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

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Jefferson Park · January 2, 2026

An exciting new recreational space is opening in Jefferson Park as the former St. Cornelius Church at 5430 W. Foster Ave. completes its transformation into 'The Church Club,' a unique pickleball facility. The historic building, which once accommodated 750 worshippers, will now welcome a different kind of service—one requiring rackets and paddles. The creative adaptation features two pickleball courts, with one positioned horizontally near the altar area and the other vertically toward the baptismal.

While preserving the church's architectural character, including its beautiful stained glass windows and midcentury modern chandeliers, the renovation adds locker rooms, spaces for darts and billiards, and even a commercial kitchen. Owner Chris Petrick aims to cap membership at about 50 people but has included provisions for community events in the planning. "We have a lot of people looking forward to this," Petrick said. The project represents a creative new purpose for the historic building that Petrick believes has not lost its soul.

Expected to open in early 2026 with a distinctively groovy '60s vintage vibe featuring bright orange spinning chairs and olive-green mushroom lamps, the club will become Jefferson Park's newest gathering space. Beyond the pickleball courts, the facility will include billiards and dart rooms, workspaces, and other amenities. Community members will be pleased to know that Petrick intends to maintain part of the basement, which includes a stage, for public community use. Interested residents can follow the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce for updates on potential community events once the facility opens.

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://www.preservationchicago.org/win-former-st-cornelius-church-to-be-adaptively-reused-for-pickleball-courts/