Private Scuba Lessons in Chicagoland

Group classes work for some divers, but not everyone. If you want to move at your own pace, spend more time underwater, or focus on specific skills, private scuba instruction can be a game changer. In the Chicago area, there are instructors who specialize in one-on-one coaching built around you. No pressure. No cookie-cutter approach. Just quality diving.

Why Go Private?

• Train on your schedule: No group calendar or class minimums.
• Get focused feedback: Work directly with an experienced instructor who adjusts to your comfort level, goals, and pace.
• Maximize water time: No wasted classroom time waiting for others to catch up.
• Develop real skills: From buoyancy to gas planning, private instruction lets you go deeper into what matters.

Private Instructors

Richard Tessell

• Specialties: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Nitrox, Wreck, Deep, Drysuit, Buoyancy & Trim, Intro to Tech, Doubles.
• Certified to teach through TDI, SDI, NAUI, and PFI. Also offers CPR and emergency training through AHA, DAN, FRTI, and Health & Safety Institute.

Richard was my instructor for drysuit, wreck diving, and my Divemaster course. We have also done many non-training dives together. His coaching is calm and focused on real-world skill development. If you are serious about becoming a better diver, he is highly recommended.

Jessy Thompson

• Specialties: Technical diving, Mixed Gas CCR, Full Cave, Ice Diving, Public Safety Diving, Great Lakes wreck diving.
• Certified to teach thru TDI and SDI. Himself certified through GUE, TDI, SDI, IANTD, NSS-CDS, Dive Rescue International, and PADI. Serves as Chief Diver for the Muskegon County Sheriff Dive Team and is a board member of Midwest Underwater Explorers.

Jessy will be my instructor in 2026 as I begin my first steps into technical diving with Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, and Helitrox. His background in technical, cave, and Great Lakes wreck diving, combined with real-world operational leadership, is exactly the level of instruction I want as I move beyond recreational limits.

How to Choose a Private Instructor

Not all instructors or certifying agencies are the same. Ask yourself:

1. What’s their teaching style? Do they focus on fast certifications or real skill development?
2. What’s their diving background? Are they weekend warriors or full-time pros? Do they dive for fun too?
3. Where do they teach? Some are tied to local shops, others freelance across multiple locations.
4. What’s their training scope? Some stick to Open Water. Others offer tech diving, trim clinics, or drysuit practice.

Is Private Instruction Right for You?

If you are nervous, rusty, busy, or just want more depth than a group class provides, it probably is. Most of my best learning came outside traditional classes.

When Private Lessons Make the Biggest Difference

• Returning after a long break: Get back in the water without embarrassment or pressure.
• Dialing in new gear: Especially drysuits, doubles, or trim adjustments.
• Custom scheduling: If weekends or evenings are your only option, this solves that problem.
• Working past anxiety: One-on-one instruction can reduce performance pressure or social discomfort.
• Going beyond Open Water: Private coaching helps you prep for tech diving or precision skills.