Pickleball Kingdom Waukegan Grand Opening: Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball brand, is opening its first Illinois location in Waukegan. The new facility at 699 Lakehurst Road will cover 36,288 square feet, feature 14 professional-grade courts, and is expected to open by the end of November 2025. The project is being led by the franchise group Pickleball X Equity.
Excitement Over Expansion
Ace Rodrigues, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pickleball Kingdom, said the move marks an important step in growing the sport across Illinois.
“We are especially excited to bring our very first Pickleball Kingdom to Illinois. Pickleball is exploding in popularity across Chicagoland,
and Waukegan is a great place to kick off our presence in the region. With Pickleball X Equity leading the way, this club will serve as a hub for players and set the stage for continued growth throughout Illinois.”(Ace Rodrigues)
Features of the New Facility
The Waukegan location is designed to meet the needs of both casual and competitive players.
It will include:
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14 indoor courts with professional-quality design.
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Coaching and clinics for beginners through advanced players.
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Youth programs to introduce kids to pickleball.
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Leagues and tournaments for all levels.
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Spaces for community gatherings and corporate events.
Leadership Behind the Project
Mike Patel and Sanjay Patel, who lead Pickleball X Equity, are overseeing the development. Both bring years of experience in managing franchises, service businesses, and large projects. They also operate Pickleball Kingdom clubs in Cincinnati, Ohio; Centerville, Ohio; and Lexington, Kentucky.
“Pickleball’s rapid rise is truly inspiring, and our goal is to make this amazing sport accessible to as many people as possible. We believe that life is better with pickleball, and we’re excited to bring that vision to Waukegan.”(Mike Patel)
Sanjay Patel added,
“We’re committed to building strong community connections throughout Illinois. Our passion is making Pickleball Kingdom a meaningful part of daily life in Waukegan.”
Strong Support from Leadership
Pickleball Kingdom’s leadership praised the work of the franchise team.
“We love working with Pickleball X Equity, whose passion for pickleball and dedication to building strong community ties are truly inspiring,”
said Rob Streett, President and Chief Global Officer of Pickleball Kingdom.
“Their commitment to creating inclusive spaces where people can connect, enjoy, and grow will play a pivotal role in the success of this location and will leave a lasting impact on the community.”
Why It Matters
The opening of Pickleball Kingdom in Waukegan highlights the sport’s fast growth in the Midwest. The facility is expected to attract players of all ages, create new opportunities for competition, and strengthen local community connections. With expansion already underway in nearby states, this launch signals continued momentum for pickleball across Illinois.
News in Brief: Pickleball Kingdom Waukegan Grand Opening
Pickleball Kingdom is opening its first Illinois club in Waukegan by late November 2025. The 36,288-square-foot site will have 14 indoor courts, youth programs, and community events. Led by Pickleball X Equity, the project aims to expand pickleball across Illinois and build stronger community connections.
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