Rookie Fest: The Ultimate Experience for New Skydivers

At Skydive Chicago, we believe that every skydiver starts somewhere. For rookies—those who are newly licensed and ready to take their skills to the next level—Rookie Fest is the place to be. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already begun to spread your wings in the sky, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun.

What is Rookie Fest?

Rookie Fest is Skydive Chicago’s flagship event for new skydivers, a 3-way scramble competition that pairs rookies with some of the best coaches in the world. But it’s not just about the competition—it’s about the learning, the camaraderie, and the unforgettable experience. Participants are teamed up with a coach, another rookie, and a videographer for each round, and they work together to complete a set of skydiving formations. Each round brings new challenges, new teammates, and new learning opportunities. The event isn’t just about points—it’s about pushing yourself to be the best skydiver you can be, with guidance from some of the sport’s top coaches.

Who Can Attend Rookie Fest?

If you’ve earned your A-License in the last two years (or have fewer than 200 jumps), you’re eligible to attend. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert to have an amazing time! The event is designed to give newer skydivers the chance to learn from more experienced jumpers and coaches. No matter your skill level, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone shares the same passion for skydiving.

As Rook Nelson, our Dropzone Owner, says: “Rookie Fest is about meeting newer jumpers, advancing your skills, and having fun.”

Why Should a Newer Licensed Skydiver Attend?

If you’re a newer licensed skydiver, Rookie Fest is the perfect next step in your journey. Not only will you have the chance to jump with top-tier coaches, but you’ll also meet fellow rookies from all over the country. The event is a chance to learn new techniques, improve your skills, and grow in the sport—all while having a blast in a low-pressure, fun environment. As Rook puts it: “Rookies should attend because they get a chance to jump with some of the best skydivers in the business.”

And don’t worry if you’re not in it to win—it’s not about the trophy (though there is one to be earned!). Former participant Ellen Jones puts it best: “Winning has never been something important to me. The main thing that drew me into it was the learning aspect—and meeting other people in the sport. It absolutely delivered.”

Rookie Fest Event Highlights

• Scrambles-style Competition: Participants are paired with a coach, rookie, and videographer to complete skydiving formations in each round. It’s all about teamwork, learning, and fun!
• Seminars & Learning: Even when the weather didn’t cooperate in 2021, we made sure to keep the learning going with seminars on tracking, canopy flight, and mental preparedness.
• Coaching from the Best: Rookie Fest brings in award-winning, competition-level skydivers to guide and mentor rookies throughout the event. You’ll get hands-on coaching from some of the best in the business.
• Community Spirit: Rookie Fest is a great opportunity to meet and bond with fellow jumpers from all over the country, all while sharing the same passion for skydiving. It’s a supportive, non-intimidating environment where everyone has each other’s back.
• The Traveling Trophy: The first-place winner gets the honor of taking home the coveted Rookie Fest traveling trophy for their home dropzone.
• Post-Jump Connections: Whether you’re high-fiving your teammate after a perfect jump or chatting with others on the ground, Rookie Fest is all about building connections and friendships that last long after the event.

What’s the Best Part of Rookie Fest?

From the scrambles competition to the seminars, every aspect of Rookie Fest is designed to help newer jumpers grow in a supportive, fun environment. For Ellen, the best part was the coaching: “They’re really advanced, competition award-winning skydivers. They deserve a shout-out for being such awesome coaches and teachers.” Ellen’s experience was all about learning new skills, gaining confidence, and having a blast doing it.

She also has this to say to anyone considering attending: “If you are the type of person that doesn’t like to compete, don’t think of it as a competition. It is not! Rookie Fest is about pitting your best self against your best self. The groups change on every jump, so it’s jump-dependent in terms of how well you do, anyway.”

What Are You Waiting For?

If you’re a new skydiver, Rookie Fest is a must-attend event. It’s a weekend full of learning, laughter, and new experiences that will take your skydiving skills to the next level. The next Rookie Fest could be the perfect next step for you—whether you want to improve your technique, compete for the traveling trophy, or just have a blast with fellow rookies and coaches.

As Rook Nelson says, “It’s a great experience and the next step into the sport of skydiving.”

So, grab your gear, sign up, and join us for the next Rookie Fest at Skydive Chicago! It’ll be worth it!