Discover Pickleball at the Y!

The Y provides opportunities for members and community participants of all ages to learn the sport of pickleball. Plus, throughout the month of April, enjoy free community open play hours at the Y Monday-Friday, 6:00-8:00 AM.

The McGaw YMCA has become an indoor hub for the Evanston pickleball community since it first began offering the sport in 2020. During designated times, the courts in the Y’s Sebring-Lewis Center gym are full of longtime players and first-time pickleballers enjoying the country’s fastest growing sport. 

Pickleball—which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis—has seen an explosion of popularity throughout Evanston and across the country. The YMCA has responded to the demand by dedicating more court time to pickleball and offering increased instructional opportunities for members and community participants. In November 2022, McGaw Y hosted its first Pickleball Tournament. Nearly 40 pickleballers from across the Chicago area and as far away as Central Illinois participated in the multi-day event in two different skill levels (beginner and intermediate). 

The McGaw Y’s Sports and Courts Manager George Washington is excited to see a variety of people enjoying the sport, especially active older adults.  

“It’s great to witness community building through the warm social interactions between so many individuals from different walks of life. The game is fairly easy to pick up, which makes it accessible to a wide range of people,” Washington said. He added that he is eager to see even more people on the courts as Evanstonians discover the Y’s thriving pickleball community.

Currently, in addition to open play hours, McGaw Y members can enjoy free first-time player orientations, Learn-to-Play Clinics for adults and families, and the popular Pickleball Fit group fitness class as part of their membership. Y members also can play unlimited games of pickleball during adult and family open play hours. 

Pickleball for all at the Y!

Community participants are invited to sign up for Learn-to-Play Clinics for adults and families at a cost of $10 each. Plus, throughout the month of April, the McGaw Y is hosting free community open play hours Monday-Friday from 6:00-8:00 AM. 

Sign up for Community Open Play Hours

For more information or to sign up for any of the Y’s pickleball offerings, visit www.mcgawymca.org/programs/sports/pickleball.

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