Chicago's bustling suburbs are about to get more lively with the addition of a new upscale sports and social club. DINX Social Club is poised to open its doors in Highland Park, occupying the 23,000-square-foot space once home to an office supply store. Set for a winter 2024 launch, the venue located at 1931 Skokie Valley Road, near Highway 41, will feature six pickleball courts, and three golf simulator lounges — all designed to cater to enthusiasts of these fast-growing sports.
The club aims to provide an "unparalleled sport and social experience," according to DINX Social Club founder David Sloane. With plans for high-tech amenities, luxury surroundings, and attentive service, the venue is expected to stand out as a prime destination for both amateur and seasoned players. As detailed in a release covered by NBC Chicago, Sloane expressed enthusiasm for pickleball's rising profile, stating that the club is "eager to help raise the profile of the fastest-growing sport in America across the North Shore and throughout Chicagoland."
Aside from sports, DINX Social Club is set to offer a multi-tap self-pour wall featuring local craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. Guests can also expect a grab-and-go café with offerings from the popular North Shore breakfast spot, Hometown Coffee & Juice, as part of the club's amenities. This marriage of athletics and leisure is not just about creating a space for physical activity, but also crafting a hub for community and connection.
Bringing such a venue to life was no small feat, as Cushman & Wakefield's Chris Bobowski explained. Securing a location with the right combination of high ceilings suitable for sports activities, and space for an expansive food-and-beverage setup, proved challenging, he said. Yet, their efforts have resulted in what is seen as the "ideal fit" for the enterprise. Notably, the spot is not only about ample parking and meeting affluent demographic criteria, but it’s also about reinvigorating retail spaces that have seen better days. This initiative builds upon a trend in repurposing former retail sites into sports and social areas, as explored by Chicago Business reporting on the new uses for such spaces.
