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 + multiple 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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BACKGROUND AND CREATION OF THE PICKLEBALL CLUBHOUSE

Q: Can you explain what The Pickleball Clubhouse is?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse is designed to be 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. Pickleball Clubhouse will have seven premium courts designed specifically for pickleball as well as a pro shop and a lounge area, with many more amenities to be added.

 

Q: Where will it be located?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse will be 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: When is The Pickleball Clubhouse opening?

A: We’re currently under construction and are targeting a very early 2025 opening date for the facility. The building is undergoing a complete transformation for pickleball use and we know fans of all skill levels are going to love it. 

 

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 intend to proudly display 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: How will Pickleball Clubhouse work - do I just show up and play?

A: The Pickleball Clubhouse will offer access to both visitors and memberships which include preferred access and discounts. We want to be able to offer predictable play in a climate controlled environment, on premium courts with a proper surface, spacing, lighting, and noise reduction. We will announce additional information around membership opportunities as our opening approaches.

 

Q: When will I be able to play at Pickleball Clubhouse?

We will be open early in the morning through well into the night, offering players the ability to come before or after work.Daytime hours will be filled with skill based programming, drop-in play, and professional instruction. We want to be a place where people come for their workout, game development and instruction.
 

Q: How much will a membership cost?

A: We will announce additional details around membership opportunities as our grand opening approaches. 

 

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 for hanging out and watching?

A: Every court will have adjacent hang-out space, and we’re excited about our second floor viewing lounge, which will be a great location for players to relax after their games, mingle with other players and watch the action. This second floor area will be open shortly after our grand opening.

 

Q: Will you be serving food and other refreshments?

A: When we open in early 2025, we will offer a variety of snacks and drinks for players. We will keep members and fans updated on any new developments around food and beverages after we open. 

 

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 well-known 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.