Chicago is a city that lives and breathes sports. People are embracing a wave of emerging activities like futsal, pickleball, and spikeball. In this article, we’ll explore upcoming sports in the city, popular Chicago sports that can be played inside, and how you can get started at Wintrust Sports Complex.
Upcoming Sports in Chicago
There are several upcoming sports in Chicago that are gaining popularity and will likely continue to grow. These include futsal, pickleball, spikeball, floorball, and ultimate frisbee.
Futsal
Futsal is similar to soccer but played on a smaller, hard court as opposed to grass or turf. It’s also usually played indoors, with teams of five players per side (four players plus the goalie). The futsal ball is kicked around like a soccer ball, except the ball is smaller and doesn’t bounce as much. That means players have to have better ball control and be able to pass quickly back and forth to each other.
The sport is popular in Brazil and Spain as part of soccer training programs for young players, though it’s gaining popularity in Chicago. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, compete against others, or simply have fun. Futsal at Wintrust Sports Complex is a great place to start. Our multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility is located in Bedford Park, Chicago, and we welcome everyone.
Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with a net that’s similar to tennis, only lower. It can be played in singles or doubles, with the objective being to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that they can’t return.
Players use a paddle to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. The serve must be underhand and diagonally across the court. Points can only be scored by the serving team. The first side to reach 11 points with a two-point lead wins the game.
One unique rule in pickleball is the “kitchen,” or non-volley zone. That is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot volley the ball (hit it into the air). This rule adds an interesting layer to the game since players have to time their movements to avoid stepping into this zone while volleying.
Whether you’re just learning the pickleball rules or are a more experienced player, this is one of the top Chicago sports.
Spikeball
Spikeball, also known as roundnet, is a game that’s typically played with four players. Two teams of two. This game revolves around a small circular net stretched over a frame, similar to a mini trampoline. The goal is to score points by hitting the ball into the net in such a way that the opposing team cannot return it. Teammates can pass the ball to each other or hit it directly to the net. Players can use any part of their body to hit the ball, though it can’t be caught or carried. A team scores a point if the opposing team fails to return the ball onto the net within three touches, the ball hits the ground, the ball hits the rim of the net, or the ball bounces twice on the net.
Spikeball is loved for its portability, simplicity, and ability to be played virtually anywhere. It’s easy to learn but can become highly competitive as players master strategies and techniques!
Floorball
Floorball is an indoor sport similar to hockey but played with lightweight sticks and a plastic ball with holes. Originating in Sweden, it’s now popular worldwide for its accessibility and emphasis on speed and skill. The game is typically played on a court slightly smaller than a basketball court. Two teams of five field players and a goalie each. Players aim to score by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal, and the game emphasizes stick handling, passing, and teamwork.
Unlike traditional hockey, there’s no body checking, making it safer. Matches consist of three 20-minute periods, and the game’s simple rules make it easy for beginners to pick up.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport played with a frisbee. The objective is to score points by catching the frisbee in the opposing team’s end zone. Similar to the end zones in football or rugby. Played on a rectangular field with two end zones, teams consist of seven players each.
The game begins with a “pull” (a throw-off), and players advance the disc by passing it to teammates. Players are not allowed to run while holding the disc. Instead, they must establish a pivot foot and pass to move it down the field.
If the frisbee is dropped, intercepted, or thrown out of bounds, possession is turned over to the other team. Ultimate Frisbee is typically played to a certain number of points. Usually 15, with teams needing to win by two points. It’s one of the biggest upcoming sports in Chicago and is great for players of all skill levels.
Other Popular Chicago Sports for Indoors
Chicago winters are famously cold. Average highs range from the mid-30sF in December to the low 20s°F in January, with lows often dipping below 0°F during cold spells. Chicago is also nicknamed the “Windy City,” and while this refers more to politics than actual wind, winter winds off Lake Michigan can make it feel much colder. Furthermore, Chicago receives about 35-40 inches of snow annually, with some winters seeing much more.
Winter can limit outdoor activities, but there are plenty of top Chicago sports that can be played indoors. Like volleyball, soccer, and basketball.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a popular Chicago sport since it can be played both outdoors and indoors in the winter. Also, it’s played on a court that fits comfortably in most gymnasiums and doesn’t require extensive equipment—just a ball, a net, and a group of players.
At Wintrust Sports Complex, our facility is equipped with 16 NCAA volleyball courts. That means there’s plenty of space for multiple games to run simultaneously. Spectators can enjoy the action from our mezzanine viewing area, which sits on the second floor and makes it easy to see across all the courts.
Soccer
Indoor soccer is great for players of all skill levels. This is a fun way to improve ball control, passing accuracy, and teamwork. Since the game can be played year-round, it’s a perfect option for staying active during colder months.
Wintrust Sports Complex is one of the top Chicago sports arenas for indoor soccer, and our facility is designed to accommodate soccer events of all levels.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the top Chicago sports because it’s easy to organize and requires minimal equipment–all you need is a ball and a hoop, which are readily available at most parks and gyms.
At Wintrust Sports Complex, our state-of-the-art facility features eight high school hardwood courts as well as our Championship Court, which is perfect for high-stakes matchups and finals. With seating for up to 4,000 spectators, our complex is also a great place to host tournaments.
Learn More About Chicago Sports Arenas at Wintrust Sports Complex
If you’re looking for a Chicago sports arena to enjoy new sports or old classics, Wintrust Sports Complex is here year-round. Our 116,000 square-foot facility is equipped for a wide range of sports like table tennis, basketball, cornhole, soccer, futsal, volleyball, and more, and our fun and friendly atmosphere is one of the reasons we’re a go-to facility for all the top Chicago sports.
