Best 10 coaches for Pickleball lessons near Highland Park, IL

My journey in racket sports began at 9, swiftly ascending the ranks as a junior to qualify for the prestigious New York State High School Championship. Transitioning to collegiate singles and later leagues in Chicago, I found my passion reignited when I stumbled upon Pickleball, relishing its social camaraderie and forging new friendships. Now, as an avid player and coach, I delight in sharing my expertise, ensuring every lesson is not just about improvement but about relishing the court's thrill. Let's ace your goals together, one match at a time! For fellow Tennis players, I played tennis for 40 years, and was a tournament player and teaching pro for tennis during college.    A lot of tennis players move over to pickle and that makes sense, but there are some key differences in the games, both with the way you swing and in strategy, things you should know and can learn pretty quickly on court.    I'm here to help.   

"My first lesson with Kirk was quite helpful, especially since he covered some key techniques that really stuck with me, though I still see plenty of room for improvement. Still, that lesson laid a good foundation, and I’m hopeful about refining my skills further with his guidance. If you’re thinking about giving pickleball lessons a try, Kirk’s a pretty solid option to consider.

With a PPR Coach Certification, he transitioned from competitive table tennis to pickleball in 2022, swiftly advancing from a 2.5 to a 4.5 rating. His mission is to share his passion for this sport and accelerate skill development through effective techniques and drills.

"Great teacher. He is calm and gives wonderful feedback to help me improve my technique. The lessons are definitely improving my skills. Excellent coach!

*Indoor court rentals available for $25!* After a lifetime in tennis (and ping pong, badminton, squash) I was finally bitten by the pickleball bug and my passion for the sport has only grown. My beginner students can expect a fun learning environment in a casual setting. For those looking to up their game, power strokes, volley smashes and vicious spins are a session away. Intermediate player looking to refine their game? Let’s get drilling. I’ll happily rally and match play with you after. Regardless of your goals, let’s get out there and pickle!

"Eric paced the lesson calmly, laying a solid foundation and making basics easy to grasp, with a clear focus on slow, steady progress and a hint of momentum. Lesson highlighted kept me moving forward.

Meraj is a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach. He's a passionate pickleball player who loves helping others learn and improve their game. With several years of playing experience, he has coached from beginners to advanced players, tailoring each lesson to meet individual needs. His dedication to the sport and his students makes him an enthusiastic and effective coach.

I play pickleball regularly 4–5 times per week and compete in tournaments, where I’ve earned multiple gold and silver medals. My current playing level is 4.0–4.5. I enjoy mentoring and coaching players of all levels, with a strong focus on identifying weaknesses and reducing unforced errors. My coaching style is practical and supportive—I break the game down into simple, actionable steps that help you play smarter, more consistent pickleball. Whether you’re looking to improve consistency, shot selection, or overall confidence on the court, I’ll help you make measurable improvements quickly.

Nathan is a passionate pickleball player who transitioned into the sport right after graduating from Indiana University in 2023. With a background in casual tennis and training with semi-pro players, his next goal is to reach the semi-pro level in pickleball. Nathan is deeply focused on teaching with a technical approach, helping students correct their form, and providing strategic insights to improve their game.

My pickleball journey started two years ago, and I quickly fell in love with the sport. Now a certified instructor, I'm excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others, whether you're a beginner or looking to take your game to the next level.

"Mike started by assessing my abilities through warm ups and drills, then focuses lessons based on my abilities. He's great at not only analyzing strengths and weaknesses, but providing feedback in a constructive manner. He's patient and knowledgeable, and after only one lesson, I learned enough skills and rules to play a game! The drills he takes me through resemble game play. I endorse Mike for any level player looking to learn and improve!