As DUPR continues helping clubs build more structured and competitive pickleball environments, Pickleball Clubhouse has emerged as one of the leading clubs in Chicago. Through DUPR-based programming, the club has created more balanced matchups, clearer player pathways, and a stronger competitive experience for players at every level.

Pickleball Clubhouse has quickly grown into one of the city’s most active and structured clubs. Focused on competitive play and player development, it has built a strong reputation for creating fair, fun, and consistent playing experiences.

Led by owner Chris Sears and Director of Programming CJ Robertson, with support from David Tran and Tyler Banh, Pickleball Clubhouse continues to grow with a clear focus on helping players find the right level of competition by building better pickleball programming through structured play, ladders, and leagues.

Building Better Pickleball Programs in Chicago

Since Fall 2025, Pickleball Clubhouse has expanded its pickleball programming in Chicago with a clear goal to solve one of the biggest challenges in the sport — how to organize fair and competitive games for all skill levels.

The club now runs:

• DUPR-based ladders, leagues, and tournaments
• Competitive pickleball leagues
• DUPR-required open play sessions
• Skill-based groupings for balanced matches

This approach helps players avoid mismatches and creates more consistent competitive experiences for players at all levels. 

Ladders and Competitive Growth

One of the strongest additions at Pickleball Clubhouse has been its pickleball DUPR ladder system, launched in October 2025. The ladders quickly became a key part of how the club organizes competitive play.

Since launch, the club has recorded:

• 1,534 total matches logged
• 1,318 matches logged since October 1
• 15 ladder events hosted
• 337 ladder participants 

In January 2026, the club expanded again with a 4.0+ DUPR pickleball league in Chicago, giving intermediate players a consistent environment to compete and improve weekly.

CJ, Director of Programming, explains:

“We use ladders to help players understand where they are in the ecosystem and give them a way to move up based on performance.”

DUPR Integration Supporting Fair and Competitive Play

As the club continues to grow, DUPR plays an important role in supporting fair competition and helping players understand their level. It helps reinforce the club’s mission of creating fair pickleball games in Chicago where players are matched more accurately and can track progress over time.

With its structured approach to DUPR, the club’s members consistently perform well in tournaments, travel team events, and other competitive events against players and clubs from different areas.

CJ adds:

“Having a consistent system helps us create fair and fun environments for players. It allows us to run events where people actually feel like they’re playing at the right level.”

Tyler Banh noted that players are willing to travel long distances, sometimes 40+ minutes, and pay additional fees just to participate in DUPR programs at the Pickleball Clubhouse, highlighting strong demand for structured competitive play and successful club's approach. 

Final Takeaway

Pickleball Clubhouse is building one of the most structured and competitive pickleball environments in Chicago. Through ladders, leagues, and consistent programming, the club is helping pickleball players find fair matches, improve faster, and enjoy a more balanced playing experience.

As the club continues to grow, its focus remains on becoming the leading pickleball club in Chicago for structured, competitive, and community-driven play.

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Interested in starting a DUPR Club? Click here.

Want to see a DUPR Club in action? Visit Pickleball Clubhouse!