Three age groups: an Intro to Skateboarding class for ages 3–5, plus classes for ages 5–7 and 8–13. Each group is coached differently to match where kids are developmentally, not just how old they are.
Absolutely! Many of our students step on a skateboard for the very first time in our classes. Our instructors teach fundamentals in a safe, encouraging environment, and beginners are always welcome.
No experience needed at all — most of our students are trying skateboarding for the very first time. We start with the basics and build from there, whatever your skater's starting point.
No board, no problem — we bring extra skateboards for students to use during class. It's a great way to try skateboarding before you commit to buying gear.
A helmet is required for every class. Knee, elbow, and wrist guards are encouraged but not required — we always recommend them, especially for beginners.
Age groups are a good starting guideline, but if your skater is between groups or you're not sure, email us at info@sk8lessons.com and we'll help you pick the right fit.
We schedule a make-up class. If a make-up isn't possible for some reason, we can prorate the missed class instead.
The same approach applies to any weather that makes it unsafe to hold class outdoors, not just rain — we'll work out a make-up or proration the same way.
It varies by park district and program — most lessons run 45 to 90 minutes. You'll find the exact time for each session on your town's page.
Class size varies by location, generally between 4 and 15 students, so kids get real coaching attention instead of getting lost in a crowd.
Private lessons are one-on-one or small-group sessions, about 60 minutes long, that you can book directly with us or, at some locations, through your park district. Pricing depends on group size — see our Private Lessons page for full details.
Right now we focus exclusively on youth lessons for ages 3–13. We don't currently offer adult classes.
Yes — during the colder months we move indoors to Asylum Skatepark in Round Lake, so your skater doesn't have to take a season off.
Let us know. We can usually help move a student to a more appropriate class or group if the fit isn't right — just reach out to your coach or email us.
All of our group classes are registered directly through your park district. Find your town on our Locations page and click through to register.
Group classes are always registered through your park district. Private lessons are a little different — they're offered both through participating park districts and independently, booked directly with us. See our Private Lessons page for both options.
For group classes, your park district collects the fee directly since they run the official program — Skate Lessons Chicago doesn't process that payment. Private lessons booked directly with Skate Lessons Chicago are paid to us; private lessons booked through a participating park district are paid to that district instead.
We understand plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule a private lesson, please give at least 24 hours' notice.
Yes — when possible. We understand kids get sick, have birthday parties, family vacations, and other commitments. Because our classes are reserved in advance through the park district, we don't offer refunds or prorated tuition for missed classes due to personal scheduling conflicts. That said, if space is available, we'll do our best to arrange a make-up class at another session or location. We can't guarantee a make-up, but we're happy to work with families whenever possible — if you know you'll miss a class, let us know as soon as you can so we can look at options.
Skate Lessons Chicago doesn't offer financial assistance directly. Some park districts may offer financial assistance or scholarship programs for eligible residents — contact your local park district for availability and eligibility requirements.
Absolutely. Every Skate Lessons Chicago instructor is required to pass a criminal background check before working with students. Safety is our top priority, and background checks are one of the first requirements we complete before an instructor joins our team.
Yes. Skate Lessons Chicago carries liability insurance and works with park districts throughout the Chicagoland area. When required, we also provide Certificates of Insurance (COIs) naming park districts as additional insureds. Parents can feel confident knowing our programs are professionally operated and fully insured.
That's completely normal! Many of our students are stepping on a skateboard for the very first time, and it's natural to feel a little nervous learning something new. Our coaches understand what we call F.U.D. — Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. We see it all the time, and we know how to help kids work through it. We never rush students or pressure them to try something they're not ready for — instead, we build confidence one small success at a time in a positive, encouraging environment. Before long, most students are smiling, making new friends, and surprising themselves with what they can do.
Skate Lessons Chicago welcomes participants of all abilities. Many of the park districts we partner with work alongside organizations such as NWSRA (Northwest Special Recreation Association) or other approved therapeutic recreation organizations to help provide appropriate accommodations and support. If your child may need accommodations, we encourage you to contact both your park district and Skate Lessons Chicago before the program begins so we can work together to provide the best possible experience. Email us at info@sk8lessons.com to start that conversation.
A standard popsicle-shaped skateboard is the best choice for our lessons and skate park instruction. If you're unsure whether your child's board is appropriate, email us at info@sk8lessons.com — we're happy to help before your first lesson.
Yes! We have extra skateboards available for students to borrow during lessons, so there's no need to rent one. If you have any questions about equipment or what to bring, just email us at info@sk8lessons.com.
Comfortable clothing they can move freely in, and closed-toe shoes are a must — no sandals or flip-flops.
Yes, please — send your skater with a water bottle, and sunscreen is a good idea for outdoor summer classes.
Usually not — classes are grouped by age so coaching matches where each skater is developmentally, and kids in different age groups will likely be in separate sessions, sometimes back-to-back at the same location. That said, we understand every family's situation is different, and in some cases we can work with you to accommodate siblings — just ask us.
Most locations welcome parents to watch from the sidelines. You don't need to stay the whole time, but many families do, especially for our youngest riders.
No — parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up at the skatepark.
Yes, all of our current locations have nearby parking.
Email us at info@sk8lessons.com or call (815) 922-0717 — we add new park districts every season and want to know where families need us. It also helps to contact your own park district directly and let them know you'd like to see Skate Lessons Chicago offered there.
Yes — families can continue into the next session, sign up for multiple sessions across a season, or join us indoors over the winter at Asylum Skatepark in Round Lake. Our small-group structure means your skater can keep progressing at their own pace. Ask your coach about next steps toward the end of the session.