In the rapidly expanding landscape of pickleball facilities, SPF Chicago stands out as the city’s premier “backyard hang” — a thoughtfully designed space where quality pickleball, local partnerships and community connections converge. Recently celebrating its first anniversary, SPF exemplifies an approach focused on sustainable growth and inclusive experiences.
From Backyard Vision to Urban Oasis
SPF Chicago, formerly a climbing gym in a space originally built to be a grocery store, was reimagined as a gathering place that could unite the community. In addition to nine pickleball courts, the facility offers cornhole, bocce and other activities to bring people together.
“For me the questions was, how do you create this ultimate backyard hang? This place where anyone can feel comfortable, relaxing all year round,” explained founder and owner Richard Green. “We really pride ourselves in being this place where people can have fun, relax, eat well, feel comfortable and bring the community together.”
This vision has materialized through a deliberate phased development approach. With the first year now behind them, SPF Chicago is moving forward with its next phase: adding a full-service restaurant called Honey Butter Beach Club, a partnership with the locally beloved Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
Chicago First: The Power of Local Partnerships
Capitalizing on its urban location, SPF has prioritized local partnerships from the beginning. “For us, it’s always been Chicago first,” Green emphasized. “It’s also just been a way of highlighting our friends, people who we like.”
This strategy has created a web of authentic local connections. Kikwetu Coffee, which previously only operated at farmers’ markets, has found a permanent home at SPF. Other partnerships with Chicago-based ProXR Pickleball and Chicago Slice have further embedded SPF in the local ecosystem.
“That’s how you build community, is making people feel at home and bringing local brands and things that people are proud of,” said Green.
Quality and Innovation as Differentiators
As pickleball facilities proliferate across the U.S., Green maintains a laser focus on quality to stay ahead of the competition. “Quality courts, quality technology, our court platform, our court management software — we’ve always put an emphasis on the quality,” he said.
This commitment extends to technological innovation. All nine courts at SPF’s Lincoln Park location feature instant replay cameras from Pod Play that serve dual purposes — social sharing for casual players and technical analysis for training.
“We had a Santa-themed open play go viral,” Green said, highlighting how the technology generates shareable content. “For our everyday player when they take a lesson, when they’re drilling … similar to a golf swing … they can watch it. They can go over that tape with the coach.”
The “2.000 to Pro” Challenge
Perhaps most distinctive about SPF Chicago’s business model is its deliberate inclusivity across skill levels. “We never wanted to be an exclusive kind of facility,” said Green. “We want to be a big tent that caters to all different players.”
This approach, while aligned with pickleball’s welcoming culture, creates unique programming challenges. “There are challenges in trying to make sure that you’re getting the programming that allows advanced players to get good matches, and also where beginner players feel welcome and feel like they can become part of that community and can progress as a player,” said Green.
Green navigates these challenges through constant player feedback and a willingness to iterate. “We have been willing to fail on a lot of ideas, have tried different formats,” said Green. “I think the community knows we’re going to take those chances now and bring some innovation. I think that’s become something the players embrace.”
Building for Long-Term Industry Health
Beyond his own facility, Green demonstrates a commitment to the broader pickleball community, expressing a willingness to network and share with other operators about this burgeoning industry.
“It’s exciting to help new concepts come to life and see those passions,” said Green. “I think it is really useful for operators, for the sustainability of the industry to have those kind of open dialogues.”
As SPF enters its second year with growing momentum, Green’s approach offers a blueprint for sustainable growth in the pickleball industry: build community, partner locally, emphasize quality, and collaborate rather than just compete.
Looking for pickleball operator networking opportunities? Don’t miss the 2025 Pickleball Innovators Summit, which will bring together owners and operators for 2.5 days of idea exchange and fun in Tucson, Arizona. Date: October 7-9.
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
