When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
PingPod
Why PingPod is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
PingPod revolutionizes the way people connect over table tennis by offering fully automated venues known as "pods" that operate 24/7 without on-site employees, providing unmatched convenience and accessibility. Founded in 2019 in New York City by David Silberman, Ernesto Ebuen, and Max Kogler, PingPod has expanded across several major cities in the United States, as well as internationally in the UK and the Philippines. These venues include technologically advanced tables equipped with automated scorekeeping and PodPlay, an instant replay system that records exciting moments, enhancing the player experience. Whether you are a beginner or a competitive player, PingPod offers a variety of services such as table reservations, private and group lessons, leagues, tournaments, and private event hosting, which makes it an ideal gathering space for friends and communities. The combination of technology, community engagement, accessibility, and a culture of inclusivity creates a vibrant social atmosphere that extends beyond just playing table tennis. PingPod’s user-friendly reservation system and flexible scheduling mean that friends can meet up any time, day or night, and enjoy a fun, active, and interactive outing together.
Here's what people think of PingPod
As of recent, PingPod holds a 4.6-star rating based on 22 reviews.
PingPod enjoys a strong overall rating of 4.6 from over 22 reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction with the unique concept and execution of their automated table tennis venues. Positive reviews frequently highlight the convenience of 24/7 accessibility, allowing players to book tables whenever they want without worrying about traditional operating hours. Users appreciate the cutting-edge technology like instant replay and automated scoring, which adds a gamified, entertaining element to games. Many also commend the welcoming community atmosphere and the variety of offerings including coaching and leagues that cater to all skill levels. The ability to host private parties and events adds to its appeal as a social hub. On the other hand, some negative reviews note occasional technical glitches in the automated systems, which can disrupt gameplay. A few users mention the lack of on-site staff as a downside for those who prefer in-person assistance or social interaction facilitated by staff. Despite these minor issues, the majority conclude that PingPod delivers an innovative, fun, and social experience that successfully modernizes and democratizes table tennis. The combination of technology, accessibility, and community engagement is well received, making PingPod a favored destination for both casual and serious players looking to connect and play.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Zeng Eva
This is my top 1 favorite place in Chicago as I love playing table tennis. Compared to other table tennis club, this place is clean, bright and supported by scoring system. I found the community here where ppl all love table tennis and end up being great friends. I started my table tennis journey here with my best coach Brian, who is very great at technique. And coach Palina and Sean also provided great tips during open play! Manager Jorge is a very nice person who offers free clinic to our members every Saturday, and some good advice on technique whenever you need.q
Faisal Suhaibani
Great place! Friendly people with all skill levels to play against. Plenty of balls provided. Don’t miss the “Weekday Fun Day” event in the PingPod app — an awesome way for first-timers in Chicago to meet players and enjoy the game!
Luka Y
I have been playing in different clubs in Chicago area. And pingpod definitely has the best location in downtown Chicago. Players and coaches are all friendly and kind here, and you will have a lot of fun. Please stop by and start your Ping Pong Journey here! Cheers!
Vee Food Life
My workmates and I really love to bounce ideas off of each other…so I was so happy to share this bouncing activity with them!!! Go team bonding! I loved the techie vibe everything had from start to finish. It was super easy to book our reservation on their app. Upon arrival, I pulled up my reservation and unlocked the door with the app. We reserved a private pod for our group so we could freely cackle our hearts content. A coach was available to show us how to get started and all the major bells and whistles for the private pod. There was a couch, paddles, balls, we could adjust the lighting, Bluetooth our phones in to play our own music. The table had a button on each side to help with keeping score on a wall mounted tablet. Hooray for not having to keep score in my head! The tablet had a few different ways to play games, singles, doubles, and free play. With a new account you get 5 replays…since the place has 24/7 surveillance…you can press a button on the tablet to capture the last 20 seconds right before you press the button and then it gets sent to your app and email so you can share all the bouncing fun! After your first 5 replays, the cost is 50 cents for additional recordings; there is capability to get custom recordings for longer periods of time during your reservation as well. There were also 2 ball picker upper stick things…so we didn’t break our backs picking up all the balls. I’ve never actually played table tennis for real or for fake lol…and it’s definitely a lot harder than I thought it would be…aggressively swinging at a hollow plastic ball makes for a lot of flying wild balls. I did see there was a cooler available with some drinks that could be purchased and added to your account. My workmates and I had so much fun and we would definitely do this again.
Pooja Patil
What a spectacular experience at PingPod ! Everything is automated. Loved how the technology has been leveraged to provide a very creative concept. No human interaction to get in, play or get out. It was super easy to make an account on the website. Once you sign up and reserve a time and table, you can just show up and open the door by tapping the button on the reservation through their web app. There's no staff to explain/show the facility; it is not the norm. So when you go, login to your account and follow the directions. They had a charging station, vending machine with healthy drink/food selections. The facility was very clean and neat. The overall design was modern and airy. No wear/tear on the tables, paddles, everything was pretty new. Your play is recorded and you can watch your shots and save it as well. My favorite part was the digital scoring system. They have a button on both sides under the table and a screen beside it to track the scores. My friends and I didn't even realize how 1 hour passed by so quickly, playing the doubles. I would recommend booking for at least an hour. My friends also enjoyed the picking up the balls using the net after the game. Overall, Love the concept and experience at this facility ! Highly recommend trying if you are looking to play ping pong. I will absolutely visit again!
How to reach PingPod
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Why PingPod may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at PingPod with your friends?
When you’re looking for an exciting, social, and interactive place to gather with friends and family, PingPod stands out as an ideal destination. This innovative venue offers a unique twist on a classic game—ping pong—bringing together fun, fitness, and friendly competition in a modern setting. Unlike traditional recreational centers or sports bars, PingPod provides a clean, spacious, and technology-driven environment designed specifically for table tennis lovers of all skill levels. What sets PingPod apart is its convenience and accessibility: the facilities are open 24/7, and bookings are seamlessly handled through their user-friendly app, allowing you to pick a time that perfectly fits your group’s schedule. Whether you’re visiting for an hour or planning a longer celebration, the atmosphere is energizing yet cozy, encouraging both casual play and spirited tournaments.
Beyond simply playing ping pong, PingPod fosters a community vibe — making it more than just a game spot but a place where people connect, improve their skills, and create lasting memories. With a high customer rating of 4.6 from over 20 detailed reviews, guests frequently praise the fun, clean environment and how easy it is to organize gatherings there. Its dog-friendly policy and flexible event-hosting options add layers of comfort and customization, supplying the perfect stage for meaningful hangouts that blend activity with relaxation. Rallying at PingPod means choosing a destination that turns playing a game into a social celebration, making every meetup with friends or family an unforgettable experience.
What activities does PingPod offer for group meetups?
PingPod is more than just a place to play table tennis—it offers a rich range of activities specially designed to cultivate social engagement and fun for groups. When you and your friends arrive, your journey begins with reserving a private table in one of their pods through the PingPod app. The ease of online booking and autonomous access means you can jump right into the game without any hassle or waiting for staff assistance. Each pod is equipped with high-quality tables, paddles, and balls, ensuring a professional and consistent playing experience. Whether you’re beginners learning the basics or seasoned players honing down your spin shots, there’s always room to improve and have fun.
PingPod also supports playing with robots for solo practice or group drills, which is an exciting way to sharpen your skills together. For those looking to boost their game, the facility offers coaching sessions and clinics led by experienced instructors—ideal for groups wanting to learn new techniques or prepare for friendly tournaments. Supporting this communal spirit, PingPod organizes leagues and official tournaments, providing a competitive yet friendly platform for group rivalry and bonding over shared enthusiasm for the sport. This variety of engagements makes the venue perfect for casual drop-ins, skill-building workshops, or spirited competitions, all tailored for group enjoyment.
In addition to gameplay, PingPod facilitates social gatherings like birthday parties, corporate events, and holiday celebrations. Their flexible DIY model allows groups to customize their experience with options to incorporate coaching, refreshments, and community interaction. The welcoming, dog-friendly environment also means you can bring your four-legged friends, making it a holistic social space that accommodates every aspect of your meetup. The combination of automated, tech-forward features and community-driven activities makes PingPod a versatile hub where every group member—regardless of skill level or interest—can find something engaging and memorable.
How does PingPod’s setup enhance the group meetup experience?
PingPod’s thoughtfully designed setup fundamentally enhances the group meetup experience by blending innovation with comfort and accessibility. Each “pod” at PingPod is a private, game-focused space that lets groups play ping pong exclusively, without distractions or competition for tables. This privacy fosters an intimate yet lively atmosphere, giving friends and family the freedom to socialize, laugh, and compete in a personal setting. The pods are spacious and clean, equipped with up-to-date table tennis equipment that meets official standards, making gameplay smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What truly makes PingPod pioneering is its fully automated system: from booking your session through the proprietary app to unlocking the pod without the need for front desk assistance. This contactless approach means your group can arrive anytime—day or night—no matter your schedule. The ability to reserve and access tables 24/7 eliminates the stress commonly associated with finding free tables or waiting in line, ensuring the entire meetup is focused purely on fun. The flexibility of this arrangement is a major boon for groups with variable schedules or those who want late-night fun, breaking away from traditional operating hour constraints.
Furthermore, PingPod’s app is more than just for reservations; it’s a community platform where users can connect with potential play partners, join leagues, and even compete in virtual tournaments. There is a strong social component embedded within the technological framework that encourages group interaction beyond the table, making it a perfect place for ongoing friendships and team-building. When hosting a gathering, groups can rely on this seamless integration of tech and social elements to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the visit.
What makes PingPod ideal for hosting celebrations with friends and family?
PingPod’s combination of atmosphere, convenience, and customization makes it a premier choice for hosting celebrations with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, graduation event, or casual get-together, PingPod offers a dynamic and lively setting that stands out from typical party venues. The space can accommodate groups of various sizes, giving you the flexibility to design an event that suits your occasion and guest list. The private pods create a personal environment exclusive to your party, with all the necessary gear provided so you don’t need to bring anything but your enthusiasm and good company.
The venue’s affordability is a key factor — tables can be reserved starting at just $20 per hour, making it a budget-friendly option compared to many other entertainment and event spaces in the city. This accessible price point ensures that everyone in your group can enjoy the experience without worrying about excessive costs. On top of renting space, you can enhance the celebration by booking coaching sessions, engaging in friendly tournaments for some competitive fun, or simply enjoying social playing time together.
PingPod’s dog-friendly policy is another distinctive feature, allowing guests to bring their pets and make the gathering even more inclusive and relaxed. Open 24/7, PingPod also offers the convenience to host celebrations at any time that works best for your group, whether a late-night birthday bash or a weekend afternoon hangout. With its clean, welcoming environment, automated check-in, and a community-centric vibe, PingPod ensures your special occasion will be memorable, active, and fun-filled, providing an experience that guests will talk about long after the event ends.
How does PingPod compare to other recreational venues for group meetups?
Compared to traditional recreational venues, PingPod offers a distinct experience tailored to sociability, convenience, and modern engagement, especially for groups seeking something unique and interactive. Unlike crowded sports bars or generic game rooms where ping pong may be just one option among many, PingPod specializes exclusively in table tennis. This focus allows for superior quality in both equipment and atmosphere, giving groups an authentic and immersive gameplay experience. The private pods afford a level of intimacy that is hard to find elsewhere, allowing groups to focus on each other without distractions.
Technological innovation is also a major differentiator. The seamless online booking system, fully automated pod access, and 24/7 availability mean PingPod caters perfectly to modern lifestyles characterized by varied schedules and preferences. Many conventional venues operate within strict hours and require physical presence to check in, which can limit spontaneity and group flexibility. PingPod’s app-driven model empowers groups to play whenever they want and to organize their meetup according to their terms.
Moreover, PingPod integrates social and skill-building opportunities through its leagues, tournaments, coaching, and community chat features, fostering long-term engagement that typical entertainment venues rarely provide. This emphasis on community and improvement transforms a simple group outing into an ongoing shared passion. For groups looking for a fun, active, and social escape that combines cutting-edge convenience with a welcoming vibe, PingPod is a superior choice among NYC’s many recreational options.
Why do visitors consistently rate PingPod highly?
Visitors consistently rate PingPod highly — earning it a 4.6-star rating across more than twenty reviews — due to its combination of fun, convenience, and community atmosphere. Many reviewers highlight how easy the process is from start to finish: booking online, entering their reserved pod via the app, and enjoying uninterrupted play without the usual hassles of waiting or crowded venues. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and spaciousness of the pods, noting that the environment contributes significantly to their enjoyment. Dog-friendly policies and round-the-clock access earn special praise for allowing flexibility and inclusiveness.
Users also mention the quality of the equipment and the thoughtful design of the pods as reasons why they keep coming back. Many have returned multiple times during stays in New York City or as local residents, which is a clear testament to the venue’s consistent performance and appeal. The supportive community vibe is often mentioned, with options for leagues, tournaments, and coaching creating a holistic experience that satisfies casual players and serious competitors alike.
Ultimately, the combination of excellent service, innovative tech, and a welcoming space for social connection explains why PingPod holds a strong reputation and is repeatedly recommended for group outings. Visitors leave with a sense of having had a truly interactive and enjoyable social experience, which draws them back and encourages them to invite more friends to join the fun. This solid track record makes PingPod a must-visit place for anyone seeking an unforgettable and inclusive activity with their loved ones.