Is there a diving community in Chicago?

[Todd128]

I travel regularly to Chicago and would like to know if there was a community of divers and what type of diving and dive sites might be available.

Thanks!

Todd

 

[Hoosier]

You are kidding, aren't you? There are many active wreck divers in Chicago area.

You can't miss them if you plan to dive in Chicago area.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

There is Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, wreck diving in Lake Michigan on various charters out of Burnham and Waukegan harbors and a few other lakes I believe. I've heard some things about Pearl Lake, but I don't know exactly where that is or what the diving is like. Most diver who dive locally are either at Haigh our out on Lake Michigan.

 

[captndale]

Chicago has always had a strong diving community. Two of the major training agencies started here. The first national certifying agency, the YMCA SCUBA program started here in 1959. A few years later PADI started in Chicago as well.

As for diving, it is hard to beat the wreck diving in the Great Lakes.

 

[Dean810]

No Kelp though...mostly wrecks!

 

[drbill]

There wasn't one when I last looked, but to be fair that was back in the early- and mid-60's.

 

[ShanChan]

if there was a community of divers

There is! Check out the Chicago Scuba Meetup if you'd like to meet some local divers. You're invited to any of our outings!

For a list of the diving with have done, go to the past events list. For upcoming events to see the kind of diving we will do.