Best 15 coaches for Pickleball lessons near Des Plaines, IL

Greetings! I'm a physician passionate about racquet sports, particularly pickleball. As a PPR Certified Coach teaching at multiple park districts and private pickleball clubs, I bring an observant eye, great technical skill, a patient manner and years of experience to help my students improve their pickleball skills. My lessons prioritize solid fundamentals, consistent and safe play, and, above all, having a blast on the court. No wonder I have more than 100 5* reviews! Whether you're 8 or 80, let's embark on this exciting pickleball journey together!

"Great coach. I learned a lot in 1 hour. Highly recommend!

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.   

"My first lesson with Kirk was quite helpful, especially since he covered some key techniques that really stuck with me, though I still see plenty of room for improvement. Still, that lesson laid a good foundation, and I’m hopeful about refining my skills further with his guidance. If you’re thinking about giving pickleball lessons a try, Kirk’s a pretty solid option to consider.

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.

"Great teacher. He is calm and gives wonderful feedback to help me improve my technique. The lessons are definitely improving my skills. Excellent coach!

5.0+ level pickleball coach with a deep love for the sport. I discovered pickleball 2 years ago and was instantly captivated by its fast-paced nature and unique blend of skill and strategy. As a teacher & a coach, I find immense joy in sharing my love for pickleball with others and helping them reach their full potential.

"Johnny’s super knowledgeable and gave me real-time feedback which was super helpful to make corrections. Highly recommend.

A lifelong athlete who made the transition from high-level club tennis to pickleball, I love working with beginners and intermediates alike to develop skills and game strategy. I have my PPR pickleball teaching certification and Red Cross First Aid/ CPR/AED certificate, and I am very active in the Chicago North Shore pickleball community, with a vast knowledge of equipment and facilities. Let me show you the simple and exciting ways that pickleball can change and improve your life!

"Great! Patient, informative, and friendly

After a lifetime in tennis (also ping pong, badminton and squash) I was finally bitten by the pickleball bug and my passion for the sport has only grown. My beginner students can expect a fun learning environment in a casual setting. For those looking to up their game, power strokes, volley smashes and vicious spins are a session away. Intermediate player looking to refine their game? Let’s get drilling. I’ll happily rally and match play with you after. Regardless of your goals, let’s get out there and pickle!

"Eric paced the lesson calmly, laying a solid foundation and making basics easy to grasp, with a clear focus on slow, steady progress and a hint of momentum. Lesson highlighted kept me moving forward.

20 year background in playing tennis! I transitioned to pickleball in 2022 and have since then been teaching friends and family since. I am a 4.5 USTA rated tennis player and 5.0 DUPR pickleball rating. Let's take your pickle skills to the next level and/or if you need someone to drill with - I'm your guy

I am a celebrated athlete who clinched the 5.0 men's doubles National Championship gold in 2021. With a commanding Men’s doubles DUPR rating of 6.19, I've dominated the Illinois scene and made my mark in the pro circuit, securing impressive 5th place finishes in the men's doubles pro division at both the Chicago Open and Cincinnati Open tournaments.

"Jerry was a great instructor and very informative to the high level game

Driven by my love for the sport, I've spent the last 5 years sharing my pickleball knowledge with others. As an experienced player, I bring a deep understanding of the game to every lesson. Let's work together to elevate your skills and unlock your pickleball potential – on the court and beyond.

I play pickleball regularly 4–5 times per week and compete in tournaments, where I’ve earned multiple gold and silver medals. My current playing level is 4.0–4.5. I enjoy mentoring and coaching players of all levels, with a strong focus on identifying weaknesses and reducing unforced errors. My coaching style is practical and supportive—I break the game down into simple, actionable steps that help you play smarter, more consistent pickleball. Whether you’re looking to improve consistency, shot selection, or overall confidence on the court, I’ll help you make measurable improvements quickly.