When one hears the name “Pickledilly Skokie,” one wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that it’s some recently opened, unique, themed restaurant. After all, many of Skokie’s new businesses have been restaurants. But this new business is unlike any other. With the goal of encouraging physical activity and friendly conversation, Pickledilly Skokie is here to let people burn calories rather than take them in. With such a purpose, it becomes more obvious what Pickledilly Skokie is all about: pickleball.
Behind the parking lot of Soul Good Coffee/Sketchbook Brewing Company stands a building, hidden by trees, where pickleball players, or picklers, may find their place. This location offers a whopping 12 indoor pickleball courts (11 for play, one for training), ready to be reserved by Pickledilly members and newbies alike. (Paying members receive reservation priority and other benefits for their membership.) The space itself, even beyond the courts themselves, was given much thought by the owners, especially for less athletic and inexperienced players. The walls of the building are dark on the inside to contrast the neon green pickleball while playing, making it easier to follow. The courts themselves are specifically cushion courts, meaning that the floors are made from a foam-like material. This makes gameplay ideal for even those with weak joints and no pickleball experience.
One of Pickledilly’s co-owners, Nathan Cachila, attests to a recent rise in the popularity of pickleball, which contributed to the creation of Pickledilly Skokie. This increase, he states, has been present “for probably three years or so,” and this claim is not without evidence. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, as of November 2024, the popularity of pickleball has increased, among all ages, by 233.5% in the preceding three years. Pickleball clubs themselves have sprung up in surrounding communities too, with Cachila claiming, “There’s actually a few pickleball clubs now in the Chicago area, but we are the first one here in Skokie.” It seemed it was only a matter of time before pickleball came to the northern suburbs too.
This popularity comes with a social and healthy benefit, which Cachila finds to be unique to pickleball specifically. “Pickleball is a very social sport,” he says, “it’s not like tennis…the play is more intimate. You can actually have a conversation, or trash talk, whereas in tennis you can’t.” In connection to this, the owners emphasize the social aspect of both the sport and Pickledilly itself. Cachila claims, “This is more than an athletic facility or a sports facility, it’s like a little community here.”
This is true among the players especially, who are delighted by the environment of Pickledilly and quickly adopt the behavior of their pickling peers. One particularly new member, Buffie Amoroso, comes all the way from Park Ridge to play doubles with other members. “It’s been a great experience because I’m newer to pickleball,” she says. “Everyone’s been really welcoming and I enjoy being active here.” It seems the effect that Pickledilly’s owners hoped to have on the community were accomplished.
As for the owners themselves, being involved in pickleball, either as players and/or trainers, inspired them to make Pickledilly Skokie. Cachila teamed up with his wife Armu\i, as well as their friends Lauren Busey and Amy Lillibridge, to create Pickledilly Skokie for anyone and everyone. “We’re not here to build some exclusive pickleball club where the best pickleball players can play,” Cachila said. “It really is all about community.”
For a fun, active, and social summer activity, pickleball at Pickledilly Skokie might just be the right thing to do. Less than a few miles from Niles North, this business can bring the social and athletic additions to your life that you might be looking for. It’s best not to miss out on the next sports craze, as the path to an eventful and productive summer is just around the corner, the corner of Main St & Skokie Valley Trail.
