CJ ROBERTSON
HEAD PRO
CJ is a lifelong racket sports player and made the switch to pickleball in 2023. Since then, pickleball has become an obsession and CJ has perpetually tried to improve his game. He is currently rated on DUPR at 6.01 in doubles and 5.84 in singles and has won matches at the pro level in both the PPA and APP.
As a coach, CJ believes that fun should come first and that there should be a healthy balance between practicing and competing. He asks that players bring an open mind and a willingness to experiment, things he believes are critical to growing as an athlete. During training sessions players can expect to smile, sweat, and have a great time while learning new skills, techniques, and strategies.
Interesting facts about CJ:
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Outside racket sports, his favorite to play and watch are volleyball, baseball/softball, and soccer.
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His favorite food is Costco pizza and almost always has one in the fridge.
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He spent five years in the Marine Corps and left service as a Captain.
Coaching tip: Keep it simple and stay relaxed!
NATE GUY
Nate has been passionate about pickleball since 2014 and has been coaching players of all levels since 2015. With years of experience competing in tournaments across the country, including six appearances at the US Open, he brings a deep understanding of the game and a commitment to helping players improve their skills. Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to refine your strategy, Nate is excited to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the club!
Interesting facts about Nate:
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His day job is as a registered nurse on a transplant unit, and he was a science teacher before that.
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He's a pizza connoisseur and has tasted pizza all over the world.
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He has a teenage son who's addicted to pickleball.
Coaching tip: Lighten your grip!
INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
TONYA JOLY
BEGINNER | INTERMEDIATE
Tonya has been a multi-sport athlete (basketball, volleyball, softball, long distance running) her whole life so adding pickleball to the rotation in 2022 was a no-brainer. She fell in love with the sport and the community instantly!! As a student of the game, she knows (and loves) that pickleball is more than just a physical game and that the intellectual component is key to success on the court.
Tonya enjoys teaching all aspects of the game but especially loves helping players perfect drop shots and resets. She works with players of all levels from beginners just learning the game to intermediate players trying to improve their technical and strategic skills to get to the next level.
Interesting facts about Tonya:
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She doesn’t like chocolate or sweets - I’m a steak over cake girl
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She loves to read and always ha a book with her
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She loves to plan & organize, especially birthday celebrations
Coaching tip: Contact the ball in front of your body
LEILANI PALAFOX
BEGINNER | INTERMEDIATE
Growing up with a love for racket sports, Leilani discovered Pickleball in 2023. She has a DUPR rating between 4.0-4.5 and her skills in pickleball have evolved from her tennis background. Now an avid pickleball player since 2023, she has competed in many tournaments and her goal is to medal at the 4.5 level this year! Leilani started her coaching journey as a certified instructor in 2024 and loves helping people find a new passion through pickleball.
Interesting facts about Leilani:
1. She really loves chips and used to run a chip blog!
2. She rode on motorcycles in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina for a TV show that never got picked up.
3. She went to 19 k-pop concerts in 2022.
Coaching tip: Less is more!
KRIS LESTER
Kris started playing pickleball in 2024 and really loved the “mini tennis/life size ping-pong” feel to the game. As his skill progressed, he became more competitive and began training regularly in order to compete in high level tournaments. Kris currently plays at the 4.5 level and is always striving to become a better player every day. Kris found a passion in coaching and brings a high level of energy to every session. Kris coaches everyone from beginners to seasoned players and he loves working with students on the strategies of the game.
Interesting facts about Kris:
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He is a ER veterinary nurse as his day job
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He’s played pickleball with Jamie Foxx
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He’s a HUGE comic & anime fan
Coaching tip: Precision & patience are more important than speed & power
BEGINNER | INTERMEDIATE
JASON HAMIDI
INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
Jason started playing tennis at the age of 4, playing competitively through college in Florida (Division II). After some hesitation (A whiffle ball? Come on!) he started his Pickleball journey a few years ago quickly transitions to a 5.0+ level player. He is constantly trying to improve his own game through drilling and playing, and watching countless pickleball videos on high volume to his wife’s dismay.
Jason likes to help players grow their game, especially through mechanics and high percentage play. He treats most lessons like a mini drill session, where players can expect to learn through active drills, games and point construction.
Interesting facts about Jason
1. He travelled the world as a television produce
2. He has a degree in Ecology/Entomology
3. He has a miniature Dachshund named Brynja, referred to as “the beast”
PERCY WANG
ALL LEVELS
Percy came to pickleball from a lifetime of tennis and hasn't looked back. He's a PPR Certified Professional and PCI certified instructor, and he's been coaching privately around Chicagoland for three years. As a coach, Percy specializes in mechanics: grip, swing path, footwork, and the small technical details that decide whether a shot holds up under pressure. His favorite strokes to teach are the serve and the two-handed backhand. He works best with players who feel stuck at their level.His philosophy is "Play to practice." Pick one skill you're working on and use it in your rec matches over and over, whether you win the game or not. That's how new habits become second nature. Expect focused work. And a good time.
Interesting facts about Percy:
1. He loves to cook.
2. He rides a 1973 BMW motorcycle.
3. His toughest weekly match is Sunday morning rec play with his wife.
Coaching tip: Play to practice.
NICO SMITH
BEGINNER | INTERMEDIATE
CONNOR SOMMER
INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
Connor is a lifelong athlete who has participated in multiple sports (basketball, baseball, racquetball, volleyball, soccer, track, cross-country, tennis and of course pickleball!). Connor started playing pickleball in 2018 with his father and his friends on a hot July summer afternoon. Initially, Connor did not know what to think of it. He didn't understand the kitchen, strategy or court positioning. However, after being a supportive son for his father's new passion, he started to develop his own love for the game. Connor has played pickleball in several places across the world. If there is a pickleball court within 5 miles, Connor willl find it!
Connor is a former 5.0 singles and doubles pickleball player. He continues to compete with his friends in tournaments across Chicagoland, and really enjoys the strategy behind the game. Whether you are a beginner and have never played a sport before to former tennis college athletes aspiring to become the next 5.0 pickleball semi-pro, Connor will help you learn the rules and strategy of the game quickly and effectively.
Interesting facts about Connor:
1. His first job was being an attendant at a putt-putt shop.
2. He has visited 34 of 50 US States.
3. He is known as the "foodie guy" in his friend group, so if you need any recommendations in Chicago for an enjoyable dining experience, reach out to Connor!
Coaching tips: Remember the 4 Cs!