Former St. Cornelius Church in Jefferson Park Transforms into Trendy Pickleball Club

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Jefferson Park · October 23, 2025

An exciting transformation is underway in Jefferson Park as the former St. Cornelius Church at 5430 W. Foster Ave. is being converted into a unique pickleball facility. The once-sacred space that accommodated 750 worshippers will soon exchange pews for paddles as construction progresses on "The Church Club."

While preserving the building's character, including its stunning stained glass windows and midcentury modern chandeliers, the renovation will create two pickleball courts in the former sanctuary. The facility will also feature locker rooms, areas for darts and billiards, and a commercial kitchen. Owner Chris Petrick plans to cap membership at around 50 people but has expressed interest in hosting community events in the space.

The club's interior design, led by Nicole Alexander of Siren Betty Design, aims for a "David Bowie meets midcentury-modern church" aesthetic with bright orange spinning chairs and olive-green mushroom lamps. Alexander plans to honor the building's original architecture while creating "a fun place to be." With construction well underway and an anticipated early 2026 opening, this creative adaptive reuse project represents an innovative approach to preserving a neighborhood landmark while meeting the growing demand for pickleball facilities in Chicago.

Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/old-church-building-chicago-northwest-side-pickleball-club/
2. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/former-st-cornelius-church-be-pickleball-court-and-club