Ultimate Frisbee was invented in 1968 by Joel Silver along with Bernard Hellring and Jonny Hines at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey. Joel Silver is widely credited as the key figure behind the creation of the game, which was initially developed as a form of "Frisbee football" and later named "Ultimate" for short.

However, there is also an important background involving Jared Kass, who taught a version of a frisbee game similar to ultimate to Joel Silver while at a summer camp. This version was based on concepts from American football, basketball, and soccer, and it influenced the development of Ultimate Frisbee at Columbia High School.

In summary, Joel Silver is generally regarded as the primary inventor of Ultimate Frisbee, with Jared Kass playing a significant contributory role by teaching the frisbee game that inspired it. The sport combines elements from several team sports and emphasizes self-officiation.