Pickleball in the Haus!

Chicago has always been a sports paradise, and away from the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field and the Michael Jordan statue outside the United Center, pickleball has taken root in this gem of a Midwest city.

With a grand opening in November 2023 that attracted more than 600 people, Pickle Haüs is in Algonquin, 45 minutes from Chicago.

Pickle Haüs features 12 indoor pickleball courts and offers an optimum playing experience that includes four-side fencing on all courts, state-of-the-art cushioned surfaces, LED lighting to reduce glare, ample spacing around the courts and expansive ceiling height.

The designers and builders of Pickle Haüs have a wealth of experience. “Members of our leadership team have developed more than a billion square feet of Chicagoland real estate, so their decision-making skills and tastes have influenced the greater Chicago market, in addition to influencing our Pickle Haüs aesthetic,” says Jeff VanDixhorn, co-founder of Pickle Haüs. “We’ve also worked with leading Chicago firms to design and build the facility, so their influences are seen and felt as well.”

There is courtside seating at Pickle Haüs, so pickleballers can eat and drink between matches or bring a larger group of 12-15 players and alternate between dining and playing. Five of the courts are cabana courts, with a larger seating area with a sofa and high-top tables. “Adjacent to the courts, we have a restaurant and bar area where guests can eat, drink, and enjoy cheering on their favorite sports teams,” adds VanDixhorn. “In the same area, we have two world-class golf simulators, where you can virtually play on some of the world’s premier courses.”

Pickle Haüs will offer special events and programming throughout the day—from youth pickleball programs and beginner lessons to tournaments and events for advanced players. Based on feedback from guests, it may begin to incorporate themed events and opportunities for groups to play together (family events, mom events, couples nights, etc.). The calendar on picklehaus.com will be updated with special events as they are planned.

League play was scheduled to get underway in January to start off the new year and feature a variety of league options—men’s, women’s and mixed doubles play. All leagues, including advanced beginners (3.0), intermediate (3.5/4.0) and advanced (4.5+), will be managed by Pickle Haüs’ professional staff.

Whether it’s playing competitively or recreationally, or just enjoying delectable meals crafted by chef Sheamus Feely—who, by the way, has James Beard experience—Pickle Haüs has everything covered for the pickleball lover.  •