Skydive Chicago, Inc.
Skydive Chicago, Inc. is a privately held recreational skydiving resort in Ottawa, Illinois, operating the Midwest's largest aircraft fleet from a 200+ acre property. It serves first-time, student, and experienced skydivers via tandem jumps, the proprietary Advanced Freefall Program, events, and on-site amenities, monetizing through direct transactional bookings.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersOttawa, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Skydive Chicago, Inc. does
Skydive Chicago, Inc. is a privately held recreational skydiving resort and dropzone founded in the early 1980s and headquartered in Ottawa, Illinois, approximately 75-90 miles from the Chicago western suburbs. The company operates on a 200+ acre property featuring a 46,000 square foot main building, the largest skydiving aircraft fleet in the Midwest (3 Twin Otters, 2 Skyvans, 2 Caravans, 1 Cessna 182), on-site campground, Jumprun Cafe, Gold State Gear pro shop and rigging loft, training facilities, and a swimming pond. It serves first-time skydivers, student skydivers pursuing USPA A-License certification, and experienced/licensed skydivers through a vertically integrated set of services. Core operations center on tandem skydiving from 13,000 feet (delivering approximately 60 seconds of freefall), with mandatory Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) and USPA-certified instructors under a Group Member arrangement with the United States Parachute Association.
The company's proprietary technology stack is anchored by the Advanced Freefall Program (AFP), an 18-level solo skydiving curriculum with an online ground school platform (7-day device-agnostic access) that exceeds USPA minimum requirements and uses a one-instructor methodology. Supporting technology includes wingsuit-compatible equipment configurations, audible/visual altimeters, and the Burblesoft online reservation system for direct bookings. The company hosts large-scale events including SDC Summerfest, Rookiefest, the Vertical Elite World Record (most recently in 2025, with 2028 announced), USPA Nationals, and specialty boogies that draw national and international jumper attendance.
Skydive Chicago monetizes through a diversified, transactional revenue model with no subscription or recurring contracts at the customer level. Tandem jumps are priced $259-$309 per person with transparent all-inclusive pricing (no hidden fees, no weight surcharges, no weekend surcharges); media packages (Selfie $89-$119, Pro $169, Ultimate $199) attach at high incremental margins. The Advanced Freefall Program represents the higher-value training pathway, while on-site amenities (cafe, pro shop, rigging loft, campground/cabins) and event hosting (including up to 100-person tandem groups) diversify revenue. Distribution is exclusively direct via online booking and phone; the company explicitly refuses to honor third-party voucher sites. Geographic marketing reach is extended via location-specific landing pages targeting Bloomington, Peoria, Naperville, Schaumburg, Elgin, Rockford, DeKalb, Valparaiso, and Moline, anchored on the company's 30+ year brand reputation (dubbed the "Mecca of Skydiving" and recognized on Wikipedia as the "Skydive Chicago Resort") and a Trustindex-verified "Excellent" rating across 2,303 Google reviews.
Skydive Chicago, Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Skydive Chicago, Inc.
- Legal name
- Skydive Chicago, Inc.
- Website
- https://skydivechicago.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Skydive Chicago, Inc. is a privately held recreational skydiving resort in Ottawa, Illinois, operating the Midwest's largest aircraft fleet from a 200+ acre property. It serves first-time, student, and experienced skydivers via tandem jumps, the proprietary Advanced Freefall Program, events, and on-site amenities, monetizing through direct transactional bookings.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Skydive Chicago, Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Skydiving & Adventure Recreation Services
- NAICS
- Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Flight Training (611512)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Skydiving Centers & Drop Zones (Tandem, AFF Training) (THAAAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Skydiving Experiences (Tandem, AFF, Scenic Jumps) (THAAAMAA), Wingsuit & Speed Flying Experiences (Guided/Instructional) (THAAAMAF), Paragliding, Skydiving & Airborne Adventure Sports (THAJABAJ)
Keywords
Where Skydive Chicago, Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ottawa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Skydive Chicago, Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tandem Skydiving: Primary revenue stream from first-time skydivers paired with certified instructors. Includes pre-jump training, gear, aircraft ride, and parachute experience. Standard pricing ranges from $259-$309 per person.
- Media Packages: Video and photo capture packages offered during skydives including Selfie ($89-$119), Pro ($169), and Ultimate ($199) options. Professional videographers document the experience.
- AFP Training Program: Advanced Freefall Program for earning USPA A-License through 18-level curriculum. Includes online ground school, practical sessions, and training jumps. Can lead to full license completion.
- On-site Amenities: Revenue from Jumprun Cafe (food service), Gold State Gear (pro shop/rigging loft), campground with cabins/RV sites, and spectator experiences
- Event Hosting: Major events including Summerfest, Vertical Elite World Record, USPA Nationals, Rookiefest, and specialty boogies that attract large numbers of skydivers
- Group Bookings: Discounted tandem pricing for groups of 3+ with special group facilities including VIP rooms and auditorium for up to 200 people
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | First Jump Tandem - Standard first-time skydiver experience |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Weekday Tandem - Monday-Friday special pricing |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Graduate Special - 2026 graduates celebration pricing |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Walk-In Tandem - No reservation required |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Group Tandem - Groups of 3+, birthday, or military |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Selfie Media Package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Pro Media Package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ultimate Media Package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Regional Competition Pricing (vs competitors) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Skydive Chicago, Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Skydive Chicago operates a skydiving resort and dropzone providing tandem skydiving experiences from 13,000 feet for first-time jumpers and a structured Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) training curriculum that takes students through 18 levels to a USPA A-License. The facility also hosts large-scale events (Summerfest, Rookiefest, Vertical Elite, USPA Nationals, world record attempts), and supports on-site amenities including a campground, Jumprun Cafe, Gold State Gear pro shop and rigging loft, spectator/observer experiences, and event venue rentals.
Product overview
Skydive Chicago is a skydiving resort and dropzone offering a comprehensive portfolio of services centered around skydiving experiences. The core offerings include tandem skydiving for first-time jumpers and the Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) for those seeking to earn their solo skydiving license. Supporting services include professional media packages for capturing jumps, on-site accommodations (campground and cabins), event venue rentals, and dining at Jumprun Cafe. The company also operates a pro shop (Gold State Gear) for equipment and gear, hosts organized events (Summerfest, Rookiefest, Vertical Elite), and provides spectator experiences including observer rides. The business operates from a 46,000 square foot facility with the largest skydiving aircraft fleet in the Midwest.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Advanced Freefall Program (AFP): The company's proprietary solo skydiving training curriculum that guides students through 18 training jumps to earn their USPA A-License.
- Jumprun Cafe
- Gold State Gear
Products and services
- Tandem Skydiving First-time skydiving experience where participants are securely harnessed to a USPA-certified instructor and jump from approximately 13,000 feet, experiencing roughly 60 seconds of freefall and 5-7 minutes under canopy. Designed for individual first-time jumpers seeking a bucket-list thrill.
- Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) An 18-level solo skydiving training program that guides students from tandem jumps through to earning their USPA A-License, including online ground school coursework and in-person practical training sessions with one instructor per jump.
- A-License in a Week Intensive accelerated training program allowing students to complete their USPA A-License in approximately 7-10 days through concentrated jumps and instruction. Designed for highly motivated student skydivers seeking fast-track progression.
- Private Skydiving Lessons One-on-one instruction with certified instructors for personalized skydiving training and skill development. Targeted at trainees who want customized coaching beyond the standard AFP group progression.
- Media Packages (Selfie, Pro, Ultimate) Professional videography and photography add-on packages capturing the tandem skydiving experience, including instructor handcam POV, professional videographer footage, multiple video edits, and high-resolution images delivered via cloud server. Offered to first-time and repeat jumpers.
- Skydiving Events (Summerfest, Rookiefest, Vertical Elite, USPA Nationals) Organized multi-day skydiving events including SDC Summerfest (community skills gathering), Rookiefest (beginner-oriented), Vertical Elite (world record training), USPA Nationals (competitive), and world record attempts. Targeted at experienced and licensed skydivers traveling regionally and nationally.
- Gold State Gear Pro Shop & Rigging Loft Full-service gear shop and rigging loft offering helmets, altimeters, AADs, closing loops, gloves, goggles, jerseys, clothing, and equipment rentals along with professional rigging services for skydivers.
- Campground & Cabins On-site campground with RV hookups, tent camping, and rental cabins overlooking the Fox River, featuring a shower house and swimming pond with tiki hut. Targeted at skydivers and event guests seeking on-site lodging.
- Event Venue Rental Event space rentals for corporate retreats, team building, weddings, and private parties with VIP rooms, auditorium, and spectator viewing areas accommodating up to 200 people. Targeted at corporate groups, wedding planners, and event organizers.
- Observer Ride Experience for non-jumpers to ride along as observers in the aircraft to watch skydivers exit and land, offering a perspective on the skydiving operation.
- Spectator Experience Designated viewing areas for friends and family to watch skydivers land, with access to Jumprun Cafe, gift shop, south lawn for picnicking, and photo opportunities. Targeted at accompanying friends and family members of jumpers.
- Jumprun Cafe On-site cafe in the main hangar serving breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, tacos, smoothies, and snacks; post-jumping hours include drinks and food at the Sky Lounge or Tiki Hut by the pond. Targeted at jumpers, event attendees, spectators, and guests.
Quantifiable outcome
- 13,000 feet altitude (vs 8,000-10,000 feet at discount dropzones)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Skydive Chicago, Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Skydive Chicago, Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Skydive Chicago, Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- United States Parachute Association (USPA)coreUSPA Group Member following national safety standards, training protocols, and licensing requirements. Skydive Chicago's AFP program is based on USPA guidelines for A-License certification.
- Ottawa Chamber of CommerceminorLocal business chamber membership supporting community engagement in Ottawa, Illinois region.
- Harvest HostminorAffiliation with Harvest Host network allowing travelers to discover Skydive Chicago as an overnight camping destination, driving visibility to adventure-seeking demographic.
- Gold State GearcoreOn-site pro shop and rigging loft providing equipment sales, rentals, helmet, altimeters, AADs, closing loops, gloves, goggles, and professional rigging services.
- Jumprun CafecoreOn-site food service in main hangar serving breakfast and lunch to jumpers and spectators. Post-jumping hours open for drinks and food at Sky Lounge or Tiki Hut by pond.
- Eagle Air TechcoreExpertly maintained aircraft by Eagle Air Tech ensuring turbine-powered fleet operates at highest safety and performance standards.
- CYPRES (Skycru)coreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. CYPRES provides Automatic Activation Device technology critical for safety during high-altitude formation skydiving.
- SSK IndustriescoreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Provides specialized skydiving equipment and gear.
- Martin AviationcoreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Aviation services supporting large-scale skydiving operations.
- Alti-2coreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Provides altimeter technology for precision altitude awareness.
- SkycrucoreEvent management platform for Vertical World Record 2028 registration and event coordination.
- Vertical SuitscoreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Provides wingsuit technology for vertical formation skydiving.
- UPT VectorcoreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Provides parachute/canopy equipment for advanced skydiving.
- FunjumprcoreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Provides skydiving accessories and equipment.
- Cookie (Helmets)coreSponsor of 2025 Vertical World Record event. Provides helmet technology for safe skydiving.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Skydive Chicago, Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Skydive Midwest: Direct Midwest competitor also cited in Skydive Chicago's regional pricing comparison ($189-$259 range). Operates a similar tandem and training model targeting the Wisconsin/Illinois border region, serving overlapping customer segments.
- Skydive Arizona: Major Arizona-based skydiving operation offering tandem, AFF training, and event hosting with comparable fleet scale and world-class facilities. Targets similar customer mix of first-timers, students, and experienced jumpers from a different US region.
- Skydive Perris: One of the largest and most famous US skydiving centers, located in Southern California. Comparable scale to Skydive Chicago with similar large-fleet operations, event hosting, and training programs targeting experienced jumpers nationwide.
- Chicagoland Skydiving Center: Direct regional competitor in the Midwest skydiving market, explicitly cited in pricing comparisons ($189-$289 range). Serves the same Chicago-area first-time and experienced jumpers with tandem and training programs, making it the most directly comparable peer to Skydive Chicago.
- Wisconsin Skydiving Center: Direct Midwest competitor referenced in Skydive Chicago's pricing benchmark ($199-$269 range). Competes for first-time jumpers and licensed skydivers in the Wisconsin market with similar service offerings.
- Paraclete XP SkyVenture: Large North Carolina skydiving center and one of the most established US dropzones. Comparable in fleet size, training program depth, and event-hosting capabilities, serving the Eastern US market.
Others
- USPA (United States Parachute Association): National governing body for skydiving of which Skydive Chicago is a Group Member. Sets licensing standards (A-License through D-License) that Skydive Chicago's AFP program exceeds; functions as a regulatory ecosystem participant rather than competitor.
- Gold State Gear: Skydive Chicago's on-site pro shop and rigging loft partner offering equipment, rentals, and rigging services. Functions as an integrated retail arm rather than a competitor, but the gear-retail model is comparable to standalone skydiving-equipment vendors in the broader ecosystem.
Broad incumbents
- Skydive Dubai: International destination dropzone with premium positioning and large fleet. Comparable in event-hosting scale and brand-driven tourism model, serving a global premium-skydiver market rather than competing directly in the Midwest.
- iFly Indoor Skydiving: Largest indoor skydiving operator with dozens of locations worldwide. Offers weather-independent skydiving experience at lower price points, representing both an adjacent competitor for first-timers and a potential alternative when Skydive Chicago's outdoor operations are weather-constrained.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Skydive Chicago, Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceSkydive Chicago, Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Skydive Chicago, Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Skydive Chicago, Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Skydive Chicago, Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Skydive Chicago, Inc.
What does Skydive Chicago, Inc. do?
Skydive Chicago operates a skydiving resort and dropzone providing tandem skydiving experiences from 13,000 feet for first-time jumpers and a structured Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) training curriculum that takes students through 18 levels to a USPA A-License. The facility also hosts large-scale events (Summerfest, Rookiefest, Vertical Elite, USPA Nationals, world record attempts), and supports on-site amenities including a campground, Jumprun Cafe, Gold State Gear pro shop and rigging loft, spectator/observer experiences, and event venue rentals.
Is Skydive Chicago, Inc. a public or private company?
Skydive Chicago, Inc. is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Skydive Chicago, Inc. founded?
Skydive Chicago, Inc. was founded in 1980. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Skydive Chicago, Inc. based?
Skydive Chicago, Inc. is headquartered in Ottawa, United States, in the North America region.
How does Skydive Chicago, Inc. make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Tandem Skydiving is the primary driver. The others are media Packages, AFP Training Program, on-site Amenities, event Hosting and group Bookings.
Who are Skydive Chicago, Inc.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Skydive Midwest, Skydive Arizona, Skydive Perris, Chicagoland Skydiving Center, Wisconsin Skydiving Center and Paraclete XP SkyVenture. Others are USPA (United States Parachute Association) and Gold State Gear. Broad incumbents are Skydive Dubai and iFly Indoor Skydiving.
Does Skydive Chicago, Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Skydive Chicago, Inc..
What industry is Skydive Chicago, Inc. in?
Skydive Chicago, Inc.'s product category is Skydiving & Adventure Recreation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAKAB, Skydiving Centers & Drop Zones (Tandem, AFF Training), with a secondary code of THAAAMAA, Skydiving Experiences (Tandem, AFF, Scenic Jumps). Its NAICS code is 71394 and its SIC code is 7900.