APP Chicago Open Community Celebration: The Association of Pickleball Players Chicago Open is underway at Danny Cunniff Park in Highland Park, running Wednesday through Sunday. Now in its fifth year at the park, the tournament features both amateur and professional players competing for a $100,000 prize pool while celebrating the sport’s inclusive, community-driven spirit.
Festival Atmosphere at the Park
The event draws about 625 players and creates a lively, festival-like scene. Participants bring camp chairs, gather in groups, and socialize while waiting for their matches. “It’s supposed to be competitive, but you can also have a little bit of fun, right?” said amateur player Scott Stubig. “I mean, I’m not doing it for a living. It’s a well-run tournament. You can see the facility is really nice.”
Growth of the Tournament
The Chicago Open was founded in 2019 by Ken Herrmann, who has a background in tennis. The first two editions were held in Naperville before moving to Highland Park, which offers enough courts to host the large event. Herrmann is proud of the growth and noted the sport’s rise in popularity. “There’s nowhere in the city right now to be able to host this thing,” he said. “Maggie Daley Park does not have enough courts. We’re in communication with the city to see if perhaps a year or two down the road, we can move this in the city.”
Stories from the Players
For many, pickleball offers more than competition. Professional player Karthik Ganesh, playing his second Chicago Open and first as a pro, said the sport revived his love for competition after he left tennis. “My favorite thing is meeting people and playing with people I don’t normally play with,” Ganesh said. He explained that tennis felt exclusive, while pickleball is more welcoming and diverse. “It’s fun losing [in] pickleball,” he added. “Like, no matter what you do on the court, you’re gonna have fun.”
Why It Matters
The APP Chicago Open is more than just a tournament—it reflects the rapid growth of pickleball in the United States. With prize money, rankings, and professional recognition, the event also emphasizes the sport’s accessibility. For players like Scott Stubig and Karthik Ganesh, the competition is as much about friendships and community as it is about wins.
News in Brief: APP Chicago Open Community Celebration
The Association of Pickleball Players Chicago Open is being held at Danny Cunniff Park in Highland Park from Wednesday to Sunday. Featuring amateurs and professionals competing for $100,000, the event has drawn 625 players. Founded by Ken Herrmann, the tournament highlights both competition and pickleball’s strong sense of community.
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