Tennis across Chicago: A look at National Tennis Month 2026

Want a bird's-eye view of what tennis looks like in Chicago? National Tennis Month, a month-long celebration created by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), highlighted the many ways tennis comes to life across the city.

From family play days and Cardio Tennis to Hit to be Fit Weekend, community partnerships and free events across the city, there was obvious energy buzzing through Chicagoland during May. 

Tennis showed up not only on traditional courts, but also in neighborhoods, community spaces and through recognizable landmarks that made Chicagoans feel right at home. More than 324 participants took part in the 30 events in Chicago.

An annual highlight of the month continues to be Hit to be Fit, a nationwide USTA event that celebrates the health and wellness benefits of tennis. At Riis Park, participants gathered with former collegiate players to enjoy a high-energy workout where players exchanged tips and demonstrated how tennis can be played by anyone, no matter the skill level or background.

Douglass Park featured Dr. Ngozi Ezike, president and CEO of Sinai Chicago, former director of the Illinois Department of Public Health and an avid tennis player. Dr. Ezike spoke about the importance of movement and healthy habits. Research has shown that tennis adds nearly 10 years to your life compared with sedentary individuals.

One of the district's most impactful events was held at the Little Village Community Health Fair. Through partnerships with local organizations and Sinai Chicago, tennis became part of a larger conversation about health and wellness. Families were invited to explore health opportunities, which included tennis. The first 70 attendees were given free tennis racquets and encouraged to try tennis on short courts to keep the momentum going.

May also focused on family connection. Participants of all ages played tennis together through Red Ball Tennis events, where kids learned that tennis doesn’t have to be complicated. At a special Tennis Olympics-themed event, players rotated through skill stations and team challenges that allowed them to truly experience the joy of tennis. 

Community partnerships were also a focus during National Tennis Month. A partnership with The Garage Chicago introduced members of the gym community to tennis through a workout specifically designed to connect tennis with fitness training.

As National Tennis Month came to a close, USTA Chicago celebrated the people who make these moments possible at the Tennis is Beautiful celebration. Coaches, volunteers, officials, organizations and community leaders were recognized for their dedication to growing the game throughout Chicago.

Congrats to our 2025 Ace Award Winners:

• Teaching Pro of the Year: Vadym Kalyuzhnyy
• Mary Seelig Tournament Management Award: Chuck Cunningham
• LaMont Bryant Champion of the Game Award: Gladiator Tennis
• Volunteers of the Year: Glenn Olson, Sydney Zusman and the Tuley Park Court Renovation Committee