Tom Key The Legacy of Norge Ski Club: 120 Years of Excellence
Fox River Grove, Illinois. A small, unassuming Midwestern town tucked along the bends of the Fox River and just a stone’s throw from Barrington, where I grew up. You wouldn’t expect a place like this to produce giants—not in the literal sense, and certainly not in ski jumping. Yet, right here, in a town known for its suburban charm and sensible zoning, stands a launchpad for flight: the Norge Ski Club.
This weekend, Norge celebrates 120 years of sending brave souls hurtling off a 150-foot tower, defying gravity, reason, and occasionally, Midwest weather. It’s the Winter Jump—the biggest of three annual competitions—and it draws crowds by the thousands. In a sport that feels like it belongs to the snowy peaks of the Rockies or Scandinavia, Norge thrives, improbably, in Illinois.
But Norge isn’t just a ski jump. It’s history. It’s community. It’s a Viking with a horned helmet and an infectious laugh. It’s also proof that, with enough determination, you can turn the flatlands into a runway for dreams.
A Norse Beginning
The Norge Ski Club was born in 1905, the brainchild of Norwegian immigrants who missed the steep slopes of their homeland. They found a patch of hilly terrain in Fox River Grove, perched above the river, and turned it into their playground. In those early days, members traveled from Chicago by train, hauling lumber and supplies to build jumps by hand.
The first jumps were modest by today’s standards—more “plucky” than “daring”—but they captured the spirit of Norway. By the 1920s, Norge was drawing crowds and competitors from across the Midwest. And as the decades passed, the club built bigger, steeper jumps, attracting not just local athletes but national attention.
The Launchpad for Greatness
It’s no exaggeration to say that Norge has been the starting block for Olympic dreams. Michael Glasder, who represented Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics, first strapped on skis here. And he’s not alone—three more Olympians have followed in his tracks:
- Kevin Bickner, a standout from Wauconda, Illinois, who competed in both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.
- Casey Larson, a native of Barrington, Illinois, who also made it to the 2018 and 2022 Games.
- Patrick Gasienica, from Chicago, who debuted at the 2022 Olympics.
The club’s junior program continues to be a proving ground for the next generation, where kids learn not just how to jump, but how to fly. It’s a testament to Norge’s relentless commitment to the sport and its athletes, showing that Olympic greatness can start on a small hill in Illinois.
A Year of Jumps, But Winter Reigns Supreme
If Norge were a symphony, its three annual jumps would be the movements: the energetic summer jump in June, the vibrant fall jump, and the grand finale—the Winter Jump. While the summer and fall events showcase the unique spectacle of ski jumping on plastic mats, the Winter Jump is the showstopper, a celebration of ice, snow, and adrenaline.
The Winter Jump is where history and tradition meet the present. It’s a multi-day festival, blending high-level competition with a carnival atmosphere. Fans in Viking helmets cheer as jumpers launch into the air, their skis slicing through the cold Illinois sky.
The Viking of Fox River Grove
Speaking of Vikings: no discussion of Norge is complete without Marty Knapp. For 35 years, Marty has been the club’s mascot, donning a horned helmet and long blonde wig to become the “Norge Viking.” He’s part cheerleader, part local legend, and part time-traveling Norseman.
Marty’s presence is a reminder that Norge isn’t just about competition—it’s about community. Whether he’s leading chants, posing for photos, or blowing his Norse horn (often and loudly), he’s the embodiment of the club’s playful, welcoming spirit. And let’s face it: every ski jump should have a Viking.
Flying Into the Future
As the Norge Ski Club celebrates its 120th anniversary, it’s clear this is no relic of the past. The club is alive with energy, its history woven into every event and every jump. This weekend’s Winter Jump will be a testament to that, a blend of daring athletes, roaring crowds, and a legacy that refuses to be grounded.
For those of us lucky enough to grow up nearby, Norge is a reminder that greatness can spring from the most unexpected places—even a small Midwestern town beside the Fox River. If you happen to be in the Chicagoland area and are looking for a truly unique experience head to Norge. Competitions are from 11 – 4 Saturday and Sunday January 25 and 26.
