2025 APP Chicago Open Registration Rules: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) will return home to Chicago, Illinois for the 2025 APP Chicago Open from August 27 to August 31, 2025. Matches will be played at Danny Cunniff Park and the indoor venue Club Pickle and Padel. The tournament will feature both AARP Champions and Masters Divisions, along with amateur and pro competition.
Registration and Payment Rules
Players must pay in full when registering. Organizers have stressed that no exceptions will be made: “please make sure you pay in full when you register. We can’t make exceptions, so when you sign up, please ensure you’ve paid. Thank you.”
The event is a USA Pickleball sanctioned tournament, which means all players must have an active USA Pickleball CHAMPION or CHALLENGER level membership through the end of the tournament. Membership numbers must be included in player profiles during registration.
Amateur Player Confirmation
For singles amateurs, registration is confirmed when the player has registered and paid.
For doubles amateurs, both players must be registered, both must pay, and the team must be paired up.
If one partner has not registered and paid, the team could be moved to the waitlist. Players are responsible for ensuring they meet all requirements.
Amateur Event Rules
Players may compete in only one division per day.
Brackets are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bracket sizes may be adjusted by the APP as waitlists develop.
Partner Replacement Policy
If a registered player loses a partner after registration closes, they must replace them with an already registered player. Replacements must be in the same skill and age group. Players may play down in age and up in skill, but replacements must be confirmed by 4:00 p.m. the day before play.
Replacements can be found on the “players needing partners” list at utrsports.net. To confirm replacements, players must email the registration coordinator at APP.Chicago@outlook.com.
Fees for Replacements
If withdrawal is before the cancellation deadline, the exiting player is refunded minus a $25 fee and software charges.
If withdrawal happens after the deadline, no refunds are given.
Replacement players must pay all entry and software fees.
The division fee must be reimbursed by the replacement player to the team.
Event Fees
Player Entry Fee: $85 (includes athlete credential)
Amateur Division Fee: $40
Pro Division Fee: $130
AARP Champion Pro Division Fee: $125
AARP Masters Pro Division Fee: $115
Insurance Policy
Players who withdraw before the cancellation deadline receive a refund, minus the cancellation fee, without needing insurance.
During registration, players may purchase Registration & Weather Insurance. This covers withdrawals after the cancellation deadline. Specific coverage details are provided in the policy.
No refunds or credits will be issued after the deadline unless this insurance has been purchased. The APP strongly advises players to buy the insurance.
Code of Conduct
All participants must follow the Player Code of Conduct to ensure fair play and maintain the standard APP tournament experience.
Importance of the Event
The APP Chicago Open is more than just a competition. As the organization’s home event, it highlights Chicago’s role as the center of professional pickleball for the APP. The mix of amateur, pro, and AARP divisions reflects the sport’s wide reach and growing popularity in the United States.
News in Brief: 2025 APP Chicago Open Registration Rules
The 2025 APP Chicago Open will run from August 27–31, 2025, at Danny Cunniff Park and Club Pickle and Padel in Chicago. Featuring pro, amateur, and AARP divisions, the event requires full payment at registration and an active USA Pickleball membership. Total fees vary by division.
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