FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITY - ENGINEERED FOR PICKLEBALL
COURTS
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The official surface of the PPA - indoors
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Asphalt base v. concrete: flat, smooth, without cracks, true
bounces and easy on the body
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Elastomeric base + 6 coats of flexible, acrylic, colored paint
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One set of crisp lines, 2 court colors + 3rd out-of-court color
NETS
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C&D professional grade, heavy steel framed nets with cable
tensioning system
LIGHTING & VISIBILITY
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Huge rooftop skylight provides awesome natural light, without glare
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Engineered lighting for PB: transfused, LED lighting - 30 footcandles 3’ above the floor
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Dark grey walls offer contrast and ball visibility
SPACING
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30 X 58 enclosed courts – bring on the ATP and Ernie shots
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Zero columns – full bow truss roof with 30’ ceilings (one truss runs over each court at 16’)
PLAYING AREA
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Fully climate controlled
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Gathering space by each court
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Comfortable lounge area
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Reception with Pro Shop and Cafe
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Overhead doors can be opened in warmer weather to bring the outside in.
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Q: When is The Pickleball Clubhouse opening?
A: The Pickleball Clubhouse will open on February 5, 2025. The building underwent a complete transformation for pickleball use and we know fans of all skill levels will love it.
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.
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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 register for skill-based events you need to have a valid DUPR rating or need to be rated by one of our coaches. To do so there are 2 options:
Option 1 - link your DUPR account to Court Reserve (if you have an active DUPR rating): in your Member Portal click "more" --> Click "Personal Information" --> Click yellow "Link DUPR Ratings" button --> Enter your email and password into DUPR pop-up. Your rating in Court Reserve will dynamically change with DUPR.
Option 2: Sign up for a ratings clinic with one of our coaches. Once completed they will manually enter your rating and then you will be able to sign up for the appropriate level of rated play.
Q: When is The Pickleball Clubhouse open?
Opening day is February 5, 2025. 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: Every court will have adjacent hang-out space, plus the “living room” on the main floor with comfortable seating, pickleball TV and more. 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.
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.
