Skydive Chicago and Skydive Paraclete XP welcome skydivers from around the country to compete in the USPA National Championships!

August 29- September 4, 2024

CP at Paraclete XP

September 8-26, 2024

Skydive Chicago


Meet Director

Melissa Nelson 



USPA Controller

Amanda Smalley


Click to see event location, dates, Chief Judge, registration link, and description!

Canopy Piloting

Canopy Piloting

Location: Skydive Paraclete XP

Official Practice Period: Thursday, August 29 – Friday, August 30

Registration: Friday, August 30

Competition: Saturday, August 31 – Wednesday, September 4

Chief Judge: Marylou Laughlin

What is CP?

A competition in canopy piloting consists of three rounds in speed, three in distance, and three in accuracy.
During the speed rounds, the pilot’s goal is to navigate under canopy through the boundaries of the course in the fastest time.
During the distance rounds, competitors drag a foot in the water at the beginning of the course and then continue to fly down the course as far as possible. The toe drag is not required for flyers in the advanced category.
​In the accuracy rounds, the pilot’s goal is to drag a foot through as many water gates as possible and then land in a specific accuracy zone. More points are awarded the closer to the target the pilot lands. Pilots lose points if they do not stand up the landing.

Canopy Piloting - Freestyle

Canopy Piloting- Freestyle

Location: Skydive Paraclete XP

Official Practice Period: Thursday, August 29 – Friday, August 30

Registration: Friday, August 30

Competition: Saturday, August 31 – Wednesday, September 4

Chief Judge: Marylou Laughlin

What is CP-Freestyle?

Canopy piloting-freestyle is a separate competition from canopy piloting that is all about style! The competitors have three rounds to complete different moves over the water that are judged based on difficulty and how well they are performed.

Canopy Formation

Canopy Formation

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Saturday, September 21

Competition: Sunday, September 22 – Thursday, September 26

Chief Judge: Cheryl Michaels

What is CF?

In canopy formation skydiving, the teams perform a sequence of formations during their descent under canopy. A team videographer flies behind the group to record them for judging. The competitors must link themselves by taking grips with their hands or feet on the lines or risers of their teammate’s canopy for eight rounds.
4-way Rotation: the top competitor in the formation drops grips and flies to the bottom of the formation as quick as possible.
4-way Sequential, 2-way Sequential Open, and 2-way Sequential ProAm: the teams complete a sequence of different formations as many time as possible within working time

Accuracy

Accuracy

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Saturday, September 21

Competition: Sunday, September 22 – Wednesday, September 25

Chief Judge: Lucy Mayer

What is Accuracy?

Accuracy is where skydivers compete to land as close to the center of a target as possible. The target is able to measure a distance of 16cm from the dead center and is placed in the center of a 5m air-filled tuffet that cushions the landings for the competitors. Competitors exit the plane at 3,000 feet above the ground and are scored based on the first point of contact with the target. The closest one after ten rounds wins (eight rounds for teams)!

4-way Formation Skydiving

4-way Formation Skydiving

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Thursday, September 12

Competition: Friday, September 13 – Tuesday, September 17

Chief Judge: Rhonda Kaletz

What is 4-way FS?

In 4-way formation skydiving, teams made up of four performers and one videographer have 35 seconds of freefall to complete as many formations as possible. For ten rounds, teams exit at 10,500 ft above the ground and are given a different specific sequence of formations to complete each jump. The winning team completes the most successful formations!

8-way Formation Skydiving

8-way Formation Skydiving

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Saturday, September 14

Competition: Sunday, September 15 – Wednesday, September 18

Chief Judge: Rhonda Kaletz

What is 8-way FS?

In 8-way formation skydiving, teams made up of eight performers and one videographer have 50 seconds of freefall to complete as many formations as possible. For ten rounds, teams exit at 13,000 ft above the ground and are given a different specific sequence of formations to complete each jump. The team to complete the most formations in the given time over ten rounds wins!

16-way Formation Skydiving

16-way Formation Skydiving

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Monday, September 16

Competition: Tuesday, September 17 – Friday, September 20

Chief Judge: Rhonda Kaletz

What is 16-way FS?

In 16-way formation skydiving, teams made up of sixteen performers and one videographer have 50 seconds of freefall to complete as many formations as possible. For six rounds, teams exit at 13,000 ft above the ground and are given a different specific sequence of formations to complete each jump. The team to complete the most formations in the given time over ten rounds wins!

10-way Formation Skydiving

10-way Formation Skydiving

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Tuesday, September 17

Competition Begins: Wednesday, September 18 – Saturday, September 21

Chief Judge: Rhonda Kaletz

What is 10-way FS?

In 10-way FS, each person on a team exits individually as fast as they can and the team builds their formation in the least amount of time possible. Each jump is made from 11,000 ft above the ground and each formation must be successfully held for at least five seconds to count. Each of the six rounds is a different formation. The team with the lowest cumulative time wins!

2-way Mixed Formation Skydiving

2-way Mixed Formation Skydiving

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Friday, September 20

Competition: Saturday, September 21 – Tuesday, September 24

Chief Judge: Rhonda Kaletz

What is MFS?

In 2-way mixed formation skydiving, teams made up of two performers and one videographer have 35 seconds of freefall to complete as many mixed formations as possible including formations in any orientation (belly, back, head, or feet to the Earth). For ten rounds, teams exit at 13,000 ft above the ground and are given a different specific sequence of formations to complete each jump. The team to complete the most formations in the given time over all the rounds wins!

4-way Vertical Formation Skydiving

4-way Vertical Formation Skydiving

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Thursday, September 19

Competition: Friday, September 20 – Monday, September 23

Chief Judge: Rhonda Kaletz

What is VFS?

In 4-way vertical formation skydiving, teams made up of four performers and one videographer have 35 seconds of freefall to complete as many vertical formations as possible. For ten rounds (six for intermediate), teams exit at 13,000 ft above the ground and are given a different specific sequence of formations requiring flyers to fall with their head or feet towards the ground (vs the traditional “belly-to-earth” body position) to complete each jump. The team to complete the most formations in the given time over all the rounds wins!

Wingsuit - Performance

Wingsuit- Performance

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Sunday, September 8

Competition: Monday, September 9 – Thursday, September 12

Chief Judge: Alix Raymond

What is WS-Performance?

A competition in wingsuit-performance consists of three rounds in speed, three in distance, and three in time.
During the speed rounds, the pilot’s goal is to fly as fast as possible while in the competition window.
During the distance rounds, the pilot’s goal is to fly as far as possible in a horizontal line across the ground.
​In the time rounds, the pilot’s goal is to stay in the competition window for the longest amount of time. A position logging device is worn by the competitors to collect real-time data and GPS position. The competition window is 1,000m (3,281 ft) measured vertically.

Wingsuit - Acrobatic

Wingsuit- Acrobatic

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Sunday, September 8

Competition: Monday, September 9 – Thursday, September 12

Chief Judge: Alix Raymond

What is WS-Acrobatic?

The wingsuit acrobatic team consists of two performers and one videographer. The competition is made up of compulsory rounds where teams complete a set of maneuvers they must do together, as well as free rounds where a team’s choreographed routine is scored based on style, plan, and camera work. Teams have 7,500 vertical feet to perform.

Speed

Speed

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Monday, September 16

Competition: Tuesday, September 17 – Thursday, September 19

Chief Judge: Ted Chen

What is Speed?

Skydiving speed competition is the fastest non-motorized sport in the world. Competitors can reach more than 300mph by orienting their body in an aerodynamic position and wearing tight fitting suits to reduce drag. Flyers have eight jumps to attempt the fastest vertical speed during three seconds of every jump. A speed measuring device is worn by each competitor and collects the data for the judges.

AE - Freestyle

Freestyle

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Tuesday, September 17

Competition: Wednesday, September 18 – Saturday, September 21

Chief Judge: Bryce Witcher

What is Artistic?

Artistic includes of two sub-categories of competition: freestyle and freeflying. Freefly includes a team consisting of two performers and a videographer, while freestyle includes one performer and one videographer. The competition is made up of compulsory rounds (jumps two and five) where teams complete four specific sequences of moves, as well as free rounds where a team’s individual choreographed routine is scored based on difficulty and execution (jumps 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7). Teams exit from 13,000 ft above the ground and have 42 seconds to perform.

AE - Freefly

Freefly

Location: Skydive Chicago

Registration: Wednesday, September 18

Competition: Thursday, September 19 – Sunday, September 22

Chief Judge: Bryce Witcher

What is Artistic?

Artistic includes of two sub-categories of competition: freestyle and freeflying. Freefly includes a team consisting of two performers and a videographer, while freestyle includes one performer and one videographer. The competition is made up of compulsory rounds (jumps two and five) where teams complete four specific sequences of moves, as well as free rounds where a team’s individual choreographed routine is scored based on difficulty and execution (jumps 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7). Teams exit from 13,000 ft above the ground and have 42 seconds to perform.

Aircraft

Skydive Chicago Twin Otters
Used for: All events other than CP
Skydive Paraclete Twin Otter
Used for: Canopy Piloting

FAQs

What if I want to compete in multiple events?

Woo hoo! Good for you. If you are in events that do not overlap, then you are good to go (and even get a discount on registration for multiple events). If you are competing in events that overlap on the schedule you might have to waive your right to an hour on the ground. Any events that include multiple competitor overlap will be accommodated as best as possible so skydivers are able to complete as many events as possible. We intend to run the following events sequentially, allowing for competitors to compete in more than one discipline using similar skills: 4-way, 9-way, 16-way, and 10-way FS on one side (in that order), as well as Artistic Freestyle, Artistic Freefly, VFS, and MFS on the vertical/freefly side (in that order).

If you are registering for CP at Skydive Paraclete XP along with other events at Skydive Chicago, please contact Skydive Chicago for your registration to ensure you are getting your multi-event discount!

How many passes will there be for 4-way FS?

We will do two passes per plane for 4-way FS.

What sort of calls can I expect for my event(s)?

We are using the Burble application to manifest loads, so we recommend you download the Burble app ahead of time for you to be able to look at real-time calls for your team whenever you wish in addition to announcements over the PA system.

For all events we will be aiming for one hour (or slightly less) on the ground between jumps. You will have the opportunity in the competitor brief to ask for at least a full hour on the ground if you feel this is too fast of a pace.

When will my award ceremony be held?

We will run awards at the conclusion of each event, so the dates are floating depending on weather and number of teams. As some of the events will conclude on the same day, some of the awards ceremonies will also be combined so you can cheer on other competitors!

Will all events be on site at Skydive Chicago?

All Canopy Piloting (swooping) events will be at Skydive Paraclete XP in Raeford, NC.

ALL other events will be at Skydive Chicago on the main campus in Ottawa, IL. Yes, this includes Canopy Formation and Accuracy.

What do I do when I arrive?

Skydive Chicago- Upon arrival for your event(s) please stop into the auditorium for registration, where you will complete a 2024 waiver, complete registration, and receive your Nationals swag! You will need to bring your photo ID, current logbook, current USPA membership card, and each rig you wish to jump for a gear check.

Skydive Paraclete XP- Upon arrival for your event(s) please check in at registration in the military hanger, where you will complete a 2024 waiver, complete registration, and receive your Nationals swag! You will need to bring your photo ID, current logbook, current USPA membership card, and each rig you wish to jump for a gear check.

What time does registration close and the competitor brief start?

Registration will close at 4pm for each event.

The competitor brief for each event will be at 6pm the day registration closes to receive the competition draw, team numbers, and other announcements.

Are AADs required?

AADs are required for all freefall events and highly recommended for canopy events at Skydive Chicago.
AADs are not required for CP at Skydive Paraclete XP.

Dropzone Information

Click on a logo to learn more about Skydive Paraclete XP and Skydive Chicago including dropzone briefings, landing information, upcoming events, and more!

Skydive Paraclete XP

Skydive Chicago

Accommodations & Travel

XP Travel

Skydive Paraclete XP is located at PK Airpark in Raeford, NC, just off of 401. The nearest large city is Fayetteville. Skydive Paraclete XP is easily accessible from Raleigh, Greensboro, Jacksonville and the wider North Carolina area and further afield.

Raleigh-Durham International airport is about a 1 hour 40 minute drive away, Charlotte Douglas International Airport a 2 hour 45 minute drive away, and Fayetteville Regional Airport a 40 minute drive. Rental car or TURO app rental rates vary.

SDC Travel

Skydive Chicago is about 1.1 hours from Chicago Midway International Airport and 1.5 hours from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Transportation to/from airports for competitors can be arranged with rental car services (including Uber, Lyft, or Turo) available at either Midway or O’Hare; costs vary based on rental agency and current rates.

XP Lodging

On-site:

Limited campsites and RV hook-ups are available on-site. Call XP’s manifest office at 910-904-0000 to make a reservation and for more information. Tent camping is also available on the airport during the event, no reservation required.

Within 15 miles of Skydive Paraclete XP:

Holiday Inn & Suites– (910) 491-5352
Comfort Inn– (910) 867-1777
Hilton Garden Inn– (910) 860-3600
Wingate by Windham– (910) 826-9200
Holiday Inn Express- (910) 429-9990
The C-tal Inn (A Skydiver’s Airbnb)- (910) 315-5512
Raeford Inn- (910) 875-4524

There are also Air BNBs in the area available for rent.

For more information and discounts check out: https://skydiveparacletexp.com/local/accommodations/

SDC Lodging

On-site Campground:

Skydive Chicago offers on-site tent camping and shower house facilities with a total of ten showers. The campground provides 150 full and electric only RV campsites and an abundance of space for people to park RVs without hookups. Skydive Chicago also offers nine rental cabins within walking distance of the main hangar. There are three smaller electric only cabins and six newer cabins with a queen bed and full bathroom in each. Each cabin sleeps up to four people.

Click here for cabin and camping reservations and information.

Within 2 miles of the DZ (in Ottawa):

Holiday Inn Express– (815) 320-2230
Econo Lodge– (815) 433-9600
Super 8– (815) 434-2888
Hampton Inn– (815) 434-6040
Fairfield Inn & Suites– (815) 431-8955

Older, less expensive options:
Surrey Motel- (815) 433-1263
Sands Motel- (815) 434-6440

There are also AirBNBs in the area to rent as well as nice vacation rentals through Heritage Harbor

Within 15 miles of the DZ (LaSalle-Peru, Utica, Streator):

Fox River Bed and Breakfast– (815) 431-9257
Comfort Inn Peru– (815) 223-8585
The Daniels Motel LaSalle– (815) 223-3829
Days Inn LaSalle-Peru– (815) 224-1060
Fairfield Inn– (815) 223-7458
Econo Lodge- (815) 224-2500
Starved Rock Inn Utica– (815) 667-4211
Super 8 Peru– (815) 223-1848
Tou-Rest Motel Peru– (815) 223-0952
Prairie Lake Lodge- (815) 795-5107
LaQuinta Inn– (815) 224-9000
Super 8 – Streator- (815) 672-0080

XP Food

PK’s, the on-site restaurant and bar, will be available to serve all food needs during the event including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

There are also plenty of restaurants in nearby Fayetteville that offer a range of different cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets. Click here for more details on some favorite places recommended by XP.

SDC Food

Saffron @ SDC offers gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner on-site at the dropzone every day during Nationals. They also have a full liquor license with two full-size bars, including evenings by the swimming pond at Tiki!

The city of Ottawa also offers several nearby restaurant options only a 15 minute drive away, with other alternatives available in the town of Peru (25 minutes away), or greater Chicago area (1+ hour away).

Have a question?

Fill out the form below and we will get back to you within three business days!

    Hi, we use cookies to improve and personalize your browsing experience and for metrics and analytics about our website and other media. If you would like to learn more about the cookies we use, visit our Privacy Policy.