mentoring Program Mentoring program connecting experienced jumpers with those seeking guidance and skill development in the sport.
• Aircraft Leasing through Sky Team Aviation, Inc. Aircraft leasing and skydiving configuration and remodeling services operated through Sky Team Aviation, Inc., CSC's affiliated aviation company providing turbine aircraft for skydiving operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Perfect student safety record maintained throughout operations
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sky Team Aviation, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSC's affiliated aviation company providing aircraft for skydiving operations. Operates Super Twin Otter, PAC 750 XL and other turbine aircraft. CSC is a Sky Team Company with shared ownership/management of aviation assets supporting operations.
• BurbleSoft (Burble Software)coreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial SaaS provider for online reservations and customer communications. Provides booking system at bookings.burblesoft.com, BurbleMe mobile app, manifest management, and customer communication services including SMS notifications.
• US Parachute Association (USPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body for skydiving in the US. CSC operates under USPA guidelines, participates in Safety Day events, and adheres to USPA instructor certification standards for tandem instructors and training programs.
• Oscar Mike FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partnership supporting injured veterans. CSC promotes Oscar Mike Foundation and provides donation request support for charitable events.
• CharitySkydive.orgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity skydiving platform enabling supporters to raise $500+ for nonprofits to earn free tandem skydives. CSC participates by offering free jumps for qualified fundraisers, with additional photo/video package free at $750+ raised.
• Be The MatchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBone marrow donor registry. CSC staff member Beau Riebe hosted donor registry drives at the facility, connecting the skydiving community with life-saving marrow donor opportunities.
• iFLY Naperville and iFLY RosemontminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndoor skydiving (vertical wind tunnel) facilities near Chicago. CSC coordinates with these tunnels for off-season training and canopy coaching, enhancing year-round training programs at Freefall University.
• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)coreOthersRegulatory oversight for aircraft operations, airspace coordination, and dropzone certification. CSC collaborated with FAA and Air Traffic Control to establish jump operations alongside Chicago O'Hare airport traffic, creating waypoint JUMPN for safety.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Skydive Spaceland: One of the largest US skydiving operators with multiple locations across Texas and beyond. Comparable as a multi-site tandem, training, and group-event provider, but at meaningfully larger scale and broader geographic footprint than CSC's single Midwest campus.
• Skydive Perris: Premier California skydiving destination known for large aircraft loads, training, and events. Directly comparable as a high-volume tandem and training operation with turbine aircraft and event hosting.
• Paraclete XP Sky Diving: Large, long-established US skydiving center in North Carolina offering tandem, AFF training, and military freefall operations. Comparable full-service dropzone offering similar mix of training, military, and recreational skydiving at greater scale.
• Skydive Arizona: Major Arizona-based skydiving center serving as a year-round training hub for licensed jumpers and tandem customers. Comparable premium dropzone with similar training, events, and turbine-aircraft operations.

Direct peers

• Start Skydiving: Ohio-based skydiving center serving the Midwest market. Closest direct geographic competitor to CSC, offering tandem jumps, AFF training, and group events within similar driving distance of large Midwest population centers.
• Skydive Wisconsin: Wisconsin-based regional skydiving operator within the same Midwest catchment area as CSC. Comparable tandem and training offerings targeting Chicago/Midwest customer base with similar seasonal dynamics.
• Skydive Twin Cities: Minnesota-based skydiving operation serving the Upper Midwest. Comparable regional tandem, training, and event-focused dropzone competing for Midwest customer flows.
• Skydive Carolina: Established southeastern US skydiving center offering tandem, AFF training, and licensed jumper services. Comparable full-service dropzone model with similar product mix and customer segmentation to CSC.

Others

• SkyVenture Colorado: Indoor skydiving facility noted in CSC's data as prior employer of CSC's Guest Relations Manager. Represents an adjacent indoor skydiving channel that shares customer overlap for training and introductory experiences.

Emerging players

• iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Global indoor vertical wind tunnel chain offering year-round skydiving-adjacent training. Noted in CSC's data as a partner (iFLY Naperville/Rosemont) for off-season canopy training, but represents a broader competitive channel for first-time experience seekers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/skydivecsc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/skydiveCSC
• Facebookfacebook.com/skydivecsc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1727339
• Instagraminstagram.com/skydivecsc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chicagoland Skydiving Center