When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
XS Tennis and Education Foundation
Why XS Tennis and Education Foundation is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The XS Tennis and Education Foundation (XSTEF) is a remarkable community center located in the Washington Park neighborhood on Chicago's south side. It offers a unique blend of tennis and educational programs aimed at empowering underserved youth through athletic and academic opportunities. The facility includes a state-of-the-art tennis village featuring 27 tennis courts—12 indoor, 11 outdoor hard courts, and 4 outdoor clay courts—alongside a modern fitness center, basketball gym, community spaces, and classrooms. This expansive and well-equipped center serves as a welcoming gathering place for friends and families looking for both recreational and developmental activities. Its convenient location near public transit, including the Green Line and Red Line Garfield stations, allows easy access for the local community and visitors alike. With proximity to landmarks such as the University of Chicago and Jackson Park, the foundation represents a vibrant hub for health, education, and community engagement on Chicago's south side. The foundation’s mission focuses on not just physical sport but also academic enrichment, helping young people unlock their potential through comprehensive programming shaped to nurture growth in a supportive environment.
Here's what people think of XS Tennis and Education Foundation
As of recent, XS Tennis and Education Foundation holds a 4-star rating based on 113 reviews.
Users generally appreciate the XS Tennis and Education Foundation for its well-maintained facilities and its important role in providing accessible sports and education programs to the community. Many positive reviews highlight the quality of the tennis courts and the variety of programs available, noting how the facility has become a vital resource for youth development in the area. Reviewers also praise the welcoming community atmosphere, the professionalism of the staff, and the foundation's impact on local youth. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as crowded courts during peak times or limited parking availability. A few reviewers mention administrative challenges or desire more frequent updates on program schedules and events. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus is that the XS Tennis and Education Foundation is a greatly beneficial institution, making substantial contributions to the community's social and athletic life. The positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, affirming XSTEF’s position as a cornerstone for sport and education on Chicago's south side.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tomika Taylor
XS Tennis is an outstanding facility with an exceptional tennis camp! This facility is top tier. My children love their tennis camp! Although they’ve been playing tennis for years, they hadn’t shown much progress until they started XS Tennis summer camp. Their passion for the sport has been reignited, and the difference is incredible! Huge thanks to Jennifer Murray, Mr. B, Ms. Katie, Ms. Jasmine and the other staff for the love they pour into the children, the skills they share, and dedication make this program the absolute best! Thank you all!
Courtney Smith
My nephews take tennis, gymnastics, as well as attend summer camps here- the instructors are great! Very friendly and super knowledgeable, they are both SO good and my nephews steadily show improvement. The facility is wonderful as well, with plenty of parking and easy access being close to the Dan Ryan and off State Street.
Nicole Burk
My friends and I participated in the Adult Pickleball event at XS Tennis tonight and had a blast!! We hope that events like this will continue. We met a lot of people and had such a great time. What a healthy alternative to other Friday night outings! Jennifer Murray was such friendly and accommodating host and made sure that everyone was having fun and had everything they needed. I would highly recommend this facility and event for others to enjoy.
Ivery Duncan
Amazing place for fundraising. Amazing place for all functions. Clean controlled parking lots. I felt safe while i was there .
Gayle Richards
Tennis Tournament held there. It was wonderful. Watched Venus Williams play. First time seeing her in person.
How to reach XS Tennis and Education Foundation
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Why XS Tennis and Education Foundation may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at XS Tennis and Education Foundation with your friends?
Choosing XS Tennis and Education Foundation as your meetup spot with friends offers a unique blend of physical activity, social engagement, and community connection. This venue is not just another sports facility; it’s a dynamic community hub centered around tennis and education, designed to foster teamwork, wellness, and personal growth. Rallying here means you’re stepping into a state-of-the-art center equipped with 27 tennis courts—both indoor and outdoor—allowing you and your friends to enjoy play no matter the weather. Beyond tennis, the foundation’s setting promotes a friendly yet competitive environment ideal for all skill levels, making it easy for groups with mixed abilities to participate and have fun together. Additionally, the foundation’s mission of supporting underserved youth infuses the atmosphere with a sense of purpose and positive energy, making your gathering more meaningful. Whether you want to challenge each other in matches, join social tennis events, or simply enjoy the amenities, XS Tennis provides a safe, vibrant environment where friends can bond, get active, and create lasting memories.
What are the key activities available at XS Tennis and Education Foundation for a group meetup?
At XS Tennis and Education Foundation, a wide array of activities ensures every group can find something exciting and engaging to do. The centerpiece is tennis, with 27 courts (12 indoor, 11 outdoor hard courts, and 4 outdoor clay courts) available for play, allowing your group to organize matches, practice skills, or participate in scheduled leagues. The venue offers adult lessons ranging from beginner to intermediate levels, including specific sessions like Cardio Tennis, which combines fitness and tennis in a high-energy workout. Groups can join drop-in opportunities such as the Lunch League, Friday Night Doubles, or Sunday Doubles, creating excellent chances for social play and friendly competition in doubles format. Beyond tennis, there’s a fitness center and a basketball gym on-site, so your meetup can extend into other sports or general exercise. The space is rounded out by welcoming community areas and classrooms, which can facilitate group workshops, strategizing sessions, or social hangs, providing a comfortable environment to relax and bond after physical activity.
Why is XS Tennis and Education Foundation perfect for hosting a group meetup?
XS Tennis and Education Foundation is perfectly suited for group meetups because of its versatile facilities, strong community vibe, and strategic location. With extensive tennis courts and multiple other sports facilities, it easily accommodates groups of varying sizes and interests. The foundation’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment means that all skill levels are encouraged and supported, which is essential for group dynamics where players’ abilities may vary. The comfortable, state-of-the-art amenities — including a fitness center, classrooms, and community spaces — offer flexible options for socializing or group activities beyond active sports. Its location in the Washington Park community on Chicago’s South Side places it within easy public transportation access, including nearby Red and Green Line train stops and several bus routes, making it convenient for friends from different parts of the city to gather. Moreover, the foundation’s social tennis events and leagues provide structured and fun ways to engage with other groups, fostering a community spirit that elevates the overall meetup experience.
What makes the tennis programs at XS Tennis and Education Foundation ideal for a group?
The tennis programs at XS Tennis and Education Foundation stand out due to their accessibility, variety, and quality coaching, which combine to create a welcoming environment for groups. They offer adult lessons across different skill levels—beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate—held twice weekly, which are excellent for groups wanting to improve together. The ability to join drop-in sessions such as the Lunch League or Friday Night Doubles allows for flexible scheduling and casual play, so friends can come and go without commitment anxiety while still enjoying structured match play. Cardio Tennis programs enhance the health benefits with focused fitness training through tennis, ideal for groups seeking a fun workout. Social tennis clubs and organized leagues further the sense of camaraderie by bringing people together regularly and enabling friendly competition. Importantly, all these programs require membership, ensuring participants are part of a committed community with shared interests, enhancing group cohesion and motivation.
How can the location and community aspects enhance a group’s experience at XS Tennis and Education Foundation?
XS Tennis and Education Foundation’s location and community-centered mission greatly enhance the group meetup experience by offering accessibility and purpose. Situated at 5336 S. State Street in Chicago’s South Side, the foundation resides close to major public transit routes, including the Red and Green Line’s Garfield stops and multiple bus lines, simplifying logistics for group gatherings. This accessibility encourages better attendance and ease of travel for friends and family coming from across the city. Additionally, the foundation’s roots in serving underserved youth and promoting education through sport create an uplifting atmosphere where meetups aren’t just about recreation—they contribute to a broader social good. Engaging in activities here connects participants with a vibrant community invested in empowerment and growth. This environment fosters positive social interactions, community pride, and a unique sense of belonging that adds meaning to any group event held within its walls.
What facilities beyond tennis courts make XS Tennis and Education Foundation enjoyable for groups?
XS Tennis and Education Foundation offers more than just tennis courts, ensuring that groups have varied recreational and social options. The fitness center on-site allows visitors to engage in cross-training activities, strength workouts, or cardio exercises, complementing tennis play and appealing to diverse fitness interests within a group. There is also a basketball gym available, perfect for groups who may want to switch gears and try another fast-paced sport in the same visit. For downtime and socializing, multiple community spaces and classrooms provide a comfortable environment to relax, strategize, or host small events like birthday parties or club meetings. These versatile areas can accommodate educational workshops or team-building exercises, enhancing the overall group experience. This combination of athletic and community facilities makes XS Tennis a fully rounded venue where groups can balance physical activity with social connection seamlessly.
What social tennis events and leagues can groups participate in at XS Tennis and Education Foundation?
Groups looking to make their meetups structured and socially engaging can take advantage of several social tennis events and leagues hosted by XS Tennis and Education Foundation. The Lunch League is popular for weekday play, allowing group members to enjoy pick-up doubles matches during midday hours on weekdays. This league fosters casual competition and is ideal for groups who want regular, low-commitment play. Friday Night Doubles provides an evening slot focused on organized mixed doubles with limited spots, perfect for groups seeking a lively social atmosphere. Sunday Doubles offers weekend play with a relaxed pick-up format, great for winding down the week with friends. Additionally, the Tennis Social Club organizes events that are designed for social play rather than purely competitive matches, encouraging camaraderie and building community among members. Groups interested in hosting their own teams or events can coordinate with the foundation, making XS Tennis a flexible venue for both spontaneous and planned social tennis activities.
How does membership enhance the group experience at XS Tennis and Education Foundation?
Membership at XS Tennis and Education Foundation is essential for participating in many of the programs and events, which enhances the group experience by fostering commitment, consistency, and community. Members gain access to structured lessons, drop-in leagues, and special social events that are unavailable to casual visitors. This exclusivity cultivates a close-knit environment where group members can build stronger friendships and find regular playing partners who share their dedication. Membership also provides scheduling predictability and priority registration for popular events, which facilitates better planning for groups wanting to organize gatherings or participate in leagues together. The collective identity of membership helps maintain high-quality standards for play and conduct, ensuring that groups can enjoy safe, friendly, and well-organized activities. Being part of the XS Tennis community adds value beyond just facility access—it offers a sense of belonging and shared purpose that makes every group meetup more rewarding.
What makes the overall experience at XS Tennis and Education Foundation memorable for group meetups?
The overall experience at XS Tennis and Education Foundation becomes memorable for groups due to its combination of top-notch facilities, diverse activity offerings, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The quality and variety of courts, combined with additional fitness and sports amenities, allow groups to customize their meetup according to interests and energy levels, from competitive matches to casual games and cross-training. The social tennis leagues and events add a lively, engaging element that makes play fun and dynamic while encouraging new friendships and friendly rivalries. The foundation’s emphasis on community service and education adds meaningful context that elevates the spirit of the gathering. Plus, its convenient location ensures accessibility for all group members. Comfortable community spaces foster relaxed socializing, making the visit balanced between activity and connection. All these factors together create an enriching environment where groups can enjoy quality time, personal growth, and a sense of shared belonging, making every rally a special occasion.