Classes and matches for all levels, regular social events, and a sense of community surrounding this fast-growing sport

Background and growth: Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the jungle for the last decade, it’s been hard to miss the massive rise in popularity of pickleball. The perfect example is right here in town, where the Park Ridge Pickleball Club, originally founded in 2015 with about 30 participants, currently boasts nearly 400 active members.

Through its association with the Park Ridge Park District, the club now has access to a whopping 17 courts spread across three different parks in town, in addition to six indoor courts at the Centennial Fitness Center.

Through its association with the Park Ridge Park District, the club now has access to a whopping 17 courts spread across three different parks in town, in addition to six indoor courts at the Centennial Fitness Center.

Looking to play?
Join the club at Centennial Fitness Center on weekdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7-10 a.m. — and outdoors when the weather permits, including at the new lighted courts in South Park (mmm… ice cream afterward at Triple Scoop’d, anyone?). The PRPBC also organizes two summer league sessions — each running six weeks — from June-August and several other fun tournaments during the warmer months.

If you’re looking to get started and learn the game, the Park District (PRParks.org) offers six-week introductory lessons at the Centennial Fitness Center. If you’re already familiar with racket sports, you an skip ahead to the instructional sessions every third Tuesday.

Non-tournament club play is generally “rack up and rotate,” meaning you’re free to just come as an individual or a pair, rotate into games and find a level where you feel comfortable.

“That’s the beauty of it,” says three-year member Claudio Debon, who says he’s improved his hand-eye coordination and swears by the sport’s therapeutic benefits. “Anyone can play regardless of their skill level — families, couples or groups practicing for tournaments. And there’s actually a lot of strategy, so no matter how long you’ve been playing, there’s always something new you can pick up on. There are a lot of nuances… much more than meets the eye.”

The social aspect: The club is plenty active off the court as well, with several events throughout the year like holiday parties, golf outings and charitable fundraisers. And the sport is generally a social one to begin with, so meeting new people is never a problem.

I have made connections with so many amazing people of various ages and backgrounds — honestly, from 8 years old to 80 — who I never would have known if it wasn’t for our pickleball community.”

“I have made connections with so many amazing people of various ages and backgrounds — honestly, from 8 years old to 80 — who I never would have known if it wasn’t for our pickleball community,” says Mary Szyjka, who has been playing for a decade and admittedly brings her paddle whenever she travels.

Time to sign up: Annual club memberships are just $35. Visit PRPickleball.org for schedules and more info.