7 Best Tennis Clubs in Chicago
Chicago is home to several top-tier tennis clubs that cater to players of all skill levels, offering everything from competitive leagues to social play. The best tennis clubs in the city provide more than just courts; they offer a full range of services, including coaching, fitness facilities, and social events, ensuring a well-rounded experience for both casual and serious players.
1. Beverly Hills Tennis Club
Key Things to Know:
- 8 Har-Tru clay courts (4 with lights); 2 heated, lighted platform courts for paddle ball in winter
- No hourly court fees—play as much as you want during the season
- Address: 9121 S Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
- Various membership options: family ($950), individual ($680), and senior/junior options. Guest fees are $15 per visit
If you’re looking for the best clay courts in Chicago, Beverly Hills Tennis Club is the place to be. Tucked away in the charming Beverly neighborhood, this private club offers 8 top-quality Har-Tru green clay courts, with 4 courts featuring lighting for nighttime play. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the game or a competitive player looking for a challenge, this club welcomes all skill levels.
Tennis season runs from May through October, and thanks to the first-come, first-served court system, you never have to worry about hourly court fees—just show up and play. The club offers heated, lighted platform courts for paddle ball from October through April, so members can enjoy racquet sports through the harsh winters.
2. Midtown Athletic Club
Key Things to Know:
- 16 indoor tennis courts with world-class coaching and competitive programs
- Programs for all ages, including kids as young as 3 years old
- Elite amenities, including a rooftop pool, spa, restaurants, and more
- 2444 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Joining fee of $250 and a monthly fee of $250 (locked in for a year)
If you’re serious about tennis and want the best indoor courts in Chicago, Midtown Athletic Club is the ultimate destination. With 16 state-of-the-art indoor tennis courts, this club is built for players who love the game year-round. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced competitor, Midtown offers expert-led tennis lessons, competitive teams, and seasonal camps for both adults and juniors.
For young players, Midtown provides Tennis Explorers, a fun and engaging program designed for 3- and 4-year-olds to develop motor skills while being introduced to the sport. Junior players can also take part in seasonal tennis camps, which help improve their game in a supportive and motivating environment. Adults can join group lessons tailored to all skill levels, ensuring everyone has a chance to grow and compete.
3. River Forest Tennis Club
Key Things to Know:
- 10 well-maintained clay courts for top-quality outdoor tennis
- Collegiate-size swimming pool and event-friendly lawn space
- Historic clubhouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
- 615 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
- Annual Dues: Approximately $2,400 to $2,500, depending on family size
- Seasonal Fees: Range from $350 to $750, depending on age
Just 11 miles west of downtown Chicago, River Forest Tennis Club (RFTC) is a hidden gem for tennis lovers and families looking for a top-tier club experience. Since 1905, this private outdoor club has been a summer retreat for its members, offering a blend of tradition, community, and excellent facilities.
At the heart of River Forest Tennis Club are 10 premium clay tennis courts, providing the perfect playing surface for all levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy a friendly match, the well-maintained courts make every session enjoyable. Open from May through mid-October, RFTC offers family memberships as well as seasonal tennis memberships for both adults and youth.
4. East Bank Club
Key Things to Know:
- Six indoor tennis courts, plus racquetball, squash, and pickleball
- Full-service wellness club with pools, fitness studios, and a spa
- On-site dining, coworking spaces, and rooftop sundeck
- 500 North Kingsbury Street, Chicago, IL 60654
- Contact Club for membership and court prices
Since opening in 1980, East Bank Club has been setting the standard for luxury health clubs, offering state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier services that keep members coming back year after year. For tennis enthusiasts, East Bank Club features six indoor tennis courts, private lessons with experienced pros, group clinics, and social events designed to help players of all levels improve their skills and connect with others.
Whether you’re training for competition or just playing for fun, the club provides everything you need—including ball machines for solo practice. If you’re looking for a premier tennis experience with all the extras like fitness or relaxation, East Bank Club offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the city.
5. Lakeshore Sport & Fitness at Lincoln Park
Key Things to Know:
- Six indoor courts with a community-oriented atmosphere
- Affordable pricing and great for suburban families
- Offers lessons, leagues, and social events for all skill levels
- 1320 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
- Memberships: Range from $194 to $404 per month, depending on the number of people
- 1-Hour Classes: $350 for a 10-week session
If you’re looking for a top-tier tennis club in Chicago with unbeatable amenities, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness at Lincoln Park is the place to be. With 11 tennis courts—8 indoor and 3 on the rooftop—members can play year-round while enjoying stunning city views. The club offers private lessons, group clinics, and competitive leagues for all skill levels, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned players alike. But tennis is just one part of the experience.
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness also features two swimming pools (including a rooftop pool), paddle courts, basketball and pickleball courts, a quarter-mile indoor running track, and multiple fitness studios for yoga, Pilates, boxing, cycling, and more. The club even has a powerlifting studio, personal training, and a full-service spa for recovery.
6. North Shore Racquet Club
Key Things to Know:
- 10 total tennis courts (8 indoor and 2 outdoor)
- Family-friendly, with classes for all ages and skill levels
- Established in 1961, known for quality instruction and friendly service
- 2860 Old Willow Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
- Contact club for for most up-to-date membership price info
- Avg $40/hr court time (time dependent), $115/hr lessons (Non-members can take up to three private lessons before membership is required)
If you’re looking for a welcoming and family-oriented tennis club just outside of Chicago, North Shore Racquet Club is the perfect choice. Located just 23 miles north of downtown Chicago (about a 30-minute drive, or only 15 minutes from West Ridge or Forest Glen), this family-owned indoor tennis club has been providing top-notch tennis experiences since 1961.
With 10 total courts, including 8 indoor courts and 2 outdoor courts, the club offers plenty of space for both recreational and competitive players. Whether you’re looking for private lessons or enjoy group classes in tennis, basketball, or fitness, this club has it all. The tennis program caters to all ages and skill levels, with junior and adult classes, while the basketball classes are specifically designed for kids aged 7-13 years old.
7. Racquet Club of Chicago
Key Things to Know:
- Historic landmark: Built in 1923, part of the Gold Coast Historic District
- Offers exclusive sports like racquets, court tennis, and squash
- Members enjoy luxurious amenities, including indoor/outdoor courts and social events
- 1365 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, IL 60610
- Contact club for for most up-to-date membership price info
At the Racquet Club of Chicago, you’ll find a unique blend of sporting excellence and exclusive social events. The club boasts five tennis courts: two North American singles, two North American doubles, and one International singles court. In addition, there are two racquet courts and a court tennis facility. The club’s racquet courts are particularly special as they are the western-most active venue for the sport, making the club one of the few places in the world to experience this exclusive game.
Chicago Tennis Clubs Compared
| Court | Address | Facilities | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills Tennis Club | 9121 S Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60643 | 8 tennis courts, 2 paddle courts, private coaching, social events | Family ($950), individual ($680), and senior/junior options. Guest fees are $15 per visit |
| Midtown Athletic Club | 2444 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 | 16 indoor tennis courts, fitness center, pilates, indoor cycling | Joining fee of $250 and a monthly fee of $250 (locked in for a year) |
| River Forest Tennis Club | 615 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305 | 10 tennis courts, fitness center, swimming pool, pro shop | Membership Approximately $2,400 to $2,500, seasonal fee range from $350 to $750 |
| East Bank Club | 500 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60654 | Indoor/outdoor tennis courts, fitness center, pools, basketball courts, spa | Contact Club for membership and court prices |
| Lakeshore Sport & Fitness at Lincoln Park | 1320 West Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60614 | 8 indoor courts, 3 rooftop courts, swimming pools, fitness center, yoga, Pilates | Memberships: Range from $194 to $404 per month, $350 for a 10-week session |
| North Shore Racquet Club | 2860 Old Willow Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062 | 8 indoor courts, 2 outdoor courts, basketball courts, fitness classes | Contact club for for most up-to-date membership price info. Avg $40/hr court time (time dependent), $115/hr lessons |
| Racquet Club of Chicago | 1365 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 | indoor tennis courts, racquets courts, squash courts, pro shop | Contact club for for most up-to-date membership price info |
Methodology for Picking the Best Chicago Tennis Clubs
Tennis clubs are unique because they not only provide great courts but also offer additional amenities, professional coaching, social events, and a sense of community. These are all important for players who want to improve their game, enjoy fitness, and have fun while meeting others who share the same passion for tennis. To pick the best clubs, we considered several factors:
- Variety of Tennis Courts: We focused on clubs that offer a mix of indoor and outdoor courts, ensuring that players can enjoy the sport year-round, no matter the weather. Clubs with unique features, like clay courts or rooftop tennis courts, also stood out for their special offerings.
- Facilities: We looked for clubs with more than just courts. The best clubs also offer fitness centers, swimming pools, and other sports amenities, which enhance the overall experience. Clubs with additional programs for both adults and kids, like group fitness, tennis lessons, and even social events, were prioritized.
- Coaching & Programs: We gave extra attention to clubs that provide professional coaching, private lessons, and various programs for all skill levels. This ensures players of all ages can improve their game in a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Location & Access: We included clubs that are accessible to both locals and visitors. This means clubs located in convenient areas, such as near downtown or easily reachable from different parts of the city, were considered. Also, membership options and whether they allow limited access were factored into the decision.
- Reputation & Community: Lastly, we took into account the club’s reputation and its role in the local tennis community. Clubs with a strong history, excellent reviews, and a welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and experienced players were prioritized.
The clubs in our list were chosen because they excel in all of these areas. Each of them offers a unique blend of top-notch tennis facilities, expert coaching, great amenities, and a supportive community, making them the best places for tennis lovers in Chicago.
