When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards

Why Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is a vibrant outdoor pickleball facility located at 1680 N Throop St, Chicago, IL. It boasts 11 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets, providing an ideal setting for both casual play and organized events. As a private venue, it offers a high-quality experience for enthusiasts of the sport, making it a great spot for friends looking to meet up, engage in physical activity, and enjoy social interaction. The courts are well-maintained and designed specifically for pickleball, ensuring an authentic and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. Beyond just the courts, Big City Pickle at Lincoln Yards supports a community atmosphere through leagues, clinics, and open play opportunities. Players can join doubles leagues spanning beginner to intermediate levels, participate in clinics led by certified instructors, or simply drop in for pickup games where partners and competition are matched for them. The facility also accommodates private group events such as birthday parties, company outings, and team-building activities, complete with food and drink packages and private shaded areas. This versatility, coupled with its dedicated courts and active programming, makes Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards a premier location in Chicago for pickleball and social gatherings among friends.
Here's what people think of Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards
As of recent, Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards holds a 2.3-star rating based on 10 reviews.
User reviews of Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards have been mixed, reflected in a modest 2.3-star rating from 10 reviews. Positive feedback often highlights the quality and number of courts available, with 11 permanent, well-maintained outdoor courts providing ample playing space. Many users appreciate the venue's organized programming—such as leagues, clinics, and pickup games—which fosters a strong pickleball community and makes it easier to meet new players. The availability of private event options and social amenities like shaded areas and food and drink packages also stand out as valued features. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention issues such as the venue being private, which might limit access or require memberships and reservations that are not always clearly communicated. A few users note challenges with court availability or scheduling, and some express frustration about the management or customer service. These concerns suggest that while the facility offers excellent physical infrastructure, there may be opportunities for improvements in operations and guest experience. In conclusion, Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is well-regarded for its courts and pickleball community but has room to enhance its user experience and accessibility based on customer feedback.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ainsley Moore
For awhile I enjoyed coming here to play pickleball until they cancelled my group’s reservation twice without a legitimate reason. The website states that it may be cancelled if fewer than three people are signed up two hours before the time or if the weather is bad. However, both times our group had 6 or more people signed up and weather was not an issue. We called the first time to ask why, and the employee could not even give us a real reason, and we knew we had caught them in a lie. The second time they didn’t even pick up the phone. Unreliable and not worth booking when there’s so many free courts in Chicago where you won’t have to deal with this.
Josh Kotras
I often play soccer for free* at the Fleet Fields complex next door to these courts and notice that they are always basically empty. Today was no different so I went up to go play a quick round there with my wife. Upon walking up, the attendant asked if we had a reservation, to which we looked around on the empty court, the sound of crickets in the air, and responded, "no?" She then said we needed to "go to the website to make a reservation online", and then we could play. Fair enough. So, then as a tumbleweed passed by on the empty courts I proceeded to make a reservation only to discover it was going to cost $50 an hour! I now see why no one ever uses this space. $5 - $10? Sure. If you must make your bag. But, $50 feels asinine. This isn't some large, covered complex with staff. It looks like it used to be a public park space with a porta potty. Get real. Privatizing public space is one thing, but then price gouging the community to use it is lame and not neighborly.
Kathryn Garcia
This open play is nothing like described. It was unorganized, there were no instructions, the girl working the desk could not have cared less. We walked up and everybody there just kept playing, there is no way to stack your paddle or line up to rotate. This wasn’t worth $5, much less $18. Please please go to open play somewhere else where they actually have an open play, as opposed to just open courts and a free for all nonsense. Highly disappointed. Also - They have no water, one stinky porta potty.
Avo Simonian
While the courts are new and beautiful, it’s wildly overpriced at $50/hr for a court when booking online for just 2 people. Courts are largely empty all day every day.
Lyzbeth Garcia
I’m very disappointed with our recent experience at Big City Pickleball in Lincoln Yards. Our group of twelve arrived ready to play and enjoy the evening, but despite all the courts being empty and the posted closing time being 10pm, the staff member on duty refused to let us play at all, citing that we didn’t have a reservation. Shutting us out completely when the courts were unused felt unreasonable and unfair, especially after we had put effort into organizing the outing. This lack of flexibility and consideration ruined what was supposed to be a fun evening. I hope management addresses this policy and ensures better customer service in the future.
How to reach Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards
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Why Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards with your friends?
Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards offers a unique and lively environment that makes it an excellent spot to gather with friends or family for quality time. This venue is especially perfect if you want to combine physical activity, healthy competition, and social interaction all in one place. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Yards, it features 11 newly paved outdoor pickleball courts with stunning skyline views that add an aesthetic appeal to the game experience. The combination of a sporty atmosphere alongside breathtaking city vistas creates a refreshing and invigorating backdrop for group meetups. The place encourages fun and camaraderie through its versatile offerings, from casual pick-up games to organized leagues and tournaments, making it easy for everyone from beginners to advanced players to join and enjoy themselves. Furthermore, the venue supports private events, so you can personalize your gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, family reunion, or team-building event. Although its average rating is modest, the appeal of the active, outdoorsy scene and the flexibility in usage make Big City Pickle an inviting venue for groups wanting a blend of exercise, entertainment, and social connection.
What activities are available at Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards, and why is it perfect for group meetups?
Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards offers a variety of activities designed to engage groups of all sizes with different play preferences and skill levels. Primarily, pickleball itself is the main attraction, with 11 dedicated outdoor courts equipped with permanent lines and nets. These courts ensure uninterrupted play for groups, families, or friends who want to rent out courts for casual play, drills, or competitive matches. You can reserve courts for an hour or more, providing flexibility in scheduling. This setup makes it ideal for a group meetup because everyone can participate on the court, or spectators can enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for their turn. Besides casual play, there are organized weekly tournaments and leagues made accessible to all skill levels. This means your group can partake in friendly competition or enjoy the thrill of tournament play, fostering teamwork and friendly rivalry.
Why is pickleball at Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards a great social experience?
Pickleball is widely regarded as a highly social sport because it is easy to learn, enjoyable for all ages, and encourages frequent player interaction. At Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards, you’ll find that the venue embraces this spirit with open-play pick-up games where individuals can be matched with partners and opponents, making it effortless to meet new people. This communal approach to play is perfect for groups looking to expand their social circle or simply enjoy shared hobbies with others. The presence of clinics and learn-to-play sessions also means that beginners can quickly feel welcome and supported, reducing any intimidation factor and encouraging inclusive participation. Moreover, the venue’s provision of food and drink packages for rentals or private events enhances the social element by allowing groups to enjoy refreshments while playing or relaxing between games. These features collectively make every meetup at Big City Pickle a full experience beyond just sport — a chance to create memories and build camaraderie.
How does the venue accommodate groups planning private events or team-building activities?
Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is tailored for group events beyond typical sports play. They offer private event bookings where groups can secure court time combined with additional amenities like food and drink packages, ensuring a festive and convenient atmosphere. This makes it suitable for special occasions such as birthday parties, corporate team-building outings, or family gatherings, allowing hosts to customize their experience fully. The venue’s private courts guarantee exclusivity, so your group won’t have to compete with other players for space or time, making the event smooth and focused. Large groups benefit from the spacious setting that accommodates multiple courts simultaneously, giving everyone a chance to participate or socialize. In addition, certified instructors are available for clinics, which can add an educational or skill-developing dimension to your team-building day. This combination of sport, socialization, and personalized service establishes Big City Pickle as an ideal spot to rally friends or colleagues and create memorable group experiences.
What makes the location and facilities of Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards stand out for meetups?
The location of Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is a significant attraction in itself. Nestled between vibrant neighborhoods like Bucktown and Lincoln Park and conveniently accessible via major highways, it combines urban convenience with a scenic outdoor setting. The facility boasts 11 brand-new, professionally maintained courts that offer a high-quality playing surface with permanent nets and court markings, ensuring a consistent playing experience. The outdoor court setting is enhanced by impressive Chicago skyline views, which can elevate the atmosphere of any meetup, making it feel special and refreshing compared to indoor gym settings. This outdoor environment allows groups to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, contributing to well-being and overall enjoyment. The courts are private, which means bookings protect your group's space and time, reducing stress and allowing for more cohesive, uninterrupted play. Whether your group prefers to focus intensively on playing or balance play with socializing, the facility’s design and location enable a seamless and enjoyable experience.
How do registrations, bookings, and memberships work at this venue?
Booking a session or event at Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is designed to be user-friendly, catering to various group sizes and preferences. Groups can reserve courts for flexible blocks of time — from brief one-hour slots to longer sessions — providing options that fit casual meetups or extended competitive events. Each participant is required to register individually, which helps with organizing pickup games, clinics, or tournaments, and all players must sign waivers for safety and facility use compliance. For ongoing convenience, all court rentals and program bookings automatically include a free membership to Big City Pickle, which facilitates access across all their locations and benefits. This membership system not only streamlines the administrative side but also encourages repeated engagement, fostering a community around the sport. The platform for reservations was upgraded recently to enhance user experience, making it easier to manage bookings or apply credits from previous reservations. With these systems in place, groups can focus more on their fun and less on logistics.
Why might some users rate Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards lower, and how should that factor into your decision?
Despite Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards offering an attractive venue and ample amenities, its current average rating of 2.3 out of 10 suggests some patrons have experienced issues or expectations unmet. This rating could reflect factors related to pricing, scheduling difficulties, customer service, or facility access — common challenges for popular urban sports venues. Such feedback should encourage prospective visitors to research specific concerns, read recent reviews, or contact the organization directly to clarify policies before planning their visit. Importantly, venues with specialized sports facilities sometimes have learning curves in service and operations that improve over time. Additionally, group meetups often depend heavily on personal preferences and expectations, meaning what is a downside for some may be insignificant for others. Therefore, while the rating signals caution, it should not outright deter groups looking for a social, active meetup place, especially if they prioritize the playing experience and the community atmosphere that Big City Pickle fosters.
What additional benefits does Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards provide that enhance group experiences?
Beyond the core activities and sports offering, Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards provides several benefits geared toward enhancing the overall meetup experience. The venue occasionally hosts seasonal leagues and mini-tournaments, keeping the programming fresh and encouraging regular social engagement among players. Certified instruction sessions allow groups to improve skills collectively, which can be a fun bonding activity and confidence booster. The option to add food and drinks to court rentals gives meetups a party-like feel, combining exercise with delicious refreshments. Free off-street parking in nearby locations helps ease access, which is crucial for group logistics. The venue’s partnership with Chicago Sport and Social Club for leagues indicates a professional structure supporting high-quality, organized play, further adding reassurance for group event planners seeking well-managed activities. With these features, Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards rises as a comprehensive destination for sports-centered social gatherings.
What kinds of groups are best suited to meeting at Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards?
Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards is an excellent choice for a wide range of groups including families, friend circles, corporate teams, and recreational sports clubs. Family groups can enjoy an active day outdoors, including play and social time in a safe, private environment. Friends looking for an engaging group activity will find pickleball accessible and inclusive no matter their athletic skill level, especially with clinics and open play options. Corporate groups benefit from the venue’s tailored event packages, which promote teamwork and relaxation in a less formal setting than typical offices or conference rooms. Sports enthusiasts and leagues have a dedicated space for regular competitive or instructional play that supports skill development and social networking. Therefore, the diversity of use cases and the flexibility of amenities at Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards make it a versatile venue able to meet the needs of many different group types.
In summary, Big City Pickle - Lincoln Yards offers a vibrant, activity-rich environment perfect for those looking to blend fitness, socializing, and group events. With its quality courts, wide range of activities, and supportive services, it provides ample reasons to rally your friends or family for a memorable outing.