Historic St. Cornelius Church Transforms Into 'Church Club' Pickleball Venue in Jefferson Park

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

Jefferson Park residents will soon have an innovative recreational option as the former St. Cornelius Church at 5430 W. Foster Avenue completes its transformation into 'Church Club,' a unique indoor pickleball facility. The mid-century modern church building, which has sat vacant since 2020, is being thoughtfully repurposed while preserving much of its architectural heritage.

Developer Chris Petrick has partnered with Arda Design, a Chicago-based firm specializing in historical preservation, to maintain the building's character while adapting it for its new recreational purpose. The 40-foot ceilings of the former sanctuary provide ideal height for pickleball courts, while original stained glass windows and midcentury modern chandeliers will remain intact. Beyond pickleball, the venue will include billiard and dart rooms, workspaces, a commercial kitchen, and a 15,000-square-foot public event space that will be available to the community by reservation.

Jefferson Park community members can look forward to this distinctive addition to the neighborhood's recreational landscape opening soon. The development represents a creative approach to adaptive reuse, breathing new life into a beloved community landmark while providing a much-needed indoor venue for one of America's fastest-growing sports.

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
3. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/03/closed-catholic-church-to-become-indoor-pickleball-facility/