Discover the exciting world of Pickleball at the McGaw YMCA, where fun meets fitness in a vibrant community setting! Pickleball is easy on the body and combines elements of tennis, ping-pong and badminton. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer eager to learn, our indoor courts provide the perfect environment for honing your skills and enjoying spirited matches. The Y offers a variety of learn-to-play pickleball clinics, open play time hours, and the occasional pickleball tournament. Grab a paddle and try it today!
Pickleball for Members
Individual Open Play Hours
Regular open play is available to McGaw YMCA members. Youth 11-13 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). All equipment is provided. Six courts are available from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on weekdays, designated as 4 intermediate courts, 1 drills court and 1 beginner court. At all other times, 3 courts are designated for pickleball play with skill level determined by players present.
Open to: McGaw Y members
Monday- Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.*
Monday & Tuesday Evenings: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. for beginners (levels 2.5 and below) and families (adults with children ages 8+) and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Sundays: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
*Open play hours are not available on Tuesdays from 12:00 - 1:00 PM and Thursdays from 12:00 - 1:30 PM.
Pickleball Fit
Deliver more powerful shots, bend and stretch better, and improve your reaction time through these pickleball specific workouts designed to enhance your game and reduce your chance of injury. Healthy, strong and fit pickleball players are made in this motivational group setting where you will focus on upper body, lower body and core strengthening alongside cardio exercises aimed to boost agility, explosiveness and lateral movement. Join us on the court for conditioning, and most importantly, community!
Available to: McGaw YMCA members
Ages: 14+
Date/Time: Wednesdays from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Cost: FREE to members
Class will take place on Pickleball Court 5 in the YMCA gym. Free to members.
Use the widget below to sign up (allow time for widget to load).
Pickleball Programs for All
Pickleball Leagues
Build skills and community in the McGaw YMCA Pickleball Ladder League. The ladder league is structured for 5 players per group, allowing each group to play 4 games to 11 win by 1 every week. Ranking system supports play with others of similar skill levels and ensures every match is meaningful in a fun, recreationally-competitive environment with fellow McGaw YMCA and community members. Individual registration and doubles play with a new partner every game. Scores are submitted in DUPR rating system.
Ages: 14+
Dates/Times: (varies by league; click link to learn more)
Cost: Members $129 per player, Non-members $189 per player
Click the links below to register.
Intro to Pickleball Clinics
Fun and fundamentals are found here! Learn how to play pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America. The introductory clinic will teach equipment, rules, court positioning, serving, dinking and basic shot technique and strategy. The clinic features drills and ends in coached game play with an experienced YMCA Pickleball Ambassador. After class, your instructor will suggest other pickleball programs to try and ways to stay involved. Come curious, leave confident in your ability to connect with this new hobby. All equipment is provided.
Ages: 14+
Dates/Times: (varies; click to learn more)
Cost: Members $18 per player, Non-members $27 per player
Click the link below to register.
Pickleball Beginner Skills Clinics
Join the pickleball craze in this non-intimidating environment designed to help you feel comfortable integrating into future open play settings. Learn etiquette, rules, scoring and foundational techniques including movement, grip, serve, return, third shot and basics of dinking, groundstrokes and volleying. Group enjoys both skill instruction and application in game play each class.
Ages: 14+
Dates/Times:
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sundays, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Cost: Members $129 per player, Non-members $189 per player
Click the link below to register.
Pickleball Intermediate Skills Clinics
Take your game to the next level. Designed for players at a 3.0-3.5 skill level, learn how to hit every ball with a purpose through technical development, consistency and accuracy. Learn, refine and understand the strategies behind different shot selections including dinking, third shot drives and drops, block volleys, overheads, lobs and court positioning. Group enjoys both skill instruction and application in game play each class.
Ages: 14+
Dates/Times:
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., and 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Members $129 per player, Non-members $189 per player
Click the link below to register.
Specialized Pickleball Clinics
Power up your game with these specialized pickleball clinics suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate players. Dig into strategy, tips and tricks that are not found in mainstream clinic instruction. These one-off clinics feature a unique, fun focus such as "all about spin," "how to beat bangers," advanced shots, court positioning and more. Qualified instructors lead skill drills followed by the opportunity to practice implementation through coached game play. Limited space to ensure program quality!
Ages: 14+
Dates/Times: (varies; click to learn more)
Cost: Members $25 per player, Non-members $35 per player
Click the link below to register.
Location
Sebring-Lewis Center Gym
McGaw YMCA
1000 Grove Street
Evanston, IL 60201
CLICK TO VIEW FACILITY HOURS
If you need assistance or have questions about the gym, sports or courts, please contact our team.