Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.
Michael Jordan – Chicago Bulls legend
Think about the city of Chicago and basketball and you’ll think of one team, and probably one individual if you grew up watching Michael Jordan play.
The city is an important touchstone for basketball and there are many Chicago basketball teams besides the Bulls, offering a chance for amateurs to compete or young people to try to make their mark on the game. A lot of people in the area are looking for one-to-one basketball lessons to boost their skills and there are also group sessions such as summer camps.
We’re here to walk you through the options for learning how to play basketball, getting to grips with the basics and even finding a basketball game in Chicago!
Street Basketball and Pickup Games
Street basketball is part of the culture and can help people who are looking to find some people to play against in a little one on one or two on two game. Chicago’s rich basketball culture means there are numerous iconic outdoor courts where players of all levels come to showcase their skills or get a workout.
Foster Beach Courts
The courts at Foster Beach are popular spots for pickup games. With a stunning view of Lake Michigan, these courts attract players from all around Chicago. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy the game in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
Jackson Park
Jackson Park is another hot spot for street basketball. The courts here are newer than those at Foster Beach, and they are supported by the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation founded by the late Kobe Bryant. The competitive yet friendly atmosphere makes Jackson Park a good place to visit with friends and play on a modern outdoor court, since they were renovated in 2023.
The Chicago Park District
Though we’ve picked out these few options, the whole of the Chicago Park District offers options for basketball leagues and options to play for a Chicago basketball team. The district runs basketball classes and programs at various locations throughout the city. These programs include instructional leagues for kids, open gyms for casual play, and competitive leagues for more serious players. The park district's offerings are a great way to stay active and engaged in the sport without a hefty price tag.
This is an opportunity for kids basketball as well as Chicago women’s basketball to go with the men’s. Park No. 596 has a basketball league with officials and even championship games, but some of the other parks of Chicago have more relaxed setups for going down with a personal basketball trainer or just playing a simple game.
Check out the website for different age groups and timings. For example, Windy City Hoops – Basketball at Taylor is a program that is specifically built for teens to come and get involved.
The opportunities to get involved are all conveniently listed on the Chicago Park District website and those who are looking to find a casual basketball in Chicago may find this to be the best option.
School and College Basketball Lessons
Across the US, there are many different locations where people can enjoy a quality school system that helps to nurture Chicago basketball players. Young people may find this the ideal place to get discovered, but it is usually those who already have some level of talent who are selected for the youth basketball teams, so it helps to try to gain some experience.
Chicago Public Schools
CPS offers basketball programs at both the middle and high school levels. These programs are crucial for young athletes looking to develop their skills and compete. The structured environment and regular practice sessions help students improve, and the city stands for equality, meaning equal opportunities for people to play regardless of their background.
The CPS program is not just about getting as good at basketball as possible, it is about the other benefits of playing sports. This is a good way for kids basketball to grow in the region with young people encouraged to get involved, even at elementary age, with some casual youth basketball training.
Chicago Public Schools offer a real dedication to basketball as a tool for helping young people, too.
“Organized sports offer students an opportunity to develop a sense of belonging, self-worth, and confidence. Studies have shown that student participation has a positive effect on school performance, adolescent development, and fitness.”
Chicago Public Schools
University of Chicago Intramurals
People who are studying in the area can get involved with basketball even if they aren’t on an elite performance plan or being scouted by the Chicago basketball teams. For college students, the University of Chicago basketball program offers basketball leagues. These leagues provide a balance of competition and fun, allowing students to stay active and engaged in the sport.
For those with more professional ambitions, there are some excellent college basketball teams. Loyola University Chicago Ramblers is one of the teams representing a college in the region, and the Chicago State Cougars play in the NCAA division. To get involved with these leagues, people likely need to be scouted by the professionals! All these quality leagues also mean a brilliant place for people to watch basketball if they want to spectate, too.
Private Training and Academies
Many people are looking for private help to improve their skills and find a personal basketball trainer without having to be scouted for the privilege. Private academies may come with a cost (sometimes a significant cost) but they can also be a good way to boost skills and even connect to a basketball league nearby.
Chicago Sky Basketball Academy
This academy, founded in 2012, has an amazing range of different training programs for girls aged 9 to 18 in Chicago and also in the western suburbs.
The academy describes the girls who train there as “students first, athletes second”. It is designed to go along with an academic program and this means a grounded and holistic approach. There is always something happening at this academy, including regular weekly training on indoor basketball courts in Chicago.
We offer training classes, travel teams, and camps & clinics for girls ages 9–18 that focus on building individual skills, basketball IQ, mental preparation and team connectedness. We provide year-round programming with age-appropriate building blocks across all four seasons.
Chicago Sky Academy
Chicago Basketball Academy
Chicago Basketball Academy is often referred to as CBA, and the academy offers many different programs and ways to get involved based on ability level and experience. Newcomers are welcome, but it could be an expensive way of starting out on a basketball journey.
This academy works with players of all ages, too, with youth programs aimed at helping people in the Chicago area.
4500 individuals have engaged with the Chicago Basketball academy since forming, via a range of programs and services.
Bulls Kid Nation Youth Hoops
Chicago Bulls have a dedication to youth basketball and finding the best young basketball players from Chicago, too. Their programs offer basketball for kids of all different abilities.
In the summer, the Bulls Kid Nation Youth Hoops provides clinics and camps for those aged 5-14, there is a cost involved, but it is lower than some of the academies and clinics in other parts of the US.
They focus mainly on the fundamentals of the game, and as you might expect there is also a waiting list. There’s also a 3v3 tournament that the Bulls have introduced, providing a year-round chance for young players to work on their abilities.
Learn Basketball in Chicago With Superprof
A lot of people who are looking for basketball lessons either want to build their skills from scratch or get rid of some of the rust after years of not playing. You don’t have to have professional aspirations to want to work with a basketball tutor or coach, and at Superprof, it is easy to connect with somebody who can help with their basketball expertise.
Chicago’s parks can provide the ideal setting for lessons, but there are a lot of options for people who want to learn how to play the sport, and tutors will often advise on the ideal locations and times.
Ready to get started? Reach out to one of the many experienced basketball tutors on Superprof today.
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