Best 15 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.

With over a decade of tennis coaching experience and a distinguished background as a Division I tennis player at Eastern Illinois University, I have seamlessly transitioned into the world of pickleball. As an aspiring professional, I actively compete in PPA and APP tournaments nationwide, striving to elevate my game to the highest levels. Currently, I offer coaching services at multiple pickleball facilities across Chicago’s North Shore, where I am dedicated to sharing my passion and expertise with players of all skill levels. My comprehensive understanding of both tennis and pickleball enables me to provide unique insights and tailored instruction, fostering growth and development in each of my students. I am committed to promoting the sport of pickleball and helping others achieve their personal goals on the court. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your skills, I am here to support your journey every step of the way!!

"My first lesson with Vova was both fun and insightful. He has an amazing ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense right away. We focused on dinking and footwork, and he showed me how small adjustments could completely change the outcome of a rally. I couldn’t believe how much progress I made in just an hour. Vova’s energy and passion for the game make him an exceptional coach—I can’t wait for my next lesson!

Driven by my love for the sport, I've spent the last 5 years sharing my pickleball knowledge with others. As an experienced player, I bring a deep understanding of the game to every lesson. Let's work together to elevate your skills and unlock your pickleball potential – on the court and beyond.

Passionate about all things pickleball! As an experienced player with 5 years of coaching experience, I thrive on sharing my love for the game and helping others unlock their potential on the court. My coaching style emphasizes fun, engaging drills combined with personalized feedback to elevate your game, regardless of your starting point. Let's connect and get you smashing those volleys!

"Amazing trainer give you amazing tips will be booking again

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.