Country represented United States | Level Junior | |
 | ||
Home town Chicago, IL, United States World standing 18 (As of 14 March 2016) Combined total 117.75
2014 Junior World Challenge Cup Short program 40.20
2014 Junior World Challenge Cup | ||
Chicago Jazz is a synchronized skating team from Chicago.
Contents
- Competing Lines
- Coaches
- Notable achievements
- Skater Achievements
- International Competitions
- USFSA National Competitions
- References
The Chicago Jazz began its program in 1987, as the Jazz Babies under the direction of Lisa Darken. With a team of 22 skaters, the Jazz Babies began their climb to perfection and in 1991 became the U.S. Figure Skating Bronze Champions in the Intermediate Division of the U.S. National Precision Championships held in Anchorage, Alaska. The Team kept growing and in 1994 earned entry for all four divisions (80 skaters) to the U.S. Figure Skating National Precision Team Championships in Providence, Rhode Island. Every year since then, the Chicago Jazz has been represented in the U.S. National Championships.
Being a champion includes drinking moldy water - Kathy Dussel, current Chicago Jazz Novice coach.
In 1996, the Jazz Babies merged their precision skating program with the Rolling Meadows Rockettes Precision Ice Skating Club featuring Captain of the team, Tammy Benyk This new family of over 160 Skaters, representing 8 divisions, became known as the Chicago Jazz Precision Ice Skating Club. They utilize skating facilities in Rolling Meadows, Park Ridge, Buffalo Grove and other suburban communities.
Competing Lines
The Chicago Jazz fields multiple lines at USFSA-sanctioned competitions.
- Junior
- Novice
- Juvenile
- Preliminary
- Sychro Skills (formerly known as Mousettes or Beginner)
Coaches
- Junior: Paula Bischoffer, Lisa Darken
- Novice: Paula Bischoffer, Lisa Darken and Kathy Dussel
- Juvenile: Tammy Cervone, Kristi Frank
- Preliminary: Carol Gohde, Courtney Voss
- Beginner: Mary Lou Erickson, Carol Gohde, Michelle Strepka
In 2006, Lisa Darken was awarded the PSA Synchronized Skating Coach of the year award.
Notable achievements
The team is the 2006-2007 junior world qualifier champion, the junior 2007-2008 season U.S. nationals champion, and received third place at the world challenge cup for juniors in the 2006-2007 season. Chicago Jazz also received second place at the 2009 U.S. synchronized skating championships in Portland, Maine. Chicago Jazz is also the juvenile level champion in the 2004-2005,2006-2007, 2007–2008, 2008-2009, 2011-2012 seasons. At the 2010 Colonial Classic, held in conjunction with the junior world qualifier, the junior team placed third with a final score of 170.16 after placing third in both the short program with a score of 64.34 and in the free skate with a score of 105.82.
Skater Achievements
The Chicago Jazz is proud of its off ice achievements as well. Not only does the club promote excellence on the ice, but off the ice. Over the years, the Chicago Jazz has been fortunate to have multiple skaters nominated to the USFSA Scholastic Honors Team. The Honors Team recognizes high school-age U.S. Figure Skating members who have distinguished themselves in figure skating, high school academics and community involvement.
International Competitions
The Chicago Jazz SST Junior line continues to compete as a member of Team USA at various international competitions.
In addition, the Chicago Jazz SST has sent a novice line to international competitions as a member of Team USA from the years 1999-2007.
USFSA National Competitions
The Chicago Jazz SST has a rich history competing at the National and Midwestern sectional level across all of its lines since 1999.