Find padel partners in Chicago

What padel is

Padel is a racquet sport that mixes elements of tennis, squash and platform tennis. It is played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass walls, with an underhand serve and a smaller court than tennis, which the clubs describe as accessible at every skill level.

Where to play

• Union Padel Club, 207 N. Paulina St. An indoor padel club offering clinics, leagues, social play and tournaments, with a WhatsApp community for finding matches.
• Proximo Padel, 3043 N. Knox Ave. Open to anyone who wants to reserve a court, join a clinic or take a private lesson, with open play sessions and programs from first steps to advanced. Proximo also lists a Northbrook location.

Courts are booked and paid for with each club. Check the club’s own site for times, prices and what a first visit involves.

How to find padel partners here

1. Say what you play and how well. Create and publish an activity profile for Padel and choose your level, from beginner to competitive. Add a profile photo too: Explore only shows people who have one.
2. Add the times you are usually free. Other members see only the hours the two of you have in common, unless you choose to show your whole week.
3. Post an Activity, or ask to join one. With a profile photo you can post one: set People in total to 4, name the club where you plan to book, and say what level you have in mind. Or ask to join an Activity somebody else has posted.
4. Agree the time and place in the app before you meet.

Meeting safely

Meet in a public place, at a time you have both agreed. Tell a friend where you are going. Every member accepts the Platonic Pledge before they can contact anyone, and you can block or report anybody at any time.

Questions people ask

Does it cost anything to join?

No. Leisure Friends does not currently charge for the service. Any cost of playing, such as a court reservation or a program fee, is paid by each person directly to the venue.

How many people do I need for padel?

Four. Padel is played in doubles, two on each side, so when you post an Activity set People in total to 4.

I have never played. Can I still look for people?

Yes. Choose Beginner as your level and look for people at a similar one. Both clubs listed here run clinics for new players.

Is this a dating app?

No. Leisure Friends is for platonic activities only, and every member accepts the Platonic Pledge before they can contact anyone.