A huge new indoor pickleball facility set in a tropical-themed venue at 2121 N. Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, has opened its doors for the first time.
“Everyone Is Welcome”
The venue covers 42,000 square feet and features eight indoor pickleball courts, a grab-and-go food and coffee bar, and spacious locker rooms with saunas and showers.
Court reservations opened on January 16 for the general public.
“Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player, you’re picking up a paddle for the first time, or you’re just in to cheer on your friends and family, everyone is welcome,” Co-Founder Rich Green said in a statement. “Our goal is to lean into our three pillars – Social, Pickleball, Fun – and provide a space for people to gather and join the fun year-round.”
The Cucumber Club
SPF will also host what they call the Cucumber Club for children ages 3 to 11. Their offering will include tennis and pickleball camps and help the kids develop their skills.
The second phase, set for a summer 2024 launch, promises expanded amenities and programming. Visit playspf.com for details.
SPF – Social, Play, Fun – is set to usher in a new era of family fun, fitness, and food in Chicago! The facility is Chicago’s first space dedicated to indoor pickleball (and other social sports).
Fitness, Food, And Friends
SPF was created to bring Chicago residents together in the name of fitness, food, and friends. The 42,000 square feet of space will be dedicated to slicing, chopping, smashing, serving, and relaxing in the most fun, NOT under the sun.
At SPF, you can do everything from play pickleball and ping-pong to sip, socialize, and sauna. They even run the Cucumber Club for the kiddos in your life. It’s like a getaway without going away.
SPF is led by a fun-obsessed group dedicated to creating a place where you can socialize, play, and bring your A-game. They’re also your friendly neighbors with a passion for community, pints, and, of course, pickleball.
A Huge Program Of Open Play, Classes, And Leagues
There is a huge program of open play, group classes, and leagues. For example, kids can come along to the Cucumber Club, which starts tomorrow and runs from 9 to 10 a.m. CST for eight weeks.
Cucumber Club is for “Freshmen” (3-4/Pre-Kindergarten) and “Sophomores” (Kindergarten and 1st Grade).
At 11 a.m., you can take part in a Pickleball Skills and Drills (Beginner Advanced 2.5-3.0) class that runs for an hour.
This class is designed for the player who has taken the Beginner Intermediate clinic. Your pro ambassador will focus on building confidence in this class by enhancing technique through dedicated drills put into a point play setting.
Explore transitioning from baseline to non-volley zone/kitchen and execute a third shot drop.
This is followed by another Pickleball Skills & Drills catering to a slightly higher level (Intermediate 3.0-4.0). Again, the class lasts one hour.
The intermediate 3.0 – 4.0 is a faster progression of the beginner advanced class. Your pro ambassador will take you through highly skilled, fast-paced drills to help the competitive player improve. These drills include the third shot drop and drive, putting them into a point play setting.
A Beginner Clinic (Levels 1.0-2.0) rounds off Saturday’s offering, starting at 1 p.m. and finishing at 2 p.m.
This class is for true beginners who have never picked up a paddle. In this class, your dedicated pro ambassador will give you an overview of the rules and court layout and teach you techniques and gameplay.
Be sure to check the website in advance to make sure places are still available before booking.
These classes and clinics are just a taste of what SPf offers. Go to the website for their full itinerary.
Classes cost $25.
SPF also caters to groups, private events, and children’s parties.
Take a look at another of our articles featuring pickleball in the Chicago area.
