Making Tennis Available to All

Tennis, perhaps more than any other sport, struggles with its social identity. The game began in 12th century France where it was called “Jeu de Paume” and was adopted by European royalty who converted it into lawn tennis in Great Britain. Most people know that Wimbledon requires players to wear white and that the audience sips champagne, eats strawberries and cream, and rubs shoulders with royalty. But tennis has also given the world colorful characters such as Jimmy Connors, Ilie Nastase and John “You Cannot Be Serious” McEnroe. While the game’s roots may come from elite swaths of society, several organizations in the Chicago area work hard every day to give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to play.

USTA Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) are not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizations that support programs that grow tennis. Some CTAs offer only one program, tournament or special event; some run a tennis program at a specific facility, and some simply fundraise to support the game.

In 1969, the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) was created by the USTA as a way to gain and hold the attention of young people, with the hope of teaching them the importance of character, getting an education, and becoming productive adults. Today, the NJTL network is comprised of youth development organizations that offer free or low-cost tennis and education programming to under-resourced youth.

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis Our Chicago area CTAs and NJTLs described below play an important role in developing tennis for people of all ages in neighborhoods, gyms, parks and schools. Some offer afterschool tutoring that also focuses on academic enrichment and life-skills curriculum along with tennis.

The ACE Project nurtures children living in underserved communities by building character, confidence, and competency through the sport of tennis.

Barrington Area Tennis Association runs instructional programs for youth including Buddy Up Tennis, a high energy adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and young adults with Down syndrome.

Chicago Park District Tennis Association has been running an adult team-based summer league in the parks for more than 75 years.

Chicago Prairie Tennis Club focuses on the development of junior tennis players, believing that youth involvement in the game of tennis assists in the development of character, social skills, sportsmanship and discipline.

Evanston Community Tennis Association coordinates leagues, tournaments, and recreational events throughout the year for tennis enthusiasts in Evanston and beyond.

Love to Serve, Inc. provides tennis and education programs that contribute to positive youth development, improve student academic outcomes, and build knowledge and skills for future success in college and careers. Multicultural Tennis Association, Inc. seeks to raise the profile of tennis in local Spanishspeaking communities by running programs in Chicago parks.

Maywood Tennis Association works with area youth teaching them the game of tennis and helping them to pursue success both on and off the courts.

Sports for Life grows the game to people of all ages and abilities by offering tennis, fitness and sports camps in the Chicagoland area.

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) strives to ‘Let No One Sit on the Sidelines,’ operating under a mission to promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth, adults and military veterans who have a physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreation, fitness, and competitive sports activities.

Midwestern Tennis Association (MID-TAC) is the Midwest Section of the American Tennis Association (America’s oldest African American Tennis Association), an organization that uses tennis as a vehicle to cultivate strong family values.

Second City Tennis is focused on creating and supporting social and competitive tennis programming for Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ and allied communities. SCT hosts the Second City Tennis Classic, the largest tournament in the region sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association.

Tennis Opportunity Program, Inc. (TOP) provides academic and athletic training so its kids can achieve excellence beyond the tennis court.

XS Tennis and Education Foundation strives to introduce as many underserved Chicago youth as possible to tennis with the intention of guiding them down a pathway to college through attainment of a tennis scholarship and sustained excellence thereafter. XS Tennis is open to everyone; full scholarships are available for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) residents and income-based scholarships are available to others.

Youth Education Sports (YES) works to improve the lives of Evanston youth through tennis and academic assistance, creating opportunities for children, especially those with limited resources and those needing extra help in school.

Forming a new CTA is a huge, but rewarding, undertaking. It involves ongoing coordinated efforts by a group of dedicated tennis players who want to serve their community. If you are interested in forming a CTA, find out more by emailing info@chicagodistricttennis.com.

If starting a new organization isn’t in the cards for you, the organizations above may be able to use your passion for tennis in a volunteer role. Check out our business listings on page 10 to find contact information.

MULTICULTURAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION

The Multicultural Tennis Association Inc. 501(c)(3) is a non-profit youth community tennis organization led by Carlos Mendez, Michelle Robles and their kids Bella, Amadeo and Marvel. Since 2014, their mission has been to make tennis accessible for all, particularly Hispanic and BIPOC youth, promoting the notion that “Mi Cancha Es Su Cancha,” or My Court is Your Court. Their FREE beginner tennis program TNNS Kids in the Parks! held at Douglass Park and McKinley Park teaches tennis to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

To register your child, please contact tnnskids@gmail.com

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis McFetridge Sports Center

3843 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

McFetridge Sports Center is the only park district facility with indoor tennis courts in the city of Chicago. McFetridge is home to 6 indoor tennis courts, an active tennis community and offers classes for children and adult programs, classes and competitive play. Players return session after session because of the friendly pros, competitive level of play, and camaraderie developed on the courts. No membership fee is required, therefore, anyone who lives in the city can sign up for classes or reserve a court online through the Chicago Park District website: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

For more information please contact Lynn Rau, Tennis Coordinator at Lrau@mcfetridgesportscenter. net or visit us at www.McFetridgeSportsCenter.com!

CHICAGOLAND INDOOR TENNIS ASSOCIATION

For nearly 50 years, CITA has promoted, fostered, and encouraged the playing of tennis through its 13 member clubs who participate in indoor inter-club tennis leagues for men, women, and high school players of all levels. Play is indoors from September through mid-May, with playoffs and trophies for winners. Each club organizes its teams, providing practice and biweekly matches. The coaches and captains strive to teach anyone at any level to up their tennis skills while having fun and promoting a healthy lifestyle.