Letter from the President

LETTER FROM CDTA’S PRESIDENT

JASON STANISLAW Centennial Recreation Complex General Manager, Wilmette Park District

Right before the pandemic brought life as we knew it to a halt, the Chicago District Tennis Association (CDTA) Board held a retreat to take a break from the day-to-day in order to clarify and revive enthusiasm for the organization’s work. The 20-some people assembled that day represented diverse backgrounds and involvement with the sport of tennis.

Whether it was a parent of a NCAA national champion, a veteran official, a teaching pro, tournament director, or league player, all present had committed countless volunteer hours to helping CDTA run programs, events, and promotions. . . raising the question: Why tennis?

For each person involved, there was a different specific answer to that question but the over-arching theme was that the lives of these volunteers had been transformed by tennis. I am not talking about the kind of transformation that comes about as the result of a Grand Slam victory or a multi-million dollar endorsement contract. Those outcomes are the exception more than the rule. What was more common for those in that room who share a love of tennis is the kind of life transforming benefits that come from participating in a life-long sport that improves one’s health. . . the memories that come from competing with team mates at the high school, college, or recreational level. . . the connections made on the tennis court that positively impact lives off court and. . . the life lessons learned by juniors problem solving during a tennis match that has many ups and downs.

The melding of these personal accounts highlights that through tennis, lives can be transformed— we can be part of a supportive community and develop skills that helps us successfully navigate life and contribute to building a better world.

We hope this Guide will help you connect with the greatest game whether you are a newcomer or a veteran. Thanks for saying “yes” to tennis; enjoy finding the transformative benefits of the game. ...through tennis, lives can be “ transformed... ”

Gladiator Tennis

Gladiator Tennis is a flex tennis league in the city and suburbs of Chicago. Founded in 2007, we are in our 16th year, with over 2,000 singles and doubles players that will be playing in 2022. Our goal is to get you back in the game of tennis. If you haven't been playing for a few years due to the cost of playing club tennis, or because your schedule cannot handle a commitment to a specific time each week, we have the answer. We have a flexible scheduling format, and it only costs $42 to join for each 7 match season. You will meet dozens of new players at your skill level, and compete for playoffs and prizes.

Go to www.gladiatortennis.com for more information.

Guide to Chicagoland Tennis

Table of Contents

3 Letter from the President

7 About the Chicago District Tennis Association 8 Chicago District Snapshot 9 Business and Organizational Listing 10 Chicagoland Indoor Facilities 14 Health Benefits that Make You a Winner On Court and Off

16 Illinois’ Former Top Doc is Top Dog on Tennis Court 18 Cardio Tennis – A (Fitness) Party on the Tennis Court 19 The College Tennis Scene in Chicagoland 21 The Professional Tennis Scene in Chicagoland 25 Equipping Yourself to Play 29 Getting Started in Tournaments 30 Making Tennis Available to All 34 Tech Tools for Tennis

Acknowledgements

Juan Gomez, Young Creatives, Photography Madison Grezlik, Guide Project Coordinator Kent McDill, Writer Tara Moore, USTA Midwest Section Jeff Siegel, Data Visualization Jean Tumbaga, Graphic Design

CDTA Staff

Jill Siegel, Executive Director Mary Beth Bowman, Tennis Service Representative Nancy Manolis, Adult League Special Project Coordinator Barb Rueth, Director of Junior Play Catherine Thom, Administrative Coordinator Tyrin Wages, Adult Play Coordinator

Serve & Return Chicago:

Creating Opportunity Through Tennis

The mission of Serve and Return Chicago is to positively impact the lives of children in Chicagoland’s underserved communities through the game of tennis. We believe tennis is an inclusive, life-long source of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The funds we raise support outstanding youth programs that provide equipment, education, instruction and fun competition in safe environments.

Go to www.serveandreturnchicago.org to learn more and find out how you can support our efforts!