About
About Chicago Skates
McFetridge Sports Center is the home of the Chicago Skates Synchronized Skating Teams. We have over 100 skaters representing 6 different divisions in U.S. Figure Skating. Our synchronized skating program has over 30 years of tradition in a team sport that builds character, cooperation, commitment, as well as skating skills.
At Chicago Skates, we want every skater to look forward to the practice and hard work that goes into the team and to take pride in their efforts and successes. In the process, each skater will learn how to be creative, confident, and work toward a common goal. The team will also provide individuals with opportunities to lead and support their fellow skaters.
Synchronized skating continues to be one of the most popular disciplines in figure skating. Synchronized team skaters perform a program in unison. The program includes elements such as circles, lines, intersections, wheels, blocks and creative elements. The objective is to blend skating elements such as footwork, jumps and spins into these formations, so the skaters look like one unit as they perform. It is truly a spectacular sport to watch and participate in!
Chicago Skates has 6 USFS teams and provides a team opportunity for most ages and ability levels. The coaching staff looks forward to fun and successful seasons and ambitious goals for our future skaters. We hope to offer an opportunity for any skater that has an interest in synchronized skating.
Chicago Skates History
Chicago Skates was formed in 1988 by Kathy Murphy as a precision class, then later morphed into a competitive team. Their first “competitive precision program” had a Polka theme, and competed in bright yellow and red dresses in 1989! Just a few years later, in 1992, the demand for another, younger team grew and our 2nd team, Chicago Blades was formed. Over the years, we have happily added on many more teams, including additional ISI and US Figure Skating teams, even an adult team! Then, ten years later in 2002, as our organization grew, and team names were becoming harder to imagine, we decided to come together under our founding name; Chicago Skates.
*Fun Fact* The name “Chicago Skates” is intended as a verb, as in the city of Chicago, skates; not the Chicago Skates!
What is Synchronized Skating?
Synchronized Skating is a large and the fastest-growing discipline of figure skating where 8–20 (the number of skaters on a team depends on the level) skaters skate on ice as a team, moving as one flowing unit at high speeds, performing intricate steps and creating interesting formations.
In 1956, the first synchronized skating team was formed by Dr. Richard Porter, who became known as the ‘father of synchronized skating’. The ‘Hockettes’ skated out of Ann Arbor, MI and entertained spectators during intermissions of the Universtiy of Michigan’s Wolverine hockey games. In the early days, precision skating (as it was then called) resembled a drill team routine, or a precision dance company such as The Rockettes.
Today, although not currently an Olympic sport, it has already been reviewed for Olympic eligibility. Fans and participants of this fast-growing discipline have begun to strive for recognition by the rest of the skating and athletic world. In 2007 synchronized skating took one step closer to Olympic contention when it was selected to be part of the World University Games as a demonstration sport.
The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships is the most elite competition in synchronized skating. First held in 2000, in Minneapolis, MN, the competition draws approximately 25 of the worlds top Senior level teams to compete in an Olympic-caliber competition, with Finland, Sweden and USA most often topping the medal stand.
Organizations we represent
Located on Chicago's north side
Follow us
“Like” us on Facebook – Chicago Skates
Follow us on Instagram - @ChicagoSkates_SST
