Skydive Chicago or Chicagoland?

[thegreekone 0]

I may be going to Chi town on business and will stay the weekend to check out a new DZ. From what I have read, Skydive chicago is more of a skydiving resort and Chicagoland is smaller and more personal.

I look at it like this, sometimes the smaller places can be harder to break into and other times even though the bigger DZs make you feel like a number, they are better at "absorbtion". (if that makes any sense?)

I really do like meeting new people and some good 4-8 way or freefly is totally cool with me. And I will definitely look forward to hangin and partying after. :)

thanks..

[JohnnyZ 0]

My dz of choice is Skydive Chicago. You won't understand until you go there. They have everything you can imagine and more. There are friendly people of all skill levels, and they will jump with you. Just say "hi" to a few people and somebody will be asking you to jump in no time. The landing area is huge and really easy to find (if new dz's make you a little nervous).
At night there is a tiki bar on the pond and a bar in the main building with a deck, pool table, jumbo projection tv and several leather couches.
Skydive Chicagoland is a nice place too, but their landing area is kind of small. Other than that, I've heard that they have a really good RW scene.

I hope this helps you out.
John Z.

[flyangel2 2]

Why not hook up with some one off these boards from each DZ. Then you won't be going out to the DZ alone, not knowing anyone. They in turn can show you around and hook you up with some jumps.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[skymama 37]

Mary is right, the dz.commers are very accomodating when someone posts that they are coming to town and would like someone to jump with. If their skills are not at your level, they can at least introduce you to someone to jump with. Post a thread in Bonfire whenever your trip is coming up and I bet the Chicago peeps will take care of you.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[kallend 2,150]

They are both excellent, friendly dropzones. You will have a great time at either.

There's no reason you can't try both, they are only 40 minutes drive apart.

For a one-time experience I'd say SDC, because everyone should see it at least once. Most first-time visitors can hardly believe what they're seeing there.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[tigra 0]

John,

You must drive slow. (does your car need a weight belt too?) I'd say they are no more than 30 minutes apart and that's being conservative. I will concede its been a while since I made the drive though!

Skydive Chicago is my home dz, so I'm biased, but I do agree with John that its someplace you should experience. If you are there for a weekend, spend one day there and one day at Hinckley, then decide for yourself which place feels more like home!

maura

[DrewGPM 0]

I agree with those that say you should try both. I spent 7 years at Chicagoland and the last two at Skydive Chicago.

They both put up a lot loads on the weekend. The quality of the skydives is great at both. If you are worried about feeling like a number, Chicagoland is your best choice. They make you feel like you're part of the family right away. Skydive Chicago has a great facility, but it took me a while before feeling comfortable there. Your concern about "absortion" makes sense to me and it is why it sounds like you have more of a Chicagoland type of personality.

Friday is team day with discounted jump prices and Sunday they just started offering $15 jumps in the afternoon. I'll be at both this weekend, let me know if you want a guided tour.

[kallend 2,150]

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John,

You must drive slow. (does your car need a weight belt too?) I'd say they are no more than 30 minutes apart and that's being conservative. I will concede its been a while since I made the drive though!



maura

Hey, it's 10 minutes in my plane. I guessed the driving time.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[weegegirl 2]

Don't forget Skydive Midwest. That place is only about 90 minutes outside of Chicago and it ROCKS!

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[thegreekone 0]

For a one-time experience I'd say SDC, because everyone should see it at least once. Most first-time visitors can hardly believe what they're seeing there.

[sunshine 2]

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For a one-time experience I'd say SDC, because everyone should see it at least once. Most first-time visitors can hardly believe what they're seeing there.
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Bigger than Skydive AZ and or Skydive City? (been to both once)

Eloy and Zhills don't even compare to SDC.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[thegreekone 0]

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For a one-time experience I'd say
Bigger than Skydive AZ and or Skydive City? (been to both once)

Eloy and Zhills don't even compare to SDC.

[sunshine 2]

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Btw, thanks again to all who have reached out through Pms. This place rocks and rocks HARD.

I would PM you, but your avatar scares me (seriously). Anyhoo, if you're gonna be at SDC, be sure to come find me. I'm the packer chick that is constantly complaining about how much i hate packing...

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!