Skydive Chicago

What Skydive Chicago does

Skydive Chicago is a privately held recreational skydiving resort headquartered at a 200+ acre property with a private airfield (identifier 8N2) in Ottawa, Illinois, approximately 90 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded in the early 1980s by Roger Nelson and operated by Ottawa Airport Inc., the company serves four core customer segments: first-time tandem skydivers, aspiring students earning USPA licenses through its proprietary Advanced Freefall Program (AFP), licensed and competitive skydivers, and groups/corporate clients booking events. The 46,000 sq ft main hangar houses the Manifest office, Jumprun Cafe, Gold State Gear pro shop, rigging loft, training rooms, Sky Lounge, auditorium, and spectator viewing areas. On-site Cougar Campground extends the resort experience with rustic and deluxe cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups overlooking the Fox River.

The core technology is a capital-intensive dropzone operation built around the largest turbine aircraft fleet in the Midwest (3 Twin Otters, 2 Skyvans, 2-3 Caravans, and 1 Cessna 182) maintained by Eagle Air Tech. The proprietary AFP curriculum is an 18-level instructor-led solo skydiving program paired with an online ground school accessible on any device for 7 days and a digital logbook with integrated video of each training jump — a more instructor-intensive model than standard AFF programs. All bookings flow through the company's own Burblesoft-powered direct booking engine; the company explicitly does not partner with third-party discounters or voucher sites.

The business model is fee-for-service across multiple revenue streams: tandem jumps at $259-$309, optional media packages at $89-$199 (Selfie, Pro, Ultimate), AFP training leading to USPA A-License, Cougar Campground accommodations at $20-$135/night, private event venue rentals (VIP room, auditorium for up to 200), and pro shop/rigging services through Gold State Gear. Distribution relies on direct-to-consumer channels — geographic SEO landing pages targeting Chicago metro suburbs, organic social media (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook), an event-led motion (SDC Summerfest, USPA Nationals, Vertical Elite world record attempts, exotic boogies), and a community-led referral engine built over 40+ years. The customer base is fragmented, with 2,303 Trustindex-verified Google reviews attesting to high transactional volume and no enterprise anchor concentration.

Name

Skydive Chicago

Legal name

Ottawa Airport Inc.

Website

https://skydivechicago.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Skydive Chicago is a private recreational skydiving resort in Ottawa, Illinois, offering tandem jumps, USPA license training, on-site accommodations, and events to first-time jumpers, students, licensed skydivers, and corporate groups from across the Midwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recreational Skydiving Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Air Transportation (48121), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other (487990)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Skydiving Centers & Drop Zones (Tandem, AFF Training) (THAAAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Skydiving Experiences (Tandem, AFF, Scenic Jumps) (THAAAMAA), Paragliding, Skydiving & Airborne Adventure Sports (THAJABAJ)

Keywords

• Tandem skydiving
• Skydiving training
• Skydiving resort
• Parachuting instruction
• Skydive center

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tandem Skydiving Experiences: Core revenue stream from first-time skydivers purchasing tandem jumps attached to certified instructors. Pricing tiers range from $259 (group/birthday/military special) to $309 (walk-in). All-inclusive pricing covers pre-jump instruction, gear, flight to altitude, freefall, and canopy ride.
2. Media Packages (Video/Photo Add-ons): Optional professional videography and photography packages purchased alongside tandem or training jumps. Options include Selfie ($89-$119), Pro ($169), and Ultimate ($199) packages capturing pre-jump, freefall, canopy descent, and landing footage.
3. Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) Training: Structured solo skydiving training program leading to USPA A-License. Revenue generated through online ground school course, practical session fees, individual training jump tickets, and full program packages. 18 training jumps with certified instructor, plus packing class and A-License prep.
4. On-Site Accommodations (Cabins & Camping): On-site Cougar Campground with rustic cabins ($75/night), deluxe cabins with baths ($135/night), tent camping ($20/day), and RV sites ($40-$50/night). Monthly rates available for licensed jumpers. Cabins overlook the Fox River.
5. Event Venue Rentals: Private event space rental for corporate retreats, team building, weddings, and private parties. Accommodations include VIP room (pool table, leather couches, projection screen, deck), auditorium (PA system, projection screen up to 200 people), and outdoor grounds.
6. Pro Shop & Rigging Services (Gold State Gear): On-site pro shop (Gold State Gear) selling helmets, altimeters, AADs, closing loops, gloves, goggles, jerseys, clothing, and equipment rentals. Full-service rigging loft on premises.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Skydive Chicago is a premier skydiving resort that sells tandem skydiving experiences from 13,000 feet and structured solo skydiving training through its proprietary Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) leading to USPA licensing. The company operates the largest turbine aircraft fleet in the Midwest from a 200+ acre private airfield in Ottawa, Illinois, supplemented by on-site accommodations (cabins, RV sites, tent camping), media packages, an equipment pro shop (Gold State Gear), a cafe (Jumprun Cafe), spectator/observer experiences, event venue rentals, and signature events such as SDC Summerfest.

Product overview

Skydive Chicago is a premier skydiving resort offering a comprehensive portfolio of experiences and training programs. The core offerings include Tandem Skydiving for first-time jumpers and the Advanced Freefall Program (AFP) for those earning their solo skydiving license. The company provides add-on Media Packages (Selfie, Pro, Ultimate) for capturing jump experiences. On-site facilities include the 46,000 sq ft Main Hangar with Jumprun Cafe and Gold State Gear pro shop, plus Cougar Campground with RV sites, rustic and deluxe cabins, and tent camping. Additional experiences include Observer Rides, Spectator Experiences, and event venue rentals. The company operates the largest skydiving aircraft fleet in the Midwest and hosts signature events including SDC Summerfest. Training extends through USPA A, B, C, and D licenses, with advanced programs for wingsuit flying.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tandem Skydiving

Quantifiable outcome

• Tandem skydiving fatality rate is 1 per 500,000 jumps on average over 10 years (USPA data cited by Skydive Chicago)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Gold State GearcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold State Gear operates the on-site pro shop and full-service rigging loft at Skydive Chicago, selling helmets, altimeters, AADs, closing loops, gloves, goggles, jerseys, clothing, and equipment rentals. Located within the main hangar, it serves as the exclusive on-site equipment retailer for all Skydive Chicago customers.
• Eagle Air TechcoreTechnology or IntegrationEagle Air Tech provides expert aircraft maintenance services for Skydive Chicago's turbine aircraft fleet. The fleet consists of 3 Twin Otters, 2 Skyvans, 2-3 Caravans, and 1 Cessna 182, all maintained by Eagle Air Tech to ensure safe and reliable operations.
• Jumprun CafesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJumprun Cafe is an on-site food and beverage operation located in the main hangar. Open for breakfast and lunch, it serves sandwiches, tacos, smoothies, and snacks to jumpers and spectators. Post-jumping hours the cafe opens for drinks and food in the Sky Lounge or the Tiki Hut by the pond. Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575833459890
• USPA (United States Parachute Association)coreOthersSkydive Chicago is a USPA Group Member dropzone. All instructors are USPA-certified. Training programs are based on USPA A-License proficiency card requirements. The company adheres to USPA safety standards and participates in USPA events including Nationals.
• Ottawa Chamber of CommercesupportingOthersSkydive Chicago is a member of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, supporting the local business community in Ottawa, Illinois.
• Harvest HostsupportingOthersSkydive Chicago is listed as a Harvest Host location, allowing members to camp at the dropzone as part of the Harvest Host network of boondocking locations for self-contained RVs.
• Firefly ReservationssupportingTechnology or IntegrationSkydive Chicago uses Firefly Reservations (app.fireflyreservations.com) for campground and cabin booking management, enabling online reservations for the Cougar Campground and cabin rentals.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Skydive Sebastian: Skydive Sebastian is a Florida-based full-service skydiving resort offering tandem jumps, AFF training, and USPA license progression. Comparable to Skydive Chicago in operating model — multi-aircraft fleet, training curriculum, and event-driven community.
• Skydive Elsinore: Skydive Elsinore is a Southern California dropzone offering tandem skydiving, AFF training, and event hosting. Comparable in operational model to Skydive Chicago with multi-aircraft fleet and licensed jumper community focus.
• start Skydiving: start Skydiving in Ohio is a Midwest-region dropzone offering tandem skydiving, AFF training, and event hosting. Closest geographically comparable competitor to Skydive Chicago within the Midwest corridor.
• Skydive Spain (Empuriabrava): Skydive Empuriabrava is one of Europe's largest skydiving centers, operating a multi-aircraft turbine fleet and offering tandem, AFF, and event hosting. Comparable to Skydive Chicago in scale and resort-style operations, but serves primarily the European market.
• Skydive Dubai: Skydive Dubai is a major international skydiving operation offering tandem jumps, training, and world record events. Comparable to Skydive Chicago in scale, brand reputation, and event-led positioning, but serves a different geographic market.
• Skydive Perris: Skydive Perris is the largest skydiving center on the US West Coast, operating a similar turbine aircraft fleet, training programs (USPA licensing), and event hosting. It is the most direct competitor to Skydive Chicago in terms of scale, fleet, and full-service resort model.
• Paraclete XP Skyventure: Paraclete XP Skyventure in North Carolina is one of the largest skydiving training centers in the US, with a strong focus on AFF training, coaching, and skills camps. Comparable to Skydive Chicago's training-led operations and event hosting.

Broad incumbents

• iFLY Indoor Skydiving: iFLY is the largest indoor skydiving chain globally, offering vertical wind tunnel experiences. While not a direct competitor (indoor vs. outdoor), it competes for entry-level thrill-seeking customers and adjacent market share in first-time skydiving experiences.

Others

• USPA (United States Parachute Association): USPA is the national governing body for skydiving in the US that sets safety standards, licensing requirements, and operational guidelines. Skydive Chicago is a USPA Group Member; relevant as the industry's standards body and event organizer (USPA Nationals).

Regional players

• Chicagoland Skydiving Center: Chicagoland Skydiving Center is a competing dropzone in the greater Chicago region. While smaller in scale than Skydive Chicago, it competes for the same Chicago metro and Northern Illinois customer base for tandem and training jumps.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@skydive_chicago
• Facebookfacebook.com/SkydiveChicago
• Instagraminstagram.com/skydivechicago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/southwest-financial-group

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Skydive Chicago