If you're trusting us with your kid for the first time, you deserve more than a bio — here's exactly who we are, how we started, and how we keep every class safe.
We exist to give kids a safe, encouraging way into skateboarding — whether that's a nervous 4-year-old's first time on a board or a 12-year-old working toward their first competition. Skateboarding can look intimidating from the outside. Our job is to make the first class feel like the easiest, most welcoming part of a kid's week.
Skate Lessons Chicago was built on a passion for skateboarding and a desire to provide quality instruction to kids eager to explore the sport. It started in 2005 as a test program under my guidance as a sports coordinator for a Chicagoland park district. With a certification in personal training and a background in early childhood education, I set out to give young skaters the skills to safely navigate the growing skatepark scene.
That first class in 2005 was a success, which is what led me to leave the park district and build Skate Lessons Chicago into a dedicated skateboard lessons provider working directly with park districts across the suburbs. Some of the districts we serve today have been with us since those early seasons.
— Frank, Founder
What sets Skate Lessons Chicago apart is a commitment to positive reinforcement and camaraderie. We acknowledge and celebrate every student's progress while gently guiding them toward improvement, whether that's refining foot placement or landing a new trick. Many of our students are brand new to skateboarding, often coming from traditional sports — we build a supportive environment where everyone roots for each other's success, not a competitive one where kids feel behind.
Groups are kept small and grouped by ability, not just age, drawing on the same team spirit of skating with a close-knit crew — kids push each other to improve instead of comparing themselves to someone way ahead of them.
See our full Safety & Policies page for weather policy, gear requirements, and more.
Classes are led by Frank alongside coaches like Antonio, all background checked and DCFS Mandated Reporter trained before ever working with students. Meet the full team, including years of experience, favorite tricks, and what they love about coaching, on our Coaches page.
We partner with local businesses who support youth skateboarding in the Chicago suburbs, including Flip's Beef and Upskate Skateboards, plus equipment support from Asylum Skatepark. Several of our students have gone on to skateboarding competitions — one of ours placed 4th in her very first beginner competition at Asylum Skatepark's Summer Bash in Round Lake, after starting with us as a complete beginner. We also pass out giveaways at classes and events — posters, stickers, and occasional gear like skate tools and wheels.