advertisement

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.

  The Chicago Pickleball Open begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Naperville Councilman Kevin Coyne, center, and Chicago metro Pickleball Directors Steven De Mar and Steve Soberborg, right, Wednesday at the Nike Sports Complex in Naperville. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.