With your schedule, at your pace. We train at four different pools around the city, and have the friendliest instructors and staff. We have a wide variety of elite brands, with exceptional prices, and deals you won't find anywhere else. Whether it be camping and wreck diving, or a beach front view in tropical waters, take an adventure with the LSC crew.
Services
Since 2008, Learn Scuba Chicago (LSC) has enjoyed offering scuba instruction, travel, and gear to Chicagoland divers. Through an intensive Divemaster Candidate (DMC) internship program, Capt Bob helped develop a staff of knowledgeable and conscientious divers.
We have a fantastic line up of past and current staff, including but not limited to corporate executive types, high school educators, Navy veterans, triathletes, an Emergency Medical Technician, accountants, software programmers, your favorite UPS guy, Shedd Aquarium volunteer divers, graphic designers and many more.To summarize, we're a great group of people to trust with your scuba training.
We have a fantastic line up of past and current staff, including but not limited to corporate executive types, high school educators, Navy veterans, triathletes, an Emergency Medical Technician, accountants, software programmers, your favorite UPS guy, Shedd Aquarium volunteer divers, graphic designers and many more.To summarize, we're a great group of people to trust with your scuba training.
Learn Scuba Chicago does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, administration of educational policies, student admission policies, scholarship programs, and provision of services.We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, students, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, administration of educational policies, student admission policies, scholarship programs, and provision of services.We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, students, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Two basic swim tests - 200 yards continuous swimming (un-timed) and 10 minute water tread. You will need your own mask, snorkel, boots, and scuba-fins. For your open water dives, you will need a watch that is waterproof up to 100 meters and a surface marker buoy. You can purchase gear from a variety of brands, styles and price ranges directly from Learn Scuba Chicago's shop.
Want to experience something you've only ever dreamed of? Join Learn Scuba Chicago for the opportunity to finally see what you've been missing! Breathe underwater in a fun, convenient session conducted in one of our many pools in the greater Chicagoland area. After a briefing and basic explanation of skills and equipment, you can suit up and dive in.
Let your underwater adventure continue! Apply your scuba skills as you explore new dive sites and activities under the supervision and training of your NAUI Instructor. Learn which diving specialties interest you, and what type of diving you enjoy most. Gain more confidence and capability. Begin to consider the direction diving will take you, as you go for everything it has to offer.
Reviews (28)
Alyscia Batista
Dec 28, 2021
Report
AMAZING service/ staff!!
I was looking for the Shearwater Peregrine for an upcoming dive trip and called over 20 places to no avail. After calling LSC, I was pleasantly shocked they had it in stock. Since I don't live in the area, I asked if they could ship it to a friend's address to which Jason happily agreed and even did all the work to find the cheapest price for me for priority 2 day shipping. Thank you so much LSC!
I was looking for the Shearwater Peregrine for an upcoming dive trip and called over 20 places to no avail. After calling LSC, I was pleasantly shocked they had it in stock. Since I don't live in the area, I asked if they could ship it to a friend's address to which Jason happily agreed and even did all the work to find the cheapest price for me for priority 2 day shipping. Thank you so much LSC!
Yu Qing Guo
Nov 21, 2021
Report
The workers/volunteers really stepped up to do a good job.
I couldn't find the right size suits/materials so Pete helped me with everything.
I had Jason Conger as my instructor for discover dive- I have anxiety and all of this was new to me, he was pretty calm and patient, you can tell they all enjoy what they do.
I couldn't find the right size suits/materials so Pete helped me with everything.
I had Jason Conger as my instructor for discover dive- I have anxiety and all of this was new to me, he was pretty calm and patient, you can tell they all enjoy what they do.
Samantha G.
Oct 11, 2021
Report
I just recently finished my open water certification, and I had the best experience learning from Learn Scuba Chicago. Starting from when I went into the store to sign up, to doing my open water dives at the quarry everyone was super helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. During the pool sessions I never felt rushed to get through the skills and even my instructor during the second session gave us the option to keep practicing or go into the next dive. When my partner and I wanted to keep practicing mask skills he was more than happy to take the entire rest of the session helping us get more comfortable
Doug Guarascio
Sep 23, 2021
Report
Pavan Krishna Siddarampuram Karnam
Sep 23, 2021
Report
Learn scuba Chicago team 🙏🏻 Thank you . I can’t write enough about you guys . I had my certification dives today and I’m so glad I was a part of this squad consisting of Great dive masters like captain Bob, Sebastian. All dive masters at LSC go above and beyond to ensure your safety . I’m coming back to you guys for advanced open water course. ( this time with better swimming skills ) . Thank you Captain Bob , Seb , Jason , Alex , Jose , Richa . See you guys soon !
Amanda Suchecki
Aug 05, 2021
Report
Jk E.
Jun 08, 2021
Report
LSC's certification program is incredibly well-run and the experience was terrific. While originally hesitant to sign up (due to time commitments, general open water anxiety, etc.), I'm stoked I did.
Bob and his staff are top-notch: experienced, patient, and overall great company. The pool sessions are solid but the quarry days are downright all-American -- grilling, tunes, and sunshine in between dives. Not much more you could ask for.
If you're considering a scuba certification, I would highly recommend LSC.
Bob and his staff are top-notch: experienced, patient, and overall great company. The pool sessions are solid but the quarry days are downright all-American -- grilling, tunes, and sunshine in between dives. Not much more you could ask for.
If you're considering a scuba certification, I would highly recommend LSC.
Kory S.
Aug 31, 2020
Report
First off, I'd like to say if I could give this organization 10 stars, I would. I decided to buy the Open Water certification on Groupon for Learn SCUBA Chicago (LSC) because the price was right. I have to say that the staff at LSC have all been awesome since Day 1. I was surprised to find out after signing up with LSC that this organization is a non-profit. This is particularly special because almost all their staff volunteer their time. This shows me that they have your best interest at heart and it's not about the money. Captain Bob (as they call him), is the lead instructor for the
Jerry Ortiz
Jul 26, 2020
Report
For all individuals that would like to learn how to scuba dive this is the place! I just recently took my first scuba dive lesson @ NEUI with a great instructor! Amanda was the BEST! Extremely informative in teaching you the basics knowledge. I've always wanted to learn how to scuba dive and now am HOOK for life! But it's not about me, its was all the about the instructor that was with me! Again she was amazing, was letting me know when i was doing good under water and she was hearing about my concern and also letting me know what i was doing wrong. I cant speak about any other location in reference
Josh Zimmerman
Jun 28, 2020
Report
My teenage daughter and I took the discovery lesson and loved it. Our instructors were knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. We learned diving basics and by the end of the session we were practicing some skills and playing some games. All under water. I was having some difficulty and so they spent extra time on me until I got it, while others were free to learn and do more advanced things. Going to sign up for certification.
Chris Roembke
Nov 13, 2019
Report
I had a great experience getting my PADI certification through Learn Scuba Chicago. I did all of my Pool Dives through them, and they provided me with a list of places their divers had previously done referrals for the Open Water dives in Key Largo, which was where I was traveling to do my dives, which I used to finish my certification.
The instructors with Learn Scuba are all volunteers, and are very excited to introduce people to the hobby. They are patient and very clear with their instructions. I was a bit of a mess on my second dive, having a lot of trouble clearing my mask. To the point
The instructors with Learn Scuba are all volunteers, and are very excited to introduce people to the hobby. They are patient and very clear with their instructions. I was a bit of a mess on my second dive, having a lot of trouble clearing my mask. To the point
Kaylea W.
Sep 10, 2019
Report
TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. AVOID! DO NOT TRUST THE HIGH NUMBER OF STARS!
Learn Scuba over-sold beyond their capacity, couldn't fit us into any classes after we had already paid, and then Chris, the MANAGER, was extremely rude, condescending and refused to help us. I initially wrote a review including our entire email chain so that reviewers could see for themselves how awful he was to us, but they somehow got that taken down- apparently cold hard facts and the manager's own words can't be put in a review (I suspect they a pay to have bad reviews taken down).
Some background: My
Learn Scuba over-sold beyond their capacity, couldn't fit us into any classes after we had already paid, and then Chris, the MANAGER, was extremely rude, condescending and refused to help us. I initially wrote a review including our entire email chain so that reviewers could see for themselves how awful he was to us, but they somehow got that taken down- apparently cold hard facts and the manager's own words can't be put in a review (I suspect they a pay to have bad reviews taken down).
Some background: My
C. T. Shea
Aug 15, 2019
Report
We are blessed to have this shop and this nonprofit in Chicago. The folks here are most passionate about scuba and want to use scuba to engage the youth and our community to do good. I can’t say enough good things about the folks that teach and work here. The gear sold here is almost exclusively Scuba Pro. I am recommending anyone looking to get scuba certification to do it through this shop. The youth camp they run is first rate.
Missy K.
Aug 05, 2019
Report
It's taken me a long time to write this review because I'm not a huge Yelper. I went twice and was really excited (invested a lot of money because scuba stuff is not cheap). My first instructor was really nice and patient, but the second person I had was a female maybe a bit younger than me. She was working with me (my second dive) and another girl (her first dive) and the other girl could barely swim let alone scuba or use fins. She obviously had to focus more attention on the other girl and was frustrated when we didn't catch on quickly. She really want me to learn how to inflate
Priscilla M.
Feb 25, 2019
Report
Got myself the quintessential open water certification in 3 pool sessions and one trip for the final test in actual open water. Learn Scuba Chicago made it a painless, fun and smooth experience.
I did the referral certification, meaning that I did the final test (4 open water dives) separate from the package. I took my records, flew to Indonesia and completed it there instead.
Being a water baby means I'm pretty comfortable with water so I was able to do each session pretty quickly, but on average, it should take about 3 - 4 pool sessions, hashed out over 2 weekends or weekly for a total
I did the referral certification, meaning that I did the final test (4 open water dives) separate from the package. I took my records, flew to Indonesia and completed it there instead.
Being a water baby means I'm pretty comfortable with water so I was able to do each session pretty quickly, but on average, it should take about 3 - 4 pool sessions, hashed out over 2 weekends or weekly for a total
Noel R.
Aug 24, 2018
Report
When my now-husband asked me if I wanted to get scuba certified before our honeymoon, I wouldn't sure if I would be able to do it .... but Learn Scuba Chicago made it so. I can't stress how awesome the staff and instructors are. They are knowledgeable, patient, compassionate, and able to work with students who take right to the water, as well as those (like me) who need extra time in the pool to feel comfortable. Thanks to this team, we had amazing ocean adventures in Hawaii, and even got to do the manta ray night dive in Kona! (If you told me six months ago I'd be swimming around
Edward L.
Jul 02, 2018
Report
Marc J.
Dec 11, 2017
Report
Lex B.
Oct 13, 2017
Report
Got my PADI license 14 year ago and haven't gone diving for 13 years...but planning on going in the next month, so decided I should probably take a refresher course. Did some research and LSC seemed to be a great fit in terms of location, cost, available dates, etc.
I was the only one doing the refresher course (while others were getting certified), but they had different DMC's for us to be able to get personalized guidance through. It was really helpful to get a refresher about the gear and skills to use while diving. My DMC was absolutely so patient with me and I was so grateful
I was the only one doing the refresher course (while others were getting certified), but they had different DMC's for us to be able to get personalized guidance through. It was really helpful to get a refresher about the gear and skills to use while diving. My DMC was absolutely so patient with me and I was so grateful
Grace M.
Oct 08, 2017
Report
THIS is the place to get scuba certified in Chicago. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, and organized. I love that they are non-profit, and provide special deals on gear. LSC even organizes trips and dives for after you are certified.
Shout to to DMC Sarah (sp?) who wears the purple swimsuit- she's an incredible teacher and an overall awesome lady!
Shout to to DMC Sarah (sp?) who wears the purple swimsuit- she's an incredible teacher and an overall awesome lady!
Sasha S.
Jan 26, 2017
Report
Learn Scuba Chicago is amazing! I am moving to Southeast Asia for 5 months so thought it would be fun to learn to Scuba dive. I love that this is a volunteer organization which is why I chose it. I took the PADI open water referral and am finishing it in Langkawi, Malaysia. I am very much a rookie and really felt comfortable from the get go. Sera helped me pick out equipment and was very patient with all of my questions.
I was on a very short timeline so had to take the test a week later and passed. It took me 4 classes to pass the pool sessions. It was hard for me but the staff was amazing
I was on a very short timeline so had to take the test a week later and passed. It took me 4 classes to pass the pool sessions. It was hard for me but the staff was amazing
Jesse S.
Oct 04, 2016
Report
Just got the PADI Open Water Diver certification just in time for the scuba trip I'm taking. The folks at LSC were great. The staff that teaches you in the pool and dives with you during the certification are mostly volunteers and LSC is not-for-profit so there's no pressure to spend extra money. The initial cost of the classes is expensive (but not more than anywhere else as far as I can tell) but it includes the classes and the certification (which discovered was going to be an additional $450 if I did it at my destination!). You'll have to buy your own gear but you're going
Hana L.
Aug 26, 2016
Report
I just completed by NAUI Passport Diver certification and it was an amazing experience. I have wanted to learn to scuba for the longest time, but never really got around to it. Then a trip to Cancun came up and I read there were amazing spots to scuba (MUSA - Underwater Art Museum at Isla Mujeres!) Rather than waste precious vacation time to get certified at the resort, I looked into getting certified asap. When I was signing up for the pool sessions, I realized that I was in a bit of a time crunch because most of the classes were full, but LSC was super accommodating and put me on the waitlists
Jeremy S.
Jul 11, 2016
Report
I just completed my PADI Open Water Certification. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience.
I found LSC to be extremely accommodating, the instruction was high quality, the pricing was fair, and the instructors were happy to be there.
LSC has gone out of their way to find a multitude of pools where you can do the confined water dives, and you can schedule the dives at your own convince to work around your schedule.
Although someone commented that scuba diving is expensive (it is!), I have found LSC to have great prices, with no hidden charges, and they don't nickel and
I found LSC to be extremely accommodating, the instruction was high quality, the pricing was fair, and the instructors were happy to be there.
LSC has gone out of their way to find a multitude of pools where you can do the confined water dives, and you can schedule the dives at your own convince to work around your schedule.
Although someone commented that scuba diving is expensive (it is!), I have found LSC to have great prices, with no hidden charges, and they don't nickel and
Matt L.
Apr 28, 2016
Report
This was hands down the best experience I had in Scuba Diving lessons. I'm still shocked that such an amazing service can come at such a low price. The refresher course got me up and running prior after 2 years of no diving and prepped me for a dive trip of a lifetime in Belize at the Great Blue Hole.
Working with Sarah, Ben, and Stephanie was fun and they were great teachers. Sarah whom helped get me set up for the class was easy to get a hold of, extremely organized, and prompt in helping me get the proper paperwork filed in order for me to make my dive and prepare me for it. Stephanie
Working with Sarah, Ben, and Stephanie was fun and they were great teachers. Sarah whom helped get me set up for the class was easy to get a hold of, extremely organized, and prompt in helping me get the proper paperwork filed in order for me to make my dive and prepare me for it. Stephanie
Kat A.
Oct 06, 2015
Report
I just completed my PADI Open Water certification. I originally bought a Groupon (which ended up expiring because I procrastinated so much) and upgraded to the 60 feet certifcation. It's worth the extra money because now I won't need to do pool refreshers in between my dives. It's not that expensive compared to other dive shops since LSC is a non-profit organization.
My friend had recommended this place to me and I'm glad I went with LSC. I was hesitant since I live in the suburbs and didn't want to have to drive into the city several times for the certification but
My friend had recommended this place to me and I'm glad I went with LSC. I was hesitant since I live in the suburbs and didn't want to have to drive into the city several times for the certification but
Josh G.
Apr 03, 2015
Report
I purchased a groupon last year, "*$139 for a PADI scuba-certification course (a $285 value)". It was during the time when they were opening the office, so it was a bit of a chaotic mess of boxes and such. No biggie, I understand they were just moving in. I showed up to get a required book. i was told to read it and I would be tested on it. That was it. No direction, no guidance, no study guides, etc. That is a lot of info to just take in and guess what to study. Hopefully they have changed this business practice to something more supportive now, but I don't know. I didn&apos
Heidi M.
Feb 04, 2014
Report
LSC is a great school to learn scuba whether you are a beginner, like me, or have scuba dived before. My boyfriend and I just finished our pool dives so we can go to Hawaii with a referral and finish our certification.
We did all of our dives at UIC and they were great. I think if you can get to the other pools you have more time but this location fit our schedule best.
The guys were awesome, very patient and fun. I struggled with a few things but they worked with me and offered suggestions and I cannot be more excited to get to Hawaii to finish this thing! I was skeptical at first, since
We did all of our dives at UIC and they were great. I think if you can get to the other pools you have more time but this location fit our schedule best.
The guys were awesome, very patient and fun. I struggled with a few things but they worked with me and offered suggestions and I cannot be more excited to get to Hawaii to finish this thing! I was skeptical at first, since
