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For more than 30 years, Chicago Skates synchronized skating program has maintained the tradition of involving skaters in a team sport that builds character, cooperation, and commitment, as well as skating skills.
Mission
Our mission is to support individuals on and off the ice in a collaborative, goal-oriented environment, to unite all skaters as one in the pursuit of individual and team development.
Vision
As an organization, we value character growth, cooperation, and commitment. The sport of synchronized skating inspires every athlete to embody camaraderie, accountability, respect, perseverance, and teamwork.
Our Future
We are striving to build Chicago Skates into a strong pipeline organization starting from the youngest developmental teams all the way to our highest level.
Requirements & Skills by Team Level
Aspire 2
Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements:
- 6+ years of age and Gamma+ levels
- Must be currently taking a McFetridge group class
- No previous team experience is necessary
Aspire 4
Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Freestyle 2 or higher with strong basic skating skills
- No MIF test required; Pre-Preliminary MIF strongly preferred.
- Must be currently taking a McFetridge group class or private skating lesson at McFetridge.
- Previous team experience not required, but recommended
Preliminary
Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Age 9 and up, and in Freestyle 2 or higher with strong basic skating skills
- Passed Preliminary MIF and above
- Must be currently taking a group class or private lessons at McFetridge, and skating a minimum of 2 hour a week.
Pre-Juvenile
Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Age 17 and younger
- Passed Preliminary Moves in the Field (Passed Pre-Juvenile MIF is strongly recommended)
- Must be currently taking private skating lessons and skating a minimum of 2 hours a week
- Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommended.
Open Juvenile
Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Age 12 and up
- Passed Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field (passed Juvenile MIF, highly recommended)
- Must be currently taking private skating lessons and skating a minimum of 2 hours a week.
- Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommended.
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee you a spot on the team or on the competitive roster.
Intermediate
Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Age 13 and up
- Passed Intermediate Moves in the Field or with a coach’s recommendation.
- Must be currently taking private skating lessons and skating a minimum of 2 hours a week.
- Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommended.
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee you a spot on the team or on the competition roster.
What do you enjoy about being on a team?
"I like being at Chicago Skates because of the friendships and the kindness"
Aimia Yang - Aspire Beginner 2022-23
What type of life lessons has your child learned as a Chicago Skate?
"Chicago Skates taught my daughters the value of perseverance and collaboration, while fostering a sense of belonging and community. They gained independence, taking responsibility for their schedules, attire, and transportation. Most importantly, Chicago Skates offered the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, giving truth to the adage ‘the whole is greater than sum of its parts.’”
Monica Lasky - Chicago Skates Parent for 10 years and her youngest, Chelsea, is a senior.
Why do you enjoy coaching at Chicago Skates?
“I love coaching at Chicago Skates because of how accessible the synchro program is. Skaters at different age ranges and experience levels can join a team. The coaching staff comes from various synchro backgrounds and they have common goals that create a great team dynamic that benefits the skaters."
Coach Audrey Wolz - Aspire Beginner 2022-Present
What is your favorite memory as a Chicago Skate?
"I have SO many wonderful memories from my 8 years as a Chicago Skate! The absolute best was our trip to Houston, TX for Nationals. Champions, of course, but loaded with fun and friends. My continued friendships are definitely the best part of those years."
Pam (Arciola) Conway - Alumni and Member of the "first" Chicago Skates team in 1988.
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