Public ice skating provides a great opportunity for the whole family to get out on the ice together. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, there are numerous options available at facilities like the Rockett Arena in the O'Keefe Center at Salem State University and Rocket Ice Skating Rink.
Rockett Arena at Salem State University
The Rockett Arena, located in the O'Keefe Center at Salem State University, is home to the Viking Skating Club.
Viking Skating Club
The Viking Skating Club is a well-established ISI (Ice Sports Industry) club that is focused on building confidence and friendships through excellent instruction in a lifetime activity, figure skating. The club's philosophy and vision is to have "complete" skaters.
Complete means our skaters learn skills from our top professionals, and they learn and appreciate how to support each other and the team. When we participate in competitions, our skaters are as happy for their teammates, as they are for themselves. Skating is fun, and the environment at Viking reflects the enjoyment and accomplishment through skating!
Viking Skating Club is a member of ISI which is dedicated to providing leadership, education, programming and services to the ice sports community. ISI is an international industry association encompassing all aspects of the ice sports industry. Founded in 1959 as a nonprofit organization for owners, operators and developers of ice skating facilities, ISI also created America’s original learn-to-skate program and has introduced more than 10 million individuals to the wonderful world of ice skating.
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Professional Staff
The Viking Skating Club boasts a dedicated team of professional coaches:
- Lisa Manley: A member of Viking’s Professional Staff since 1997, Lisa is the Club’s Show Director and Director of Skating since 2008. She is a Professional Member of ISI, an ISI Gold Certified Judge, a Certified Synchronized Skating Judge, and a member of the Professional Skaters Association.
- Mandy Polisky: Coaching since 2008, Mandy competed at numerous ISI competitions and is a Professional ISI member as well as a Gold Certified Judge.
- Diana Gallo: Returning to Viking’s Professional Staff in 2014, Diana is a Professional Member of ISI, an ISI Silver Certified Judge, and a member of the Professional Skaters Association.
- Megan Pobiedzinski: A member of the Viking Skating Club for over 20 years, Megan has been coaching for almost 10 years and competed in numerous competitions across New England representing Viking Skating Club.
- Marie Hiett: A member of the Viking Skating Club since 2001, Marie started as a Junior Coach in the 2018-2019 season.
Rocket Ice Skating Rink
Rocket Ice offers the most public ice skating times for you! Rocket Ice is your Chicago area rink serving Bolingbrook, Naperville, Lemont, Chicago and the western suburbs for family friendly Rockin' Open Skate times. It is a fun setting for beginners to give skating a try in a relaxed environment.
At Rocket Ice Skating Rink, those who don’t ice skate can watch skaters on Lake Placid or Lake Tahoe. Moms, Dads or Grandparents who may not ice skate can see their child during public skating. Rocket Ice Skating Rink has free Wi-Fi.
Remember, you don’t have to ice skate to have a great time at Rocket Ice!
КАК НАУЧИТЬСЯ КАТАТЬСЯ НА КОНЬКАХ?
Rockin' Open Skate
Skate to the music at Rockin’ Open Skate! Rockin' Open Skate is offered during the week, on the weekends, and added ice skating times on Days Off School!
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Morning Family Skates
Great for families with kids ages 2 to 5 years old. Choose either the 10:30am-12:00pm or 11:30am-1:00pm for a great time indoor ice skating with your little one. Many skater assist walkers are available (first come, first served). These Morning Family Skates are offered over the two weeks of Holiday Fest!
Winter Nights Out
Enjoy a Winter Night Out with friends, family or for a date night! Days off School? Rocket Ice is open when school is closed . . . We offer reliable, convenient ice skating times and great prices.
Practical Information for Skaters
The Viking Skating Club wants your skater to have a wonderful experience at our club.
- Please use single blade skates (either figure or hockey skates). No double runner blades will be allowed.
- Bicycle or hockey helmet. (Beginning skaters 7 and under will not be allowed on the ice without a helmet; the Skating Director will exercise complete discretion for skaters over 7.
- Wear warm clothing, including gloves or mittens. Note: For safety reasons, “fuzzy” mittens, or any fabric that sheds fur, sparkles, feathers, sequins, etc.
- Use hand/toe warmers.
- Make sure skates are laced properly.
Group Lessons Structure
- Group lessons are structured as 20 minute lesson and a 40 minute practice.
- Lessons begin promptly at their scheduled time; if you are late, no make-ups are given.
In December, things change up a bit: if your skater participates in our end of the season show, the lesson structure would be 20 minute lesson, 20 minute show practice, and 20 minute free skate practice. If your skater chooses not to participate in the show, then the lesson structure would be 20 minute lesson, 20 minute session with Mentor assistance to work on recently learned skills, and 20 minute free skate practice.
Additional Guidelines
- Club teaching philosophy prohibits the use of milk crates or other early learner upright supports.
- Our Team of Mentors are available during practice time to work with skaters on their developing skills and to play group games. Sometimes, the skaters do not want help, they want to try their new skills independently.
- Parents are not allowed on the ice at any time during the group sessions.
- Skaters who are at least thirteen years old, in Freestyle 1 or above, may use the Freestyle ice without a coach present. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Skating Director and Club President.
- Skaters who are younger than thirteen years old and have not passed into Freestyle 1 may only use the ice during their lesson, supervised by a coach.
| Feature | Rockett Arena (Salem State University) | Rocket Ice Skating Rink |
|---|---|---|
| Location | O'Keefe Center, Salem State University | Chicago area (Bolingbrook, Naperville, Lemont, Chicago) |
| Focus | Figure skating, skill development | Public skating, family fun |
| Professional Staff | Yes | Not specified |
| Open Skate Times | Scheduled lessons and practice | Weekdays, weekends, school holidays |
| Special Events | End-of-season show | Rockin' Open Skate, Morning Family Skates, Winter Nights Out |
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