Figure Skating

Figure 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 is restructuring our learn-to-skate curriculum from Ice Sports Industry (ISI) standards to 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

Registration (need url)

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, floor barre, power skating, 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, floor barre, power skating, and specialty classes.

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

Register Information Letter

Oakton Edge Skating Academy

Current Schedule

No 1:30pm or 2:30pm FS Sessions Monday, February 19

Please email the Oakton office at oaktonicearena@prparks.org for more information.

Attention Skaters!

RinkMusic Tag Purchase

RinkMusic Tag Purchase

Skaters must purchase a key tag from the Oakton Ice Arena office via email. Tags are $15 each.

Purchase today
RinkMusic Account

RinkMusic Account

Once a tag is purchased, skaters will create an account and upload their program files digitally.

RinkMusic
More Information

More Information

Learn all about the addition of the Rink Music system to the Oakton Competitive Edge skating experience!

Learn more

Oakton Ice Show

The annual Oakton Ice Show is a spectacular showcase of all our skaters. Their impressive performances are a culmination of the skills learned and practiced throughout the year. It is a show sure to delight audience members of all ages!

The 2023 Annual Ice Show is a holiday-themed production, under the direction of our new Skating Director, Chris Knierim.

Oakton Ice Arena Winter Holiday Show:
Saturday, December 16 at 1:30pm
Saturday, December 16 at 6:30pm
Sunday, December 17 at 1:30pm

Register Now
Oakton Ice Show

Programs

There are currently no scheduled programs. Check back later.

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

Oakton Edge Competitive Coaches

Alexa Knierim
Competitive Coach
Timothy LeDuc
Competitive Coach
Sean Marshinski
Competitive Coach
David Santee
Competitive Coach

Staff Skating Instructors

Jadranka Andricic
Staff Skating Instructor
Jacob Barnett
Staff Skating Instructor
Nichole Botello
Staff Skating Instructor
Michael Chapa
Staff Skating Instructor
Deanna Chioros
Staff Skating Instructor
Aaron Felberbaum
Staff Skating Instructor
Ashley Fletcher
Staff Skating Instructors
Lia Margaris
Staff Skating Instructor
Emily Murdach
Staff Skating Instructor
Faith Olczak
Staff Skating Instructor
Faith Olczak
Staff Skating Instructor