CSC - Chicagoland Skydiving Center

CSC is a great place to dive! I shopped around the several Chicagoland sites, and chose CSC because they have the highest tandem skydive drop heights, and their staff answered my many, many questions about an hour after I emailed them, and with clear, precise answers on rates, directions etc. BETTER YET, unlike a few of the other Chicago area centers, CSC have NEVER had a death in their 40 years of service. That made a huge difference in my mind, since i had never jumped before. The only negative I had was that the location is tough for those of us in the southern chicago burbs, such as Joilet. 2 tollways and 2 hours drive each way can be tough. I suggest going with a few freinds, and carpooling to save gas and toll expenses. Make a day out if it! the site have a volleyball court, a t.v/lounge, space to play horse-shoes, room for the kids to run around, and picnic. A+ for a great site/experience

I can't beleive how great an experience this was, Eddie was fabulous. Highly recommnend trying it at least once.

CSC is a very friendly DZ run by fine people. The manifest lady is very cool! Good load organizing for RW and head down, and some wingsuit activity too with experienced wingsuiters to help. Eric B. is an accomplished and friendly tandem and AFF instructor.

The landing area is small and right next to a runway that can be busy with gliders in the summer. There are cornfields on the other three sides. Makes for excitement if doing a large formation. The indoor packing area can get crowded on a busy day.

CSC is well worth a visit.

The first time I went out to CSC was the beginning of this season - April, 2007. Although I knew no one at the time I was greeted with open arms and treated like nothing short of family. Everybody was very friendly and I fit in instantly. I have made friends for life.

Since than, I have made 2 tandems, and have spent quite a few weekends at the dropzone. I feel very safe learning here and am very confident in the staff; they are very safety-conscious; the smallest detail is never over-looked. The facilities are all also top notch. I am very proud to call Chicagoland Skydiving Center my home dropzone.

If you're looking for a place with a great vibe (the bonfires are always a good time) and a very professional staff that takes great care to get to know each and every student personally, than look no further than CSC.

I stayed there for 4 days. It was my first visit to CSC.
On weekdays, you might be able to jump in a relaxed mood. There are lots of people on weekends.
Staffs are really nice to support you.
For me, as an international visitor, some jumpers come from various countries that I could enjoy international atmosphere.
CSC also got great freefly coach, Mr. Matty Wright who has really well skilled in freefly and canopy control. Thanks to his coaching, I caught some idea how to improve my ability.

This was definitely one of the best days in my life. This was my first jump so it probably helped a lot in setting the new bench mark for future excursions. The reason why I really enjoyed the jump was mostly due to the staff. They were very friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and made the whole part of jumping out a perfectly good plane quite painless. I must give two thumbs up/special thanx for Eddie Burch, my tandem instructor, who made my jump FUN as HELL. He guided me throughout the entire jump, making me forget that I am afraid of heights. Also I would like to thank the video/photographer team, The Polish Twin Brothers: Peter & Pawel Piotrowscy. These guys were awesome. Even though I did not purchase a DVD or pix, but my friend did, and after watching the video at home I REALLY wished that I did. Here is some good, free advice, buy the DVD, its worth it. These guys really, REALLY make the jump much more exciting, because they interact with you thought the entire jump: freefall & canopy glide—its amazing. One thing is for sure, when I go back in September I will definitely BUY the DVD, and of course second jump. I hope this review helps a lot of you, I hope that I will see you there and until than, hang loose.

PS You can play volleyball, shoot pool & darts, have lots of beers (after you jump), play video games, party and all other fun stuff.

Mark

This was my first jump and I had an amazing time! I felt positive about the jump and knowing what to do... and when. My tandem partner was Eddie, and he made it a lot of fun!

My 2nd jump is in the works!!

I had the opportunity to visit Chicagoland while in the area earlier this month. I was unsure how I would be treated as a low-time non-local, experienced jumper. Turns out, I had nothing to fear. Everyone I met from the staff to experienced jumpers to the teams practicing there treated me well and made me feel welcome.

The planes are awesome and there was never a shortage of loads. The staff were very friendly and helpful. It appeared to me that everyone there liked what they were doing and wanted to make sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable visit.

Whenever I am in the area again, i will make it a point to jump there again and I recommend this DZ to anyone.

Thanks Chicagoland!

I had my first jump yesterady and I didn't know what to expect. Now, I want more because I can relax more and live every moment of it. Must get the photos and/or DVD, to relive the moment we felt up in the sky!

Evelyn

CSC is the best! From Melissa who checked us in to my instructor Paul and camara man Peter, kudo's to all for the greatest experience ever. I'll be back again for sure.

Well, first I cannot say enough about the staff- courteous, professional & passionate about what they do.

I had the honor of having Eddie for my Tandem partner. I cannot say enough about the passion he shows for his job. He made sure that my experience was one that I would never forget.

Nathan was my camera/video guy. The quality of work and his enthusiasm were second to none. The pics and the DVD are awesome.

You both made my experience one that I simple cannot describe, except AWESOME!

Thanks again to you all of you at CSC, especially Eddie and Nathan. You guys Rock and I will be seeing you all again soon!

If you are looking for a top notch, safe, and a one of a kind experience- this is the place.

This was my 3rd DZ Stop in 3 weeks as I enjoyed my 6 week Skydiving Vacation. I spent 8 awesome days at CSC. The facilities for extended stays right at the DZ are outstanding with power and RV hook-ups, a never ending hot water supply in the Shower House and a super staff that cares about the comfort and well being of their visitors.

I marvel at the outstanding aircraft the PAC 750 is an amazingly comfortable fast climbing jump ship with a front float porch that allowed our large 8-10 ways to launch large chunks. The Otter is simply a skydiving monster. All the pilots communicated well with the experienced skydivers and Dan the loader and the A&P always asked for input on spots and constantly monitored the winds aloft and made sure everyone was on the same page in the landing area, which itself is large and generous. Lots of Banners and Flags as well as a gated swoop area makes this one of the safest landing areas I've ever jumped. Kudo's to CSC for the extra attention to safety details!

I also observed the interaction from the staff to students and their visitors. It is almost impossible to not recieve a friendly smile and a hello from any staff member that see you. The manifest with Lisa and Melissa constantly ask if they can help you in anyway and they keep the aircraft turning effectively. The Pro Shop is well stocked and modern. The whole facility is constantly being kept clean and comfortable.

Special Kudo's to the onsite restaurant, the quality of the food and service is unmatched by any DZ's I've ever been at. The availability of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner certainly made adding an extra jump or 2 for the day alot easier.

I highly recommend Chicagoland Skydiving Center DZ to any and all. It's almost impossible not to enjoy the Best our Sport has to offer at Chicagoland Skydiving Center. Thanks for the great time and I shall return!

I got a referral from a friend. I had wanted to go for a skydive for a while since driving by on the way to see friends in Aurora, Illinois. I did not have a clue about the skydive or anything for that matter. Melissa was the best in appointments and info. I had two of the best Jeremy (tandem-partner) and Nathan for video and pictures-not to mention they weren't hard on the eyes either which always helps. I was nervous but everything was smooth from paperwork, info about the jump and what to expect, gear, the jump (Awesome)and landing. I will go back in the near future for another jump. Everything is as it says and you feel like you're there with old friends even if you are there for the first time. They had no problems with answering questions or talking just to soothe your nerves.
I can't say enough positive things about the ChicagoLand SkyDiving Center in Hinckley, IL and I will return.

This place is the best dropzone I have ever been to.
Also the people are great the staff is the best in the industry and the aircraft is top of the line.
Doug is the only DZO I have ever met that is un assuming and will take you for face value -
The place rocks and it should be a stop for all skydivers.

Definitely worth the trip and we'll definitely be back. It's like being a tandem or AFF student all over again...they treat you like they'd love to have you back. I brought a friend with from Minnesota and she wants to go back there to do her AFF. Their Pac750XL gets you to altitude quick with only 6 people in it. Manifest is a pleasure to work with, their staff is ready to join for freeflying, and they have updated student gear for those still learning. The pilot's spotting was superb. If for some odd reason you land off though the town of Hickley is one big landing area.

I made my first jump at CSC and advanced through the AFF program. The staff was always friendly and the free camping helped reduce my commute time. They also operate the nicest twin otter I have ever seen. Great place to jump and to make new friends around the bonfire afterwards.

I really enjoy jumping here. The people are extremely friendly. It is easy to find someone to jump with. Then, in the night you are made to feel very welcome at the bonfire, even if you've never been there before.

The manifest women are great. They are very friendly, inviting, patient, and on top of their game.

Finally, it is clear the staff is looking out for you, keeping an eye on everyone's safety. If someone flies a bad pattern, or lands in a way that is not safe for others, a staff member will quickly speak up and educate that person on how to be safer.

When we first got there.. we went into manifest... and took care of the "paperwork"... we looked outside thought the window and it reminded me of the movie "Children of the corn"... we just seen a handfull of jumpers comming from what seemed the cornfield? Walked outside and looked at the area... IT IS ALL CORNFIELD!!! Far as the eye can see!... Looks really cool from the air!...

I am writing on behalf of the two of us... I have made a few AFF jumps in the past and my best friend has never made any jump. So,... for by birthday i decided to treat my friend and I to a tandem jump each. I did not want my friend to sit through a 6 hour refresher for me to be able to do my thing, so a tandem was the way to go. I had a great time with GREG as my tandem guy... my friend had a different guy of course... we was not paired together to jump till we was on the plane... Getting pointers and all.. no biggie.. Greg walked me through every part of the jump comming up... and what was expected of me... we talked a bit and all was well...on the way to board the otter i seen my friend there... we had a quick chat since he was a little nervous... upon landing he was very excited and we talked a bit, and we quickly got a bite to eat and hit the road to go to china town in Chicago!..
Later in the day we was talking about the jump. I was telling him of my experance and I found that his tandem guy had not talked to him about the jump at all. He had no idea what was expected of him or what exactly was about to happen. I understand that because i have had a few AFF jumps that i got to play a little more of a roll in the jump. But i cant help but to feel a little awkward about his experance... maybe the guy was having a bad day? hungry? or having wife problems that day?... for what ever reason... it made me go... huh (shruging shoulders)!... All in all... we had a great time! He got the thrill of his life and i enjoyed the friendly staff there at the DZ...
Nice little gift/gear shop.. w/ a very nice lady behind the counter! Great food at a reasonable price!... Hamburgers where great and made to order! Manifest was on point with the operations and had no problems at all. Melissa in manifest was very nice!
Only one drawback to the whole experance there.... the drive to the DZ... i have never been on that side of Chicago before.... you drive through a few small towns... seem like it took forever to get there... But worth the drive!!!

I loved this. Thank so much team for making it a wonderful experience. The staff was wonderful, the camera man was wonderful, i got some breathtaking shots of our jump. I would fully recommend this drop zone to anyone, i can't wait to come back! :-)

My wife and I have done 3 tandem jumps with csc. Each year we do them around our anniversary. This year was no different. My jump went good. My wife and her jump guy Wally had a main malfunction, cut away and came down under the reserve. When I landed I made a comment to doug that this was probaly it for her. After getting home she stated that she will go again, simply because of the extreme quality of her tandem guy Wally. He made sure to explain everything as it was happening. Since she had jumped before she knew something was wrong. Other than being a little sore from the initial opening she was very impressed with how the jump was handled. Hopefully Wally's back is feeling better by now, and thanks for bringing my wife down safely. See ya next year.

DZ is a quaint grass strip in the middle of a lot of corn. Winds picked up while I was there did not make second jump that day. I was looking for the DZ as I left the plane and all I saw was farmland. Half of my solo jump was spent trying to locate the DZ. Then I spotted the gliders next door and I was set. I enjoyed the people there. Most were extremely helpful; to include introducing me to the local rigger for a quick repair to my "D" bag.

I brought a new jumper with me and he did not have a reservation. He enjoyed the training and jump there. He almost could not leave the DZ with the friends he made at CSC.

Next time I am in the area and they are open I will make a point to jump there again.

Never jumped before in my life. I always wanted to try this. Went with my longtime college buddy. friendDone!

Astonishingly positive experience. I'm utterly speechless...can't find a way to describe the rush! I would jump again today without even the most sub-zero microscopic reservation. My instructor, Nathan, read me well and intuitively knew I was up for this. He was totally A+.

I'm seriously considering training to be a fully qualified & certified solo skydiver!

The only downside: There was a lot of rough language thrown around, on the ground and in the aircraft by the CSC staff and other experienced jumpers. I jumped with my friend, and he has a young son and daughter. I would not want them to hear a lot of what was said. Even the soundtrack on my friend's video had a generous helping of BLEEP. I was embarassed for him. At least you bothered to insert the BLEEP.

The F-word was on my own video, spoken by another jumper. Luckily, the sound of the aircraft engine & wind noise makes it nearly impossible to hear. But I know it's there.

I'm hardly a prude, and ocassionally spit out a naughty word myself. But when I'm at my job it's all nice. If I said some of the things I heard at CSC to a paying customer, I'd be fired on the spot. C'mon folks...clean it up when around customers...and that includes experienced, regular jumpers.

To end on a positive note, it really was a memorable experience and there is a 100% chance that I will jump again. Thanks for everything...I WILL BE BACK: AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I recently began my AFF program at CSC and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the facilities and the staff. The staff is professional - yet fun. They make you feel extremely confortable and confident about your jumps. The vibe here is great! Staff, experienced jumpers, and newbies are all friendly to one another. From the first weekend I spent there I have felt extremely welcome here.
The facilities are also great. There is plenty to do while waiting for your next jump whether it be socializing, eating at the cafe, playing horseshoes, or getting a great game of volleyball going.
I highly recommend this dropzone to anyone who wants to have a great skydiving experience. The staff is very experienced and I have always felt safe jumping with them. Keep it up!

The ONLY con with this location was the wait...BUT, my 7th tandem jump was well worth the wait. Actually, if you enjoy skydiving any wait is worth it. Thanks to Eddie going above and beyond I had a great experience ;-) and thanks to Kyle I have an excellent DVD to remember my jump! I now have a place to jump whenever I come home to visit. Everyone is nice and I don’t see how anyone could have a bad experience at CSC. Thanks guys!!

New to the sport and I don't have much to compare to. I'll say this though, as busy as this place is, you don't get the feeling that you're lost in the mix. And this place has been busy.

I guess this is my home DZ and I wouldn't want another. They've really made me feel like I'm a part of the sport. Good times, blue skies...