Where sport meets social: Inside Chicago’s new Union Padel Club

Union Padel Club officially made its Chicago debut on January 8, celebrating the grand opening of its new 30,000-square-foot indoor facility in Fulton Market with a private, high-energy evening that brought together members, partners, celebrities and media. The event marked a major moment not only for the club, but for Chicago’s growing role in the fastest-growing sport in the world.

Hosted by owners Fabian Gosselin and Peter Goldman, the grand opening offered guests their first look inside the five-court indoor padel club designed to seamlessly blend sport, wellness, and social connection under one roof. The expansive space features five state-of-the-art padel courts, co-working and lounge areas, recovery amenities including saunas and cold plunge pools, a full-service restaurant, and a cocktail and juice bar, positioning Union Padel Club as both an athletic destination and a lifestyle hub.

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Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed elevated food and beverage offerings that mirrored the club’s refined yet energetic approach. Highlights included a risotto station topped with sea scallops and black truffle shavings, a tenderloin carving station and a curated cocktail menu—an intentional pairing of culinary sophistication with the social spirit of padel.

The guest list reflected the club’s broad appeal across sports, media, and Chicago culture. Notable attendees included Justin Kaufmann of Axios, Lisa Fielding of WBBM Radio, Grant DePorter of Harry Caray’s, Lisa Nucci (CMO) and Stephen Crano of Choose Chicago, former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah, Sylvia Perez and Paris Schutz of FOX, Lourdes Duarte of WGN-TV, and Carrie Walker, Jeff Nuich, Cortney Hall, and Dorothy Dziubasik of NBC5, along with Dave Karwowski of Hubbard Radio and influencer Young Wayne, among others.

Now officially open to the public, Union Padel Club offers daily play, memberships and private and corporate events, signaling Chicago’s arrival as a key player in the global padel movement. With the sport’s rapid growth across the U.S.—expanding from just 20 courts nationwide in 2019 to approximately 600 in 2024—Chicago is quickly emerging as the next major hub.

Padel, which originated in Mexico in the late 1960s, combines elements of tennis, squash, and pickleball into a fast-paced, social doubles game played on an enclosed court that keeps rallies lively and accessible for players of all skill levels. Analysts predict explosive growth in the coming years, with projections reaching 30,000 courts nationwide by 2030.

Located at 207 N. Paulina Street in Fulton Market, Union Padel Club is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The club is open to both members and non-members, offering flexible options for casual play, competitive programming, and social gatherings.

With its official opening, Union Padel Club isn’t just launching a new sports venue, it’s introducing Chicago to a new way to play, connect and socialize, all while putting the city firmly on the padel map.