Naperville celebrates arrival of Pickleball Open

The inaugural Chicago Pickleball Open began its five-day run Wednesday evening at Naperville Park District's Nike Sports Complex with a ribbon-cutting, free clinic and exhibition matches.

With a field of more than 400 players from across the country, the tournament features competitors in five age divisions playing a sport defined as a cross between tennis, badminton and squash.

The open is being hosted by a nonprofit group called Chicago Metro Pickleball. Play will continue in earnest from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Registration for players is closed, but spectator admission to watch games is free.