Where to play pickleball in Chicago
You're in the heart of the Windy City, where skyscrapers meet the sky and pickleball is as popular as a flapper in a speakeasy. Got your paddle ready? Good. You're about to discover the best pickleball courts Chicago has to offer.
We've sifted through the city's parks and recreation centers to find the top spots for a game. Plus, we'll clue you in on how to plug into the local pickleball community. From joining clubs to signing up for newsletters, we've got all the inside info.
So, get set to dive into the vibrant world of Chicago pickleball.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago offers a variety of top-rated pickleball courts, both indoor and outdoor, including Chicago House Pickleball, Lakeshore Sport and Fitness, and Gompers Park.
- There are hidden gem pickleball locations in Chicago such as Union Park, Fernwood Park, Gompers Park and The School House, California Park, Brooks Park, and Lindblom Park.
- Chicago's beaches provide a pickleball paradise with 27 beaches offering scenic lakefront views, with North Avenue Beach and Montrose Beach being the top spots.
- Joining Chicago's pickleball community offers opportunities to make new friends, regular play sessions, access to a platform to discover other locations, participation in expos and conventions, and engagement with fellow enthusiasts regardless of the weather.
Top-Rated Pickleball Courts in Chicago
The first spot you should check out is Chicago House Pickleball, boasting 17 top-notch courts that'll surely satisfy your pickleball cravings. With indoor and outdoor pickleball courts available, it's one of the top-rated pickleball courts in Chicago.
But don't stop there. The Chicago Park District is brimming with other fantastic options. Lakeshore Sport and Fitness, for instance, offers both indoor and outdoor facilities at its Loop and Lincoln Park locations. Gompers Park, on the other hand, features an indoor, wood-surfaced court in the gymnasium and two outdoor courts with permanent lines.
Brooks Park and California Park are also worth a visit. Brooks Park houses four outdoor courts with permanent lines and netting, while California Park gives you the option to play on either four outdoor tennis courts or six indoor courts in the air-conditioned McFetridge Sports Center.
Hidden Gem Pickleball Locations
Dive into the world of pickleball by exploring hidden gem locations in Chicago that offer unique and charming courts for a memorable game. These hidden gem pickleball locations are perfect for those looking for a more intimate and less crowded place to play pickleball.
Uncover the unique facilities at Union Park, a park location that boasts dedicated pickleball courts for serious players. For a more relaxed setting, Fernwood Park offers a friendly atmosphere, ideal for a fun-filled game with friends or family.
Gompers Park and The School House are two more hidden gems to explore. They provide well-maintained Chicago pickleball courts that cater to both beginners and experienced players. You'll find the community welcoming, making your pickleball experience even more enjoyable.
If you're into unconventional venues, then California Park and Lakeshore Sport and Fitness should be on your list. These spots are less known but offer equally remarkable courts.
Lastly, don't miss out on the outdoor locations such as Brooks Park and Lindblom Park. These locations offer a great mix of nature and sport, making your pickleball game more refreshing.
Chicago Beaches: Pickleball Paradise
After exploring these hidden gem locations, you'll find Chicago's public beaches to be a veritable paradise for pickleball enthusiasts. With 27 beaches offering scenic lakefront views and ample space, you've got the perfect place to play pickleball.
North Avenue Beach and Montrose Beach are among the top spots to enjoy this trendy sport. Imagine the thrill of playing pickleball, with the backdrop of Chicago's stunning skyline and the calming sounds of Lake Michigan's waves. It's what we call the Chicago beaches: pickleball paradise.
These beaches don't just offer courts to play. They're well-maintained by the Chicago Park District, ensuring a comfortable and safe pickleball experience. Amenities such as restrooms, concessions, and lifeguards are available to cater to your needs.
But the fun doesn't stop at pickleball. These beaches offer a diverse range of recreational activities. Whether it's swimming, volleyball, or beach yoga, there's something for every pickleball enthusiast.
Joining Chicago's Pickleball Community
Often, after a gratifying game of pickleball at the beach, you'll find yourself wanting to delve deeper into the sport's community in Chicago. The park near the lakefront not only offers pickleball but also a chance to join the vibrant community that's always welcoming to newcomers.
Joining Chicago's pickleball community is a breeze and it opens up a world of opportunities. You'll find yourself making new friends, finding game partners, and even getting tips to improve your game. The community regularly hosts play sessions at three indoor courts around the city, allowing you to engage with fellow enthusiasts, regardless of the weather.
Signing up is free, and it provides access to a platform where you can discover other pickleball locations in your area. You won't just be limited to the park or the beach; you'll be part of an expansive network. Plus, you'll get the chance to participate in pickleball-related expos and conventions and join social media groups to stay connected.
Staying Updated on Pickleball Events
As part of Chicago's pickleball community, you'll want to stay on top of all the upcoming events and tournaments, and there are numerous ways to ensure you're always in the loop.
Dive into the world of online resources, where you can find loads of information on indoor pickleball events. You'll notice that some courts have permanent lines, but at others, you'll need to bring your own net.
Joining local clubs is also a fantastic way to stay updated. As the fastest-growing sport in America, there's always something happening in Chicago's pickleball scene. Many clubs offer two indoor courts, perfect for winter play.
Consider following pickleball-dedicated social media accounts too. They're a treasure trove of news, tips, and updates on tournaments.
Expos and conventions are another great avenue to stay in the know. Here, you can meet fellow players, learn new techniques, and get wind of upcoming events.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of a good newsletter. Subscribing to pickleball newsletters will keep you informed about all things pickleball in the Chicago area.
List of Pickleball courts
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Athletic Field - Pickleball Courts
Address: 3546 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60618, USA
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Avondale Park - Pickleball Courts
Address: 3516 W SCHOOL ST, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
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Bauler - Pickleball Court
Address: 501 W. Wisconsin St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
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Bessemer Pickleball Court
Address: 8930 S. Muskegon Ave., Chicago, IL 60617, USA
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Brands Park - Pickleball
Address: 3285 N ELSTON AVE, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
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Brooks (Gwendolyn) Pickleball Courts
Address: 4542 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60653, USA
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Calumet Pickleball Court
Address: 9801 S. Ave. G., Chicago, IL 60617, USA
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Clarendon Park - Pickleball Courts
Address: 4501 N. Clarendon Ave., Chicago, IL 60640, USA
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Columbus - Pickleball Courts
Address: 500 S. Central, Chicago, IL 60644, USA
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Cosme Park - Pickleball Court
Address: 9201 S. Longwood, Chicago, IL 60620, USA
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Donovan (George) Park
Address: 3620 S. Lituanica Ave., Chicago, IL 60609, USA
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Dvorak Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 1119 W. Cullerton St., Chicago, IL 60608, USA
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Ellis Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60653, USA
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Fernwood Pickleball Court
Address: 10436 S. Wallace St., Chicago, IL 60628, USA
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Fosco Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 1312 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL 60608, USA
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Gompers Park - Pickleball Court
Address: 4222 W. Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, USA
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Graver Pickleball Court
Address: 1518 W. 102nd Pl., Chicago, IL 60643, USA
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Hamilton Park Pickleball Court
Address: 513 W. 72nd St., Chicago, IL 60629, USA
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Harrison (Carter) Park
Address: 1824 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608, USA
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Horner Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 2741 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
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Jackson Pickleball Court
Address: 6401 S. Stony Is Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Kennedy Pickleball/Tennis Courts
Address: 11320 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60655, USA
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Kennicott Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 4434 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60653, USA
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Lerner Park - Pickleball
Address: 7000 N. Sacramento Ave., Chicago, IL 60645, USA
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Lindblom (Robert) Park
Address: 6054 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60636, USA
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Maggie Daley Park
Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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Mandrake (Henry Brown) Park
Address: 3858 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653, USA
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Munroe Pickleball Court
Address: 2617 W. 105th St., Chicago, IL 60655, USA
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Palmer Pickleball Court
Address: 201 E. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60628, USA
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Pickleball Court - McFetridge Sports Center
Address: 3843 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, USA
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Pottawattomie Park - Pickleball
Address: 7340 N. Rogers Ave., Chicago, IL 60626, USA
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Rogers Beach Park - Pickleball Courts
Address: 7705 N. Eastlake Terrace, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
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Rogers Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 7345 N. Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60645, United States
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Sauganash Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 5861 N. Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, United States
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Senn Park - Pickleball
Address: 5887 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, United States
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Tuley (Murray) Park
Address: 501 E. 90th Pl., Chicago, IL 60619, United States
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Tuley Pickleball Court
Address: 501 E. 90th Pl., Chicago, IL 60619, United States
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Union Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, United States
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Warren Park | Pickleball Courts
Address: 6601 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645, United States
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Washington (George) Park
Address: 5531 S. King Dr., Chicago, IL 60615, United States
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Welles Park - Pickleball Courts
Address: 2333 W SUNNYSIDE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
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West Lawn Pickleball Court
Address: 4233 West 65th Street, Chicago, IL 60629, United States
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Wilson Park - Pickleball Courts
Address: 4630 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60630, United States
Conclusion
So, you're all set! With our guide, you've discovered Chicago's top pickleball courts, hidden gems, and beachside paradises. You're now part of the vibrant pickleball community, ready to join clubs and stay updated with events.
All that's left is to grab your paddle, hit the court, and enjoy the game. Remember, it's not just about winning, but also the fun and camaraderie that makes Chicago's pickleball scene truly one-of-a-kind.
Let's play!