INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITY - ENGINEERED FOR PICKLEBALL

 

COURTS

• The official surface of the PPA - indoors

• Asphalt base v. concrete: flat, smooth, without cracks, true

       bounces and easy on the body

• Elastomeric base + 6 coats of flexible, acrylic, colored paint

• One set of crisp lines, 2 court colors + 3rd out-of-court color

 

NETS

• C&D professional grade, heavy steel framed nets with cable

       tensioning system

 

LIGHTING & VISIBILITY

• Huge rooftop skylight provides awesome natural light, without glare

• Engineered lighting for PB: transfused, LED lighting - 30 footcandles 3’ above the floor

• Dark grey walls offer contrast and ball visibility

 

SPACING

• 30 X 58 enclosed courts – bring on the ATP and Ernie shots

• Zero columns – full bow truss roof with 30’ ceilings (one truss runs over each court at 16’)

 

PLAYING AREA

• Fully climate controlled

• Gathering space by each court

• Comfortable lounge area

• Reception with Pro Shop and Cafe

• Overhead doors can be opened in warmer weather to bring the outside in.

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Q: When did The Pickleball Clubhouse open?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse opened on February 5, 2025. The building was purpose built for pickleball and is an incredible playing environment.

 

Q: What is The Pickleball Clubhouse?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse is a place for dedicated players of all levels to come together and play the sport they love in a 19,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. We have seven premium courts designed specifically for pickleball as well as a pro shop and a lounge area, with many more amenities that are coming in phase 2.  We strive to be the premier place to play pickleball in Chicagoland, where people come to play, develop their game and enjoy the community of Pickleball.

 

Q: Where are you located?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse is located at 4242 North Elston Avenue, in the heart of the Northside of Chicago in the vibrant Irving Park Neighborhood. It is easily accessible for suburban players as well since it’s so close to the highway. 

 

Q: How do I get to the Pickleball Clubhouse and what is the situation with parking?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse is tucked into the neighborhood at 4242 North Elston Avenue which has an incredible 87 walk score = “very walkable”!  There are many convenient ways to visit us using public transportation 1. The Irving Park Blue line stop is 0.6 miles away, a 13 minute walk, 2. the Pulaski bus (53) stops at the corner of Berteau, 0.2 miles, a 5 minute walk, 3. the Montrose bus (78) stops at the corner of Pulaski, 0.3 miles, a 6 minute walk.  We have also have racks in front for bikes and scooters.  If you are driving, we have a parking lot for 10 cars 2 doors to the North at 4252 N Elston that drives through (enter on Harding, exit on Elston), we have a dedicated yellow zone in front that will accommodate up to 6 cars and the street parking on our block is free!  The blocks to the South of us are metered so these turn over more frequently.

 

Q: How will Pickleball Clubhouse work - do I just show up and play?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse offers access to both visitors and members who enjoy preferred access and discounts. We offer predictable play in a climate controlled environment, on premium courts with a proper surface, spacing, lighting, and noise reduction.  You can join us for an open play format, a programmed skill based event or your own private court reservation.

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To view our calendar of programming, events, and available court times, please visit our website www.pickleballclub.house and click through the blue button "court schedule".  Once you are ready to reserve a spot in an event or book a court, click the "create account" button at the top of the calendar screen, input your information including payment information, refresh your calendar and click "reserve" where you want to book.

*If you already have a court reserve account with another club, click "log in" instead and once into court reserve click on the logo icon in the upper left of your screen and then the "add organization" and then enter Pickleball Clubhouse and add us to your list of clubs.

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Q: What if I don't have a DUPR rating, but want to play in skill-based events?

A: In order to be eligible to play in our intermediate and advanced level skill-based play events (only) you will need a rating.  If you have a DUPR account, you can link it to your profile and this will automatically open the appropriate events.  If you do not  have a DUPR rating or feel that you should be playing at a level higher than your DUPR, you can register for one of our ratings clinics and a pro will assign you a Club rating which functions the same way.  No rating is necessary for open or drop in play, beginner events and obviously not for a private court rental. 
 

Q: When is The Pickleball Clubhouse open?

Operating Hours are 7 AM until 9 PM, 7 days a week, offering players the ability to come before or after work. There is a robust schedule of skill-based programming, drop-in play, and professional instruction throughout every day.  Please refer to the website page programming for more details. When you are ready to book an experience, please use the website page – book now – which will take you to our online booking engine, court reserve.  If you don’t already have a court reserve account, you will need to create one to be able to book your experience.  Everyone playing will need a court reserve account and to complete our waiver beforehand.
 

Q: What is the price of membership?

A: Membership pricing as well as individual experience pricing is available on our Membership page.

 

Q: What other amenities will Pickleball Clubhouse offer?

A: We’re thrilled to bring a full experience to all players. We will offer social events, skill based programming, professional instruction, drop in play and others as we grow including food and beverage, a players viewing lounge, flex work space and more! Stay in touch with us to get updates as they happen.

 

Q: Will there be space available to hang out and watch?

A: There are 2 areas to gather when not on court.  There is the "living room" area with couches, just outside the cafe and the "Event Space" with more couches, tables, rugs and another TV that is available whenever there is not a special event using the space.  We’re excited about our second floor which will be built out in phase 2 and offer, locker rooms, fitness classes, we-work space and a viewing lounge which will be a great location for players to relax after their games, mingle with other players and watch the action.

 

Q: Will you be serving food and other refreshments?

A: The Clubhouse offers a café with coffee drinks and prepared foods for sale as well as a variety of cold drinks.

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Q: Is outside food and beverage allowed?

A: No outside food and beverage, other than personal items, are allowed in the Clubhouse without prior arrangement of our event space, and if arranged and brought in, must be consumed in the event space only, not on court, and there can be no breakable (glass, china, etc.) containers.

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Q: Are pets allowed?

A: Registered service animals are welcome but otherwise, we do not allow pets in the Clubhouse.

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Q: What is the policy about children in the Clubhouse?

Children under the age of 12 are welcome in the Clubhouse but must be supervised by an adult at all times whether on or off court.

 

Q: What was in the building before you purchased it?

A: The building used to be the headquarters of Thillens, Inc. - a family owned, armored car and cash logistics business. The Thillens family has a long and storied history with the Chicago business and sports community. The family underwrote and operated Thillens Field for nearly a century - a little league baseball facility that many Chicago residents know, love and played at. The Thillens business started as cash exchange business, operating their mobile trucks at many of Chicago's factories on "pay day" so workers could conveniently convert their paychecks to cash - same day. 

 

Q: Is the Thillens family involved with Pickleball Clubhouse?

A: While they are not involved in Pickleball Clubhouse, the Thillens family supports this re-purpose of their former headquarters and we have proudly displayed memorabilia from their deep history in the Chicago sport scene which they graciously donated. We’re thrilled that our facility has a connection with this iconic Chicago business and sports legacy.

 

Q: Who owns Pickleball Clubhouse?

A: Chris Sears is the founder and CEO of Pickleball Clubhouse, a 5th generation and 30 year resident of Chicago and an avid pickleball player. Coincidentally, his Great Grandfather and then Grandfather operated the New Century Corporation, a livestock feed factory on Chicago's South side, for almost 80 years, into the 1950's. It is possible that Thillens, Inc cashed the checks of the New Century workers! In an era of e-business, Chris is proud to start another lasting, brick and mortar business in his city. Chris is also a USA Pickleball Ambassador, and a well-known local real estate broker and entrepreneur. After discovering the sport a few years ago, he knew he wanted to create a facility in his city that would cater to like-minded players.