Private Lessons & Coaches in River Forest, IL

Thomas Rodriguez is a PGA Certified Associate and has been in the golf industry for over nine years. During his career, he has taught over 5,000 lessons to a wide variety of students and skill levels, from juniors to seniors and everyone in between along with being named “best in state” by golf digest. Through mentorship at distinguished outdoor golf facilities and advanced indoor instructional institutions, complemented by a range of professional certifications—including Swing Catalyst, ADM, TrackMan, and SAM PuttLab—he has cultivated a profound and comprehensive understanding of the golf swing. His continued education under some of the nation’s most respected instructors has enabled him to effectively support his students in achieving excellence and deepening their passion for the game. Besides instruction, Thomas also works as the Head Mens and Womens golf coach for Trinity Christian College, working as both a coach and an instructor, this gives him a unique dynamic on how to grow not only a golf swing but a proficient player. “My philosophy is to work with the golfer and their goals. There is no ‘one’ swing that fits everyone. Every person is different, with specific restrictions and specific goals. My goal is to help you reach them whatever they may be.”

"Thomas was amazing! We hosted a corporate event where he came out to our hotel and coached two group lessons. He was so patient and helpful with the beginner class and was stellar with the advance crew. Can’t wait to host another local corporate event to bring him back out too.

With almost 30 years of competitive golf experience and more than 5 years teaching the game of golf, I combine deep technical expertise with a hands on approach to help the student achieve the proper techniques used in the golf swing.  I use an everyday, practical teaching method to help my students understand the golf swing by using familiar daily movements.  Whether it’s tossing a cup of water over your shoulder or holding a tray like a waiter, these comparisons make complex motions easier to grasp.  I am currently a PGA Affiliate and plan to be be fully a certified member of the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA) by 2026.  I have a love and a passion for helping my students reach their full potential and am excited about introducing and expanding the game of golf to others.

"I booked this lesson for my husband who was a little rusty. He came home and said it was a great refresher and learned a lot of good pointers to take out to the course! Thanks, Errol!

With a PPR Coach Certification, he transitioned from competitive table tennis to pickleball in 2022, swiftly advancing from a 2.5 to a 4.5 rating. His mission is to share his passion for this sport and accelerate skill development through effective techniques and drills.

"Ascot explained what I needed to do very well. He was patient and gave consistent feedback

I’m a well-rounded pickleball instructor with over 5 years of experience teaching and coaching players of all skill levels. I specialize in guiding beginners through the fundamentals, drilling with intermediate players to build consistency, and helping advanced players refine their strategies and explore new play styles. My coaching caters to both recreational and competitive players, offering tailored strategies, weakness analysis, and match evaluations to enhance performance on the court. Whether you're new to the game or looking to up your competitive edge, I’m here to elevate your pickleball experience.

"Ryan was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We learned a lot! First time pickleball players. He brought everything we needed and we really understood the game when we were done

Contact me for group lessons and save. With over four decades of experience on the tennis court, my journey as a player and coach has been defined by a relentless passion for the sport. From my early years as a competitor to my transition into coaching, tennis has remained my steadfast source of inspiration and vitality. As a seasoned player and coach, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every lesson, guided by a nurturing, patient, and encouraging approach. My coaching philosophy centers on developing proper technique, instilling confidence, fostering discipline, honing strategic thinking, and nurturing a deep love for the game. Whether working with beginners taking their first steps on the court or seasoned athletes refining their skills, my goal is to help each student realize their full potential and achieve their tennis goals. Division: Summer #1: Elite & Advanced : Men's Elite2 4.250

"Paul has been great to learn with so far. He has quickly identified potential areas of improvement for my game and made great use of the time we have during lessons. He also offered some enjoyable and inventive training strategies with low-compression balls. Highly recommend taking lessons with Paul, whether you are an experienced player or a beginner.

I am a former member of the University of Illinois club tennis team. I have been playing tennis for over 20 years and have been teaching for 10 years. I have a strong passion for the sport. I enjoy the great exercise and the availability of courts in the city. I also love sharing the game with others.

"My session with Quinn was great! Very patient and knows his stuff.

My journey in racket sports began at 9, swiftly ascending the ranks as a junior to qualify for the prestigious New York State High School Championship. Transitioning to collegiate singles and later leagues in Chicago, I found my passion reignited when I stumbled upon Pickleball, relishing its social camaraderie and forging new friendships. Now, as an avid player and coach, I delight in sharing my expertise, ensuring every lesson is not just about improvement but about relishing the court's thrill. Let's ace your goals together, one match at a time! For fellow Tennis players, I played tennis for 40 years, and was a tournament player and teaching pro for tennis during college.    A lot of tennis players move over to pickle and that makes sense, but there are some key differences in the games, both with the way you swing and in strategy, things you should know and can learn pretty quickly on court.    I'm here to help.   

"Kirk has been an amazing coach for our 11 yr old boy! He has gotten so much better and Kirk was great at adjusting to our son and how he learned :)

Master the beautiful game! I bring 45 years of experience to the field, fostering a love for soccer while developing well-rounded players. My coaching blends technical expertise with a fun, supportive approach, empowering athletes of all levels to thrive. License D, Coaching 7v7, 9v9, 11v11

Ever thought about mastering the fastest-growing sport in America? As an experienced pickleball player with two years of coaching experience, I'm passionate about sharing my love for the game and helping players of all levels reach their full potential. My passion lies in helping students improve their game and enjoy the sport as much as I do. Known for my clear communication, structured lessons, and positive attitude, I strive to ensure every student feels supported and motivated to reach their full potential on the court. Let’s have fun learning together! 🏓💪

"First lesson woth tons of info, Insights and great details on technical details. Really can't wait for more. I feel I can improve significantly with in depth understanding on what I'm missing and doing wrong so long. Kevin has great personality,gentleman and with intention to hear carefully about your needs and focus on the details you need to improve. I feel he is the right person for me at this point. Can't wait for more

I’m a center back currently competing at the NCAA Division I level, with experience playing for Utah Valley University (UVU), University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and Gardner-Webb University. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the game, especially from a defensive perspective, and I take pride in my leadership, positioning, and ability to read the field. As a player, I’ve always been vocal and disciplined — someone my teammates can count on. Now as a coach and mentor, I aim to bring that same energy to developing young players. I focus on teaching the fundamentals of defending, building confidence on the ball, and helping athletes grow both technically and mentally. Whether I’m training center backs to lead the backline or helping players understand the game at a higher level, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned and giving back to the sport that’s given me so much.