Best Skydiving Near Chicago

Skydiving is one of the most popular bucket list toppers. Who doesn't want to experience the feeling of flying through the air once in their life? Here are a few of the best places near Chicago to take the leap!

Skydive Chicago
3215 E. 1969th Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-0000
www.skydivechicago.com

If you are looking for a place to experience your first tandem jump out of a plane, it doesn't get much better than Skydive Chicago. About a two-hour drive from Chicago (with very clear directions on their website), Skydive Chicago has several packages available, from first-time dive to jumps for more experienced skydivers. The instructors all give very clear directions for first-time divers, and don't be nervous if you forget it all because they're right there with you throughout the dive! There is also camping available on-site, as well as a restaurant and swimming pond, even a gear store if you're looking to make a full weekend of it!

Adrenaline 365
801 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(888) 992-3736
www.adrenaline365.com

If you're a public transit-bound Chicagoan and are looking for an experience right here in the city, look no further than Adrenaline 365, right in the heart of downtown. The staff are safety-oriented and the facilities are clean and well organized. They'll help you book whatever flying experience you're looking for. If you're addicted to flying after the first dive, you can also check out balloon rides, helicopter rides and more, all through Adrenaline 365. What more could you ask for right in the city limits?

Skydive Midwest
13851 56th Road
Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 886-3480
www.skydivemidwest.com

Skydive Midwest is right between Chicago and Milwaukee, accessible from both cities! The dropzone is about ten miles off of the shore of Lake Michigan, allowing jumpers to experience a view of the Chicago skyline as they dive. Whether you're looking to make your first dive (alone or with a group of friends), or if you're an experienced diver who's looking for a drop zone near the city, Skydive Midwest has something for everyone. They even have licencing programs for interested divers.

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iFly Chicago
5520 Park Place
Rosemont, IL 60018
(779) 368-4359
www.chicago.iflyworld.com

Not sure you're ready to jump out of a plane, but still want a flying experience? Start off indoors at iFly Chicago! You'll still get an instructor to walk you through the experience and be with you while you do your flying. You will have to remove all jewelry before flying, so it may be better to leave it at home. You opt for extras to enhance your experience (everyone gets to fly twice, but you can add on time or add a 'high fly'). Videos and pictures are also available for purchase.

Chicagoland Skydiving Center
1207 W. Gurler Rd.
Rochelle, IL 61068
(815) 561-3663
www.skydivecsc.com

If you're willing to go a little further out, check out Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle. About an hour away from Chicago, CSC is there for you whether you want to try your first tandem jump or if you're an experienced jumper. If you're looking for something a bit more intense, they do offer jumps at 18,000 feet, which is the highest you can legally go in the Midwest! Want more? Look into their FreeFall University and earn your license to be able to skydive all over the world, where ever you want with whomever you like!

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Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.