The Chicago Jazz Synchronized Skating Teams are members of the Chicago Figure Skating Club,
which belongs to United States Figure Skating (U.S. Figure Skating) and the Ice Skating Institute (ISI).
Synchronized skating includes teams of 8-20 skaters performing a program to music while executing
intricate synchronized maneuvers and formations. Our training program includes ballet classes, on and
off-ice conditioning, coaching in presentation and expression, nutrition, counseling and team building.
Each skater is required to attend all ice practices and off-ice training. Hours of practice range from
4-10 hours per week depending upon team level. Skaters are also expected to maintain their individual
ice dance, moves in the field and freestyle training appropriate to their team level. The Chicago Jazz is
supported by a volunteer parent organization that assists in planning and implementing club activities and
fundraising opportunities.
The top four teams in Senior, Junior, Novice, Intermediate and Juvenile from each U.S. Figure Skating
sectional competition qualify to compete at Nationals.
Medal winning Junior and Senior teams from Nationals are selected by the U.S. Figure Skating to represent
the U.S. at International competitions. Teams selected at this level are members of “Team USA”.
The skater’s age for the U.S. Figure Skating teams is determined by their age on July 1st.
The team composition is defined by
the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA).
Beginner 1, 2, or 3: A team of 8-16 skaters. No skater may have passed higher than preliminary in any discipline, and the majority of the team must be no test.
Pre-juvenile: A team of 8-16 skaters. The majority of the team must be under 12.
Preliminary: A team of 8-16 skaters. Skaters must be under 12, with the majority of the team under 10.
Juvenile: A team of 12-20 skaters. Skaters must be under 13 and have passed the preliminary moves in the field test.
Intermediate: A team of 12-20 skaters. Skaters must be under 18 and have passed the pre-juvenile moves in the field test.
Novice: A team of 12-20 skaters. Skaters must be under 16, with the exception of four skaters who may be 16 or
17, and have passed the juvenile moves in the field test.
Junior: A team of 12-16 skaters. Skaters must be at least 12 years old and under 19. All skaters must have passed
the intermediate moves in the field test.
The skater’s age for the ISI teams is determined by their age on July 1st.
The team composition
is defined by the Ice Skating Institue (ISI).
Shooting Stars/Senior Youth or Youth: Generally skaters participate that are 10-12 years old.
Mousettes/Junior Youth: Generally skaters participate that are 8 years old and younger.
