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Jump into summer with a tennis match (or two)
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While it may not feel like summer just yet thanks to the rain, there are still plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the season. Tennis provides players with a good workout and an excellent opportunity to meet new people. With public courts all over the city and organized mixers through clubs and leagues, Chicagoans have numerous resources available to them to get involved in tennis.
Tennis is a sport open to everyone. If joining a club is not an option, there are plenty of public courts where people can play for free. For more advanced players, Township Courts (Tinley Park) and Waveland North Courts (Lakeshore Drive off Irving exit) are available on Saturdays. During the week, Talcott Park Courts are open Tuesday and Thursday nights starting at 7 p.m. The courts are lighted, so people are welcome to stay until after the sun has set.
One of the benefits of tennis is socializing and meeting people. Mixers are a perfect option for people looking for hitting partners, or just a new group of friends. Chicagoland tennis is putting on two events in the coming weeks that will not only get players from all over the city together for exciting rounds of tennis, but will also help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research. The first meetup—as the events are called—is Saturday, June 20, at Millennium Park from 3 to 5 p.m. The cost is $15. Then on June 28, beach tennis will take place on the lakefront and costs $20 to participate.
Now that summer is here, school is out, and kids are looking for activities to fill their time. Midtown Tennis Club is offering a quick start session tomorrow, June 20, from 6 to 8:30 for children to teach them proper technique and introduce them to other young players. Membership to the club is not necessary to enjoy this event, and it costs $20 for 2 ½ hours of tennis, pizza, and a movie.
Although tennis is an enjoyable and carefree game, it is also a competitive sport. Many people want to bring their game to the next level and compete with other players. A good way to elevate skill and get more playing time is to participate in tournaments. By becoming a member of the US Tennis Association (USTA), players can sign up for tournaments around Chicago and all over the country. It is easy to become a member, and the prices are reasonable. Juniors can join for $18 for one year or $72 for 5 years, adult rates are $40 for a year and $160 for 5, or sign up the whole family from $65 for one year to $260 for 5.
If already a USTA member, the Junior Open Championships are coming up on June 29 and last until July 1 at Midtown Tennis Club. Not only will there be some great junior tennis to watch, but families and their children can mingle with other tennis enthusiasts from around Chicago and other parts of the Midwest. But hurry, because entries must be submitted by the end of the day Monday, June 22.
With all these options, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a game of tennis. Years of experience and professional training are not necessary, just a love of the game and a desire to learn. So get out there and play Chicago—weather permitting.
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