Updated for 2026
Yes. At Skydive Chicago, the tandem skydiving weight limit is 250 pounds. This limit exists strictly for safety reasons and applies to all tandem students without exception.
Weight, harness fit, and overall mobility are evaluated at check-in to ensure a safe experience for both you and your instructor.
Quick Facts
- Tandem weight limit: 250 pounds
- No weight surcharges
- Harness fit must be secure
- Instructor makes final safety determination
- Certain body types may require additional evaluation
Why Does a Skydiving Weight Limit Exist?
Everything that flies has a weight limit. Parachute systems are engineered and rated to operate safely within specific weight ranges. Exceeding those ranges increases risk during:
- Parachute deployment
- Freefall stability
- Canopy flight
- Landing impact
If a parachute system is overloaded:
- Openings can become excessively fast
- Equipment stress increases
- Landings become significantly harder
The 250-pound limit ensures that our equipment performs exactly as designed.
It’s Not About Judgment — It’s About Physics
We do not enforce our weight limit out of prejudice. We enforce it because gravity is non-negotiable.
Tandem parachutes are already large and heavy systems built to carry two people. Adding more weight beyond manufacturer specifications compromises safety margins.
We simply will not risk that for you or for our instructors.
Harness Fit Matters Too
Weight is not the only factor.
Skydiving harness systems adjust within certain size ranges. Even if someone is under 250 pounds, they must fit securely in the harness. If the harness cannot be properly secured the jump cannot proceed.
Your instructor makes the final call — always prioritizing safety.
What If I’m Close to 250 Pounds?
If you are near the limit:
- Call ahead with questions
- Understand you (and everyone) will be weighed at check-in
We verify weight privately and respectfully. This is standard safety procedure at professional dropzones.
Do Body Type or Height Matter?
Yes — sometimes.
Two individuals who weigh the same may distribute weight differently. Body composition can affect:
- Harness fit
- Freefall positioning
- Landing dynamics
In rare cases, someone under 250 pounds may still not be able to jump if safety requirements are not met.
We Protect Our Instructors, Too
Our tandem instructors perform physically demanding work every day. When students exceed weight limitations, landings become harder and risk increases.
Maintaining strict weight guidelines protects:
- You
- Your instructor
- Everyone who depends on safe operations
Over the Weight Limit?
If you are currently over 250 pounds, we understand that can be disappointing.
Many people use skydiving as motivation to reach personal goals. And when you do reach that milestone, we’ll be here — ready to jump with you.
Related Requirements
Weight is just one eligibility factor.
Learn more about:
👉 Health & Age Requirements for Skydiving
Ready to Jump?
If you meet the weight and health requirements, you’re one step closer to experiencing freefall.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tandem weight limit at Skydive Chicago is 250 pounds.
No. Skydive Chicago does not charge extra based on weight, but the 250-pound limit is firm.
Yes. All tandem students are weighed at check-in to ensure compliance with safety limits.
No. For safety reasons, the 250-pound limit cannot be exceeded.
Height alone does not determine eligibility, but harness fit and body proportions are evaluated.
