Skew orthogonal polynomials arise in the calculation of the n-point distribution function for the eigenvalues of ensembles of random matrices with orthogonal or symplectic symmetry. In particular, the distribution functions are completely determined by a certain sum involving the skew orthogonal polynomials. In the case that the eigenvalue probability density function involves a classical weight function, explicit formulas for the skew orthogonal polynomials are given in terms of related orthogonal polynomials, and the structure is used to give a closed-form expression for the sum. This theory treates all classical cases on an equal footing, giving formulas applicable at once to the Hermite, Laguerre, and Jacobi cases.