LINCOLN PARK — Look no further than Lincoln Park for further evidence pickleball is taking over the universe.
America’s fastest-growing sport has found its newest home in SPF, a 42,000-square-foot facility at 2121 N. Clybourn Ave. The space was formerly the Treasure Island grocery store, and more recently a climbing gym.
SPF — which stands for Social, Play and Fun — was envisioned by co-founder Rich Green, who actually lives right behind the building with his family.
“We live very close … adjoining property line. And our son did climbing camps here,” Green said. “I always loved the space, the access to light and the high ceilings and everything about it. We saw a concept in Texas, and we were like, we can bring this similar concept and make it fit within our neighborhood. We knew the neighborhood and this is a great way of activating this space.”
Although the pickleball spaces obviously take precedence, there are numerous comfy lounge areas near the courts, perfect for working remotely or enjoying a drink while watching friends play a match.
A coffee and snack bar greets you by the entrance, while two cocktail bars are available further back. The food and beverages available are locally based, like family-owned Chicago-based Kikwetu Coffee and a menu designed by some of Chicago’s favorite chefs, including the founders of Honey Butter Fried Chicken and chef Tom Carlin of Galit.
There’s also a space for cornhole bags, giant Jenga and arcade basketball. Childhood games like Candyland and Connect Four decorate the communal tables, while an upstairs space offers shuffleboard and a big-screen TV.
Green said he wants SPF to offer patrons “the sense of having a getaway experience,” which explains the facility’s very beachy vibe.
Interested pickleball players can sign up online at the SPF website for an hour of court time ($40) or other options like lessons, or clinics for those who want to hone their skills, as well as a happy hour open play ($22).
Each pickleball court boasts instant replay technology, enabling players to review plays or fun moments. One enclosed court even glows in the dark and has light-up pickleballs.
Although the SPF facility gives the effect of open space, it’s segmented enough so you can see how numerous events could take place there, from a kids’ birthday party to an after-work happy hour.
For those completely devoted to their pickleballing, membership program Club SPF provides exclusive access to luxury locker rooms, early access for court bookings and various discounts. The Cucumber Club offers activities for kids 3-11, like lessons, events and tennis and pickleball camps.
Green says the current iteration of SPF is only “phase one,” with further plans that include another pickleball court, bocce ball space and a speakeasy bar.
To Green the “S” in “SPF” may be the most important part of the concept.
“That’s the beauty of pickleball; it’s played in a very social way,” Green said. “You can see it happening here. Whether it’s about pickleball or another sport or just a meal, we want to really be a place that focuses on bringing people together.”
Club SPF memberships are already at capacity, and there is a waitlist.
SPF is open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily at 2121 N. Clybourn Ave. Walk-in admission is free, as is parking in the adjacent lot. For more information or to reserve court space, visit the facility website.
Support Local News!
Subscribe to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Already subscribe? Click here to gift a subscription, or you can support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.
Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:
