Pickleball clubs for play year-round across Chicago
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Monica loved the cost-free play of the Clarendon Park courts but not the wind. Photo courtesy Mateo McMahon.
About five years after everyone else, I've taken up pickleball.
Why it matters: I may be slow, but I've joined at a time when the city is stocked with more pickleball-friendly facilities than ever.
State of play: I thought I'd be able to cheap out with the free outdoor court near me at Clarendon Park, but those light plastic balls are no match for lakefront gusts that I'm hoping will calm down by summer.
- In the meantime, I have been pricing out club options, and here's what I've found.
SPF Pickleball: This expansive facility built in the old Lincoln Park Treasure Island on Clybourn offers plenty of parking, multiple courts, and an all-day cafe and coffee bar with a full food menu coming this summer.
- Cost: $16 to $140 for sessions ranging from group play and private courts to clinics, classes and after-school programs.
- Membership: $59 a month gets you special access to courts and locker room privileges.
Big City Pickle offers outdoor locations at Fulton Market, Gold Coast, Lincoln Yards and indoor courts in Lakeview, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park.
- Cost: $12 to $50 per hour for sessions ranging from pick-up games to private court rental.
- They also offer league play starting in mid-April.
Pickle Haüs in Algonquin features a full restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner that can even be delivered to your court.
- Cost: $19 to $70 per hour for sessions that range from open play to private reserved courts.