Figure Skating

Figure Skating

ActivitiesSports & FitnessFigure Skating

Figure Skating

Once learned, figure skating is a skill you have for life. It’s a great sport to enjoy recreationally, plus figure skating offers opportunities to compete and pursue a passion.

Park Ridge Park District operates a premier skating school year-round at Oakton Ice Arena with an exceptional coaching staff.

We provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner while also serving the needs of the advanced skater. Our curriculum is designed to keep all skaters enthusiastic about learning — from the time they begin lessons until they reach their goals.

Learn to Skate USA Curriculum and Programs

Overview

Oakton Ice Arena's learn-to-skate curriculum follows Learn to Skate USA, the only program endorsed by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating! 

Learn to Skate USA teaches the fundamentals of ice skating while building confidence and skills through each lesson. The progressive curriculum ensures success from the first steps on the ice to the mastery of advanced skills. It promotes the health and fitness benefits of ice skating and equips each participant with the foundation necessary to reach their goal, be it recreational or competitive in nature. 

What is it?

  • A goal-oriented program that provides incentive and encouragement to keep skaters motivated 
  • A personalized approach that allows skaters to progress at their own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated 
  • A curriculum that offers something for everyone — from the first steps on the ice to mastering advanced techniques 
  • Solid skill development based on the ABCs of basic athleticism — Agility, Balance, Coordination, and Speed 
  • A progressive system that, upon completion of the program, allows skaters to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating 
  • Access to continued education and resources for parents of young skaters to assist with making the appropriate decisions throughout their skating journey 

Member Benefits

  • Instruction from background screened and certified instructors 
  • Instruction that follows a standardized curriculum founded in solid and fun skill progression 
  • A welcome packet that includes Learn to Skate USA The Magazine, a Parent Handbook and Record Book to keep track of your progress in class 
  • Access to full listing of skating programs in your area 
  • Access to online educational material for skaters and parents 
  • Secondary sports accident insurance 
  • Email communications with upcoming events and educational information 
  • The opportunity to participate in classes, performances, competitions and all Learn to Skate USA activities 

Sign up for Learn to Skate USA today

Register Now

Competitive Skating

Join our Olympic coaching staff and enjoy training opportunities for competitive figure skaters. From learning to skate to learning to FLY - that's the Oakton Edge. This program offers freestyle sessions (either independent or with a private coach), off-ice training opportunities, and specialty classes.

For more information, contact Chris Knierim, Director of Skating, at cknierim@prparks.org or 847-292-8911.

Oakton Edge Skating Academy

Please Note: All Freestyle sessions and Oakton Edge classes require online registration. Please email Jordan Mann with registration questions.

Join our Olympic coaching staff and enjoy training opportunities for competitive figure skaters. From learning to skate to learning to FLY - that's the Oakton Edge. This program offers freestyle sessions (either independent or with a private coach), off-ice training opportunities, and specialty classes.

For more information, contact Chris Knierim, Director of Skating, at cknierim@prparks.org or 847-292-8911.

Oakton Edge Skating Academy

Programs

5250100 / Autumn Session 1 - Parent & Me

Get on the ice with your little one and explore skating together! This class is for children ages 2-6 and their parent/guardian. No skating experience is required! All participants should wear helmets, gloves, and long pants. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5250101 / Autumn Session 1 - Snowplow Sam 1

Perfect for first-time skaters! Skaters are taught to balance on skates, the proper methods of falling and getting up, marching, gliding, and dipping. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens, warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5250102 / Autumn Session 1 - Snowplow Sam 2

Second level of classes that builds on skills from Snowplow Sam 1. Skaters will learn backward walking, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, beginning snowplow stop and two foot hop in place. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 1 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5250103 / Autumn Session 1 - Snowplow Sam 3

Third level of classes that builds on skills from Snowplow Sam 2. Skaters will learn forward skating, backward swizzles, forward one foot glide, moving snowplow stop and curves. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 2 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5250104 / Autumn Session 1 - Snowplow Sam 4

Fourth level of classes that builds on skills from Snowplow Sam 3. Skaters will learn backward two foot glide, two foot turn in place, rocking horse, backward swizzles (4-6 in a row) and two foot hop. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 3 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5250201 / Autumn Session 1 - Basic 1

In this instructional class for the beginning skater ages 7 and up. Participants will learn how to sit and stand up, march across the ice, two foot glide, dip, forward swizzles, backward wiggles and beginning snowplow stop. Equipment: Biking helmet, gloves or mittens, and warm clothing. Skate rental is available at no additional charge.

5250202 / Autumn Session 1 - Basic 2

Skaters will learn scooter pushes, forward one foot glides, backward two foot glides, rocking horse, backward swizzles, two-foot turn and moving snowplow stop. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 1 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: Biking helmet, gloves or mittens, and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5250300 / Autumn Session 1 - Basic 3

Skaters will learn beginning forward stroking, forward half swizzle pumps, moving two-foot turn, beginning backward one-foot glide, backward snowplow stop and forward slalom. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 3/4 or Basic 2. Equipment: Figure skates, gloves or mittens, and skating attire.

5250303 / Autumn Session 1 - Basic 4

Skaters will learn forward outside and inside edges, forward crossovers, backward half swizzle pump, backward one foot glide and beginning two-foot spin. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 3 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: Figure skates, gloves or mittens, and skating attire.

5250306 / Autumn Session 1 - Basic 5

Skaters will learn backward outside and inside edges, backwards crossovers, forward outside three turns, advanced two-foot spin and hockey stop. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 4 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: figure skates with skate guards, gloves or mittens, and skating attire.

5250307 / Autumn Session 1 - Basic 6

Skaters will learn forward inside three turn, forward to backward two foot turn on a circle, backward stroking, beginning one foot spin, T-stop, bunny hop and forward spiral. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 5 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: figure skates with skate guards, gloves or mittens, and skating attire.

5250401 / Autumn Session 1 - Pre-Free Skate

Skaters will learn forward inside mohawk, backward crossovers to backward outside edge, backward outside edge to forward outside edge, one foot upright spin, mazurka and waltz jump. Prerequisite: Passing Basic 6 or Director of Skating Approval. Required equipment: Figure skates, comfortable skating attire, and gloves.

5250402 / Autumn Session 1 - Free Skate 1

Skaters will learn forward power stroking, basic forward outside and inside consecutive edges, backward outside three turn, upright spin, half flip and toe loop. Prerequisite: Passed Pre-Free Skate and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: gloves or mittens and skating attire.

5250403 / Autumn Session 1 - Free Skate 2

Skaters will learn alternating forward outside and inside spirals, basic backward outside and inside consecutive edges, backward inside three turns, beginning back spin, half Lutz and salchow. Prerequisite: Passing Free Skate 1 or Director of Skating Approval. Skaters will need their own skates and apparel for this level.

5250404 / Autumn Session 1 - Free Skate 3

Skaters will learn alternating backward crossovers to outside edges, alternating mohawk sequence, waltz threes, advanced back spin, loop jump and waltz jump/toe loop combination. Prerequisite: Passing Free Skate 2 or Director of Skating Approval. Skaters will need their own skates and apparel for this level.

5250405 / Autumn Session 1 - Free Skate 4 & Up

Skaters will learn forward power three turns, sit spin, flip jumps, five-step mohawk sequence, camel spin, Lutz jump, forward power pulls, camel-sit spin combination and beginning axel. Prerequisite: Passed Free Skate 3 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: Figure skates, gloves or mittens, and skating attire.

5250500 / Autumn Session 1 - Adult Intro

Always wanted to try ice skating? This is the perfect class for you! Instructors cater to adult learning styles in a small-group format. No skating experience is required! Skaters will learn falling and recovery, forward marching, two-foot glide, forward swizzles, rocking horse, dip and forward snowplow stop. All participants should wear helmets, gloves, and long pants. Skate rental available at no additional charge.

5251100 / Autumn Session 2 - Parent & Me

Get on the ice with your little one and explore skating together! This class is for children ages 2-6 and their parent/guardian. No skating experience is required! All participants should wear helmets, gloves, and long pants. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251101 / Autumn Session 2 - Snowplow Sam 1

Perfect for first-time skaters! Skaters are taught to balance on skates, the proper methods of falling and getting up, marching, gliding, and dipping. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens, warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251102 / Autumn Session 2 - Snowplow Sam 2

Second level of classes that builds on skills from Snowplow Sam 1. Skaters will learn backward walking, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, beginning snowplow stop and two foot hop in place. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 1 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251103 / Autumn Session 2 - Snowplow Sam 3

Third level of classes that builds on skills from Snowplow Sam 2. Skaters will learn forward skating, backward swizzles, forward one foot glide, moving snowplow stop and curves. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 2 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251104 / Autumn Session 2 - Snowplow Sam 4

Fourth level of classes that builds on skills from Snowplow Sam 3. Skaters will learn backward two foot glide, two foot turn in place, rocking horse, backward swizzles (4-6 in a row) and two foot hop. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 3 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: biking helmet, gloves or mittens and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251201 / Autumn Session 2 - Basic 1

In this instructional class for the beginning skater ages 7 and up. Participants will learn how to sit and stand up, march across the ice, two foot glide, dip, forward swizzles, backward wiggles and beginning snowplow stop. Equipment: Biking helmet, gloves or mittens, and warm clothing. Skate rental is available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251202 / Autumn Session 2 - Basic 2

Skaters will learn scooter pushes, forward one foot glides, backward two foot glides, rocking horse, backward swizzles, two-foot turn and moving snowplow stop. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 1 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: Biking helmet, gloves or mittens, and warm clothing. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5251300 / Autumn Session 2 - Basic 3

Skaters will learn beginning forward stroking, forward half swizzle pumps, moving two-foot turn, beginning backward one-foot glide, backward snowplow stop and forward slalom. Prerequisite: Passed Snowplow Sam 3/4 or Basic 2. Equipment: Figure skates, gloves or mittens, and skating attire. No classes November 8 and November 24-29.

5251303 / Autumn Session 2 - Basic 4

Skaters will learn forward outside and inside edges, forward crossovers, backward half swizzle pump, backward one foot glide and beginning two-foot spin. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 3 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: Figure skates, gloves or mittens, and skating attire. No classes November 8 and November 24-29.

5251306 / Autumn Session 2 - Basic 5

Skaters will learn backward outside and inside edges, backwards crossovers, forward outside three turns, advanced two-foot spin and hockey stop. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 4 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: figure skates with skate guards, gloves or mittens, and skating attire. No classes November 8 and November 24-29.

5251307 / Autumn Session 2 - Basic 6

Skaters will learn forward inside three turn, forward to backward two foot turn on a circle, backward stroking, beginning one foot spin, T-stop, bunny hop and forward spiral. Prerequisite: Passed Basic 5 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: figure skates with skate guards, gloves or mittens, and skating attire. No classes November 8 and November 24-29.

5251401 / Autumn Session 2 - Pre-Free Skate

Skaters will learn forward inside mohawk, backward crossovers to backward outside edge, backward outside edge to forward outside edge, one foot upright spin, mazurka and waltz jump. Prerequisite: Passing Basic 6 or Director of Skating Approval. Required equipment: Figure skates, comfortable skating attire, and gloves. There are no classes on November 8 and November 24-29.

5251402 / Autumn Session 2 - Free Skate 1

Skaters will learn forward power stroking, basic forward outside and inside consecutive edges, backward outside three turn, upright spin, half flip and toe loop. Prerequisite: Passed Pre-Free Skate and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: gloves or mittens and skating attire. No classes on November 8 and November 24-29.

5251403 / Autumn Session 2 - Free Skate 2

Skaters will learn alternating forward outside and inside spirals, basic backward outside and inside consecutive edges, backward inside three turns, beginning back spin, half Lutz and salchow. Prerequisite: Passing Free Skate 1 or Director of Skating Approval. Skaters will need their own skates and apparel for this level. No classes on November 8 and November 24-29.

5251404 / Autumn Session 2 - Free Skate 3

Skaters will learn alternating backward crossovers to outside edges, alternating mohawk sequence, waltz threes, advanced back spin, loop jump and waltz jump/toe loop combination. Prerequisite: Passing Free Skate 2 or Director of Skating Approval. Skaters will need their own skates and apparel for this level. No classes on November 8 and November 24-29.

5251405 / Autumn Session 2 - Free Skate 4 & Up

Skaters will learn forward power three turns, sit spin, flip jumps, five-step mohawk sequence, camel spin, Lutz jump, forward power pulls, camel-sit spin combination and beginning axel. Prerequisite: Passed Free Skate 3 and/or approval from Director of Skating. Equipment: Figure skates, gloves or mittens, and skating attire. No classes on November 8 and November 24-29.

5251500 / Autumn Session 2 - Adult Intro

Always wanted to try ice skating? This is the perfect class for you! Instructors cater to adult learning styles in a small-group format. No skating experience is required! Skaters will learn falling and recovery, forward marching, two-foot glide, forward swizzles, rocking horse, dip and forward snowplow stop. All participants should wear helmets, gloves, and long pants. Skate rental available at no additional charge. No classes November 24-29.

5252000 / Autumn Freestyle Sessions

Practice sessions for figure skaters. These are not classes. Please familiarize yourself with our arena policies and protocols. Questions may be directed to Jordan Mann at jmann@prparks.org.

Meet Our Instructors

Park Ridge Park District prides itself on the high quality of its figure skating program and instructors, anchored by our director, Chris Knierim. Chris is a Three-time United States National Pair Champion, Five-time World Championship Competitor, 2018 United States Olympic Team Member, and 2018 Olympic Team Bronze Medalist.

Learn about our instructors below. Contact the Oakton office at oaktonicearena@prparks.org for instructor contact information.

Meet Our Instructors (hidden title)

Oakton Edge Competitive Coaches
Alexa Knierim
Competitive Coach
Timothy LeDuc
Competitive Coach
Sean Marshinski
Competitive Coach
David Santee
Competitive Coach