With a planned grand opening later this year DINX Social Club is billed as the North Shore’s only upscale private pickleball and golf club. It’s this social fusion of pickleball and simulator golf that has already generated quite a buzz in the Northern burbs.

The Rise of Hybrid Recreation Spaces

Located at 1931 Skokie Valley Road, the 23,000-square-foot DINX Social Club represents a shift towards hybrid recreational spaces. These venues recognize the desire for multifaceted experiences, going beyond traditional single-activity establishments. By offering pickleball, golf and other activities, alongside social spaces and high-end amenities, DINX aims captures this trend’s essence.

Imagine this: It’s a Friday evening. You and your partner finish work, grab your gear, and head to DINX. You warm up on the regulation-sized pickleball courts, engaging in friendly banter with fellow members. Later, you transition to the golf simulator lounges, virtually teeing off on a picturesque Scottish course. Afterward, you grab a local craft beer at the multi-tap self-pour wall from Pour My Beer, the lively atmosphere buzzing with conversation.

Highland Park: Fertile Ground for the DINX Social Club Phenomenon

Highland Park is the perfect location for a concept like DINX. This area’s emphasis on racquet recreation is further evidenced by the Highland Park Park District’s upcoming new indoor pickleball and padel facility—further solidifying Skokie Valley Road’s emergence as a recreational hub.

DINX is planning on offering three Trackman iO Golf Simulator Bays, which provide swing and ball flight analysis. You would expect leagues and instruction would also be available to members.

What truly sets DINX Social Club apart is its potential to go beyond recreation and foster community. In an increasingly digital world, people yearn for genuine social connection. Offering specialty cocktails and local craft beers, the social experience is driven by a desire for connection.

DINX, with its emphasis on shared experiences, casual interaction, and curated events, hopes to create a conducive environment for these connections to blossom. These shared activities become more than just games—they become catalysts for friendships, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. It is here where people can unwind, challenge themselves, and engage with others.

DINX Social Club will provide multiple membership packages featuring exclusive benefits like priority court reservations, early access to league and clinic sign-ups, and invitations to members-only events. Membership is optional, but non-members will have restricted booking privileges, only able to reserve courts 24 to 48 hours before play.

A Glimpse into the Future: Is the DINX Social Club Model Here to Stay?

The emergence of DINX Social Club signals a potential cultural shift where hybrid recreational spaces catered to the aspirations and needs of a changing demographic redefine how we socialize and recreate. It is about finding balance. The appeal of venues like DINX goes beyond their physical amenities—it lies in their ability to tap into the desire for connection, well-being, and fulfilling experiences that go beyond traditional entertainment options. 

As demographics shift and technology reshapes our interactions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the emergence of other similar establishments that merge indoor sports like pickleball and simulator golf. During the winter months in Chicago, a facility like DINX should be a hit with the racquet and golf club crowd.