There’s a moment in every skydiver’s journey that feels different. It’s not showing up the dropzone for the first time. It’s not seeing the skydivers jump before you. It may not even be your first tandem. It’s your first solo skydive—the moment you step into the sky on your own, supported by your training, fueled by courage, and surrounded by nothing but air and possibility. 🤯
What Is a Solo Skydive?
Despite the name, your first solo jump doesn’t mean you’re completely alone. You’re equipped with your own parachute and supported by a certified instructor who jumps with you (as part of a structured training program like our Advanced Freefall Program) and videos your jump.
AFP is Skydive Chicago’s evolution of the more widely known Accelerated Freefall (AFF) method. Think of it as AFF, but with no guessing on how to earn your first license, a program with enhancements designed for better skill-building, more one-on-one coaching with certified AFF Instructors – not coaches (who have significant less experience), modern equipment, and flexibility based on your personal progress. 📈
The instructor assists you in freefall while you begin learning to deploy and fly your canopy—all on your own. That moment when you deploy your own parachute? That’s when your skydiving story truly begins. 🌄
How to Learn to Skydive
📝 Step one: ground school—an online class covering skydiving fundamentals, gear, body position, safety, and emergency procedures. The online ground school can be taken anywhere with internet, on any device, within 7 days. This training is coupled with an in-person practical to review everything covered.
🪂 Step two: 18 Levels, where you demonstrate key skills in the air, under canopy, and the ground. With each successful jump, you’re one step closer to earning your USPA A-License—your ticket to jump solo and with friends!
✈️ Step three: complete the ground training— this includes packing your own parachute and taking our A-prep that reviews how to spot a plane to land on target, understanding weather and more where you’ll be confident going out and jumping on your own!
💡 You’ll be flying at speeds of up to 120 mph, learning how to fly stable, move across the sky, do flips, fly and land your parachute, and yes—it’s as thrilling as it sounds!
Why That First Solo Jump Is So Powerful
Your tandem might feel life-changing… but your first solo skydive is life-defining. 💥
You’re the pilot now. Every movement is yours. Every decision is yours. And every second in the sky becomes a moment you’ll never forget.
Many students say their first solo skydive sparked a deeper sense of confidence, empowerment, and freedom—one they didn’t know they were missing.
Why Choose Skydive Chicago?
At Skydive Chicago, we don’t just teach people how to skydive—we build skydivers. ✨
We’re a proud United States Parachute Association (USPA) Group Member, offering world-class training, certified instructors, and a campus designed to support your growth—from day one to license and beyond.
With modern facilities, an incredible community, and access to the best skydiving events in the world, we’re not just teaching you how to fly—we’re giving you the wings to thrive.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’ve been dreaming about jumping solo, this is your sign. 👀
Learning to skydive is a challenge—but it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. Whether your goal is to make one solo jump or become a licensed skydiver, it all starts with saying yes to the sky.
🌤️ Learn more about our Advanced Freefall Program and let’s get you ready for takeoff.
Please note: in order to enter the AFP program, one will need to have completed 2 tandems. One being at Skydive Chicago within the last 6 months. The student weight limit for solo skydiving is 230 pounds and a minimum age of 18 years old.
