Here’s what I love about tennis in Chicago: you can play with the downtown skyline as your backdrop, inside a park named after the Wizard of Oz, alongside Lake Michigan, or tucked into a quiet neighborhood park where you’ll have the courts practically to yourself. And almost all of it is free.
The city has hundreds of public tennis courts spread across dozens of neighborhoods, and in the last couple of years, Chicago has also gone all-in on pickleball — so I’ve included those options too. Whether you’re looking for a casual weekend hit-around or serious competitive play, here are the best tennis courts in Chicago and everything you need to know before you go.
🎾 Here’s the Deal
Nearly all public tennis courts in Chicago are free and operate first-come, first-served. The largest complex is Waveland in Lincoln Park with 20 courts. The best views are at Maggie Daley Park (skyline) and Grant Park (lakefront). For evening play, head to Horner Park or Humboldt Park — both have lights. For pickleball, Grant Park has 16 dedicated lighted courts. Peak times at popular courts are weekday evenings and weekend mornings — go on a weekday morning or early afternoon for the shortest waits.
🏆 Quick Picks
- 🥇 Best Overall: Waveland Tennis Courts — 20 courts, lakeside setting, Lincoln Park
- 🌇 Best Views: Maggie Daley Park — skyline backdrop, downtown
- 🌙 Best for Evening Play: Horner Park — lighted courts, 5 courts, Lincoln Square
- 👨👩👧👦 Best for Families: Oz Park — Wizard of Oz playground + 4 courts, Lincoln Park
- 🏓 Best for Pickleball: Grant Park — 16 dedicated lighted courts, lakefront
- 🤫 Best Hidden Gem: Humboldt Park — lighted courts, lagoon views, less crowded
- ❄️ Best Year-Round (Indoor): McFetridge Sports Center — affordable public indoor courts
The 10 Best Tennis Courts in Chicago
1. Waveland Tennis Courts – Lincoln Park
If you’re serious about tennis in Chicago, you already know Waveland. With 20 outdoor hard courts split between north and south sections, this is the largest public tennis complex in the city and the beating heart of Chicago’s recreational tennis scene. The setting is gorgeous — right along the lakefront in Lincoln Park, with Lake Michigan as your backdrop on one side and mature trees on the other.
Courts are first-come, first-served, and while they can get busy on weekends and summer evenings, the sheer number of courts means you rarely wait too long. The surfaces are well-maintained, and the vibe is welcoming — you’ll find everyone from beginners rallying for the first time to league players working on their serve. Several tennis coaching services operate here during the warmer months, and it’s easy to find a hitting partner through local groups. Parking can be tricky during peak times, so try early mornings or early weekday afternoons for the best availability.
2. Maggie Daley Park – The Loop
Playing tennis at Maggie Daley Park is one of those “only in Chicago” experiences. The 10 courts sit right in the heart of downtown with the city skyline towering above you — it’s the kind of view that makes you forget you’re supposed to be watching the ball. These are arguably the most scenic public tennis courts in the entire city.
Because of that, they’re popular. The queue system works like this: place your racket in the rack at the main gates near Court 4, and at the top of the hour, players rotate on for one-hour sessions. It keeps things fair and moving. Courts are also available through reservations and group lessons. After your match, you’ve got the rest of Maggie Daley Park to explore — the climbing walls, mini golf, and the Rink Cafe for a post-match drink. If you’re visiting Chicago and want to play, this is the court to choose.
3. Grant Park Tennis & Pickleball Courts – South Loop
This is one of Chicago’s newest court complexes, and it’s a big deal. Opened in September 2023, Grant Park now has 6 resurfaced tennis courts alongside 16 dedicated, lighted pickleball courts — the largest pickleball facility in the Chicago Park District system. The whole project was funded by a $500,000 grant from Lollapalooza (the festival had been using the old tennis courts for parking and beat them up pretty badly) plus $41,000 from the Grant Park Advisory Council.
The courts are right along the lakefront near 9th Street and Columbus Drive, with great views and easy CTA access. The lighted courts mean you can play into the evening, and because this complex is newer and slightly less well-known than Waveland or Maggie Daley, you’ll often find more availability here. If you’re a pickleball player, this is your spot — 16 purpose-built courts with no need to share lines with tennis players.
4. Oz Park Tennis Courts – Lincoln Park
Oz Park is a Lincoln Park gem, and the 4 tennis courts here benefit from the park’s overall charm. You’re surrounded by the whimsical Wizard of Oz-themed sculptures (Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy), a fantastic playground, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s particularly great for families — the kids can play on the playground while you finish your set.
The courts are well-maintained with a quiet, residential feel. The main drawback is no lights, so you’re limited to daytime play. But during the day, these are some of the most pleasant courts in the city — just busy enough to feel lively, but not so crowded that you’re waiting ages. There are also pickleball lines on some courts for dual use.
5. Horner Park – Lincoln Square / Ravenswood
Horner Park is the answer to “Where can I play tennis after work when it’s getting dark?” The 5 lighted courts here make it one of the best options in the city for evening play, and the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood location means it’s easily accessible from the north side without the lakefront crowds. The courts are well-maintained and the park itself is beautiful — sprawling green space with playgrounds, sports fields, and a pool.
The lights make all the difference during spring and fall when the sun sets early. While the courts are listed as open until 11pm, the lights typically run until around 10pm. It’s popular with local league players and after-work crowds, but with five courts, you can usually find a spot.
6. Humboldt Park Tennis Courts – Humboldt Park
This is my pick for the most underrated tennis courts in Chicago. Humboldt Park’s 4 lighted courts sit within one of the city’s most vibrant parks, with the scenic lagoon just steps away providing a gorgeous backdrop. Because they’re not on the typical “best courts” circuit, they tend to be less crowded than lakefront options — you can often walk up and get on a court immediately, even on a Saturday.
The lights mean you can play well into the evening, which is perfect for summer nights when the park comes alive with runners, cyclists, and families. The courts are well-maintained and the surrounding park is worth exploring on its own — the boathouse, the beach, the nature sanctuary. Make a day of it.
7. Welles Park – Lincoln Square
Welles Park is a neighborhood park done right. The 4 courts are well-maintained and surrounded by the friendly, village-like atmosphere of Lincoln Square. It’s the kind of place where regulars know each other and you might get invited into a doubles game if you show up solo. The park also has a gazebo, playground, pool, and community garden, so there’s plenty for non-tennis companions to enjoy.
No lights here, so plan for daytime play. The upside is that without lights, it doesn’t attract the after-dark crowd, which means mornings and early afternoons are usually wide open. If you’re in the Lincoln Square area and don’t want to deal with the trek to Waveland, this is an excellent local option.
8. Douglas Park Tennis Courts – North Lawndale
Douglas Park is one of Chicago’s grand historic parks — part of the original 1869 West Park System along with Humboldt and Garfield Parks — and playing tennis here feels like it. The courts sit within a sprawling, beautifully landscaped park that includes lagoons, formal gardens, a fieldhouse with stunning architecture, and plenty of green space. It’s worth the visit even if tennis isn’t your thing.
The 4 courts are generally less busy than north side options, which means more availability and shorter waits. The park is accessible via the CTA Pink and Blue lines, and it connects to the broader Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods where you can grab great food after your match. No lights, so daytime only.
9. Indian Boundary Park – West Rogers Park
Indian Boundary Park is one of those Chicago parks that feels like a secret. The 3 courts are part of a charming, historic park that’s home to a Tudor Revival fieldhouse (built 1929), a small animal exhibit with ducks and turtles, a beautifully landscaped duck pond, and gorgeous gardens. It’s tucked into the West Rogers Park neighborhood far enough from the lakefront that you’ll rarely face crowds.
The courts themselves are solid and well-maintained, and the setting is about as peaceful as it gets for urban tennis. This is a great pick if you live on the far north side and want quality courts without the drive to Lincoln Park. The surrounding neighborhood has excellent Indian and Pakistani restaurants for a post-match meal.
10. Smith Park – Ukrainian Village
Smith Park only has 2 courts, but they’re in great shape and the location in Ukrainian Village is convenient for west side residents. The park was recently renovated and includes a splash pad, playground, basketball courts, and a community garden. It has that authentic neighborhood-park energy where everyone is friendly and nobody’s taking things too seriously.
The limited number of courts means you might have to wait on a perfect Saturday afternoon, but during weekdays it’s easy to get on. A solid, no-frills option for a casual match in a great neighborhood.
More Courts Worth Knowing About
Chicago has so many good courts that it’s hard to stop at 10. Here are a few more that deserve a mention:
Hamlin Park (3035 N Hoyne Ave, Lakeview) — 2 well-maintained courts in a friendly neighborhood park. Adult lessons available in spring and summer. Wrightwood Park (2534 N Greenview Ave, Lincoln Park) — Tucked-away courts in a peaceful setting, great for a relaxed game. River Park (5100 N Francisco Ave, Albany Park) — 5 recently resurfaced courts in a scenic, active park. A north side favorite. McKinley Park (2210 W Pershing Rd, McKinley Park) — 6 courts plus trails and a lake on the southwest side. Two courts now designated for pickleball. McGuane Park (2901 S Poplar Ave, Bridgeport) — 5 courts in Bridgeport, two convertible to pickleball.
Tips for Playing Tennis in Chicago
After years of playing on courts all over the city, here’s what I’ve learned:
The season is shorter than you think. Outdoor courts are realistically usable from April through October, with the sweet spot being May through September. Chicago weather is unpredictable — always check conditions before heading out, and bring layers for spring and fall sessions.
Peak times are predictable. Weekday evenings (5–8pm) and Saturday mornings (8am–noon) are the busiest. For the best availability, aim for weekday mornings, early afternoons, or Sunday evenings. Courts with lights (Horner Park, Humboldt Park, Grant Park) get especially busy on summer evenings.
Bring water and sunscreen. Most park courts don’t have shade, and Chicago summers can be surprisingly intense on a hard court. A hat and water bottle are essential.
The queue system works. At Maggie Daley Park and Waveland, there’s an informal etiquette: wait your turn, play for about an hour, and rotate off if others are waiting. It’s respectful and keeps things moving. Follow the local customs and you’ll make friends fast.
Try the CTA. Several of the best courts are accessible by train and bus. Maggie Daley Park (Red/Blue/Brown lines), Grant Park (Red/Green/Orange lines to Roosevelt), and Waveland (Red/Brown line to Addison) are all easy to reach without a car.
Indoor Tennis & Pickleball Options
Chicago winters are no joke, but that doesn’t mean your tennis game has to stop. Here are the best options for year-round play:
McFetridge Sports Center (3843 N California Ave) — The most affordable indoor option in the city. Part of the Chicago Park District, with a pay-as-you-go system that doesn’t require a membership. Reservations fill up fast in winter. Ball machine rentals available.
Diversey Tennis Center (140 W Diversey Pkwy, Lincoln Park) — Indoor courts and lessons available through the Lincoln Park Tennis Association. A step up from free park courts, with structured programs and leagues.
Midtown Athletic Club (2444 N Elston Ave) — Premium club with 16 indoor courts, professional coaching, leagues, and fitness facilities. Membership required, but it’s one of the premier tennis clubs in the region.
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness (1320 W Fullerton Ave, Lincoln Park) — 8 indoor courts plus 3 rooftop courts with amazing views. Month-to-month memberships available. Friday Night Mixers combine doubles play with drinks and pizza.
XS Tennis and Education Foundation (5336 S State St, Washington Park) — A mission-driven community center with 11 indoor and 16 outdoor courts. Offers programming for all ages and skill levels, with a focus on making tennis accessible. One of the most impressive tennis facilities on the south side.
SPF (Social • Pickleball • Fun) (Lincoln Park) — A massive indoor pickleball facility with multiple courts, a café, and glow-in-the-dark pickleball. Perfect for pickleball players who want to play year-round.
💡 Pro Tip: The Chicago Park District has been aggressively adding pickleball courts across the city, with a goal of approximately 200 public pickleball courts. Many neighborhood parks that traditionally only had tennis courts are now adding pickleball lines or dedicated courts. Check the Chicago Park District website for the latest locations.