Top Courts and Parks to Play Basketball at in Chicago

Without Jumping Through Hoops

Living in the Midwest, while not without its perks, severely limits the chances of playing sports outdoors-half the year, for instance, the town of Chicago is too cold or wet or icy to get in a decent game of baseball or soccer or basketball. However, for the times when the sun shines, or if you're ever in a pinch to play some hoops in inclement weather, here are the top places to play basketball in Chicago

Foster Beach:

How often can you find a basketball court directly on the beach? This gem is locked at Foster Avenue and Lake Michigan, and gives ballplayers awesome views of the city, lake, and beach (bikini time!). Also, the court is never full. This something I have a great deal of trouble comprehending, but an easy time taking advantage of. The only problem with Foster Beach court is that the hoops are not in the greatest of shape-a lot of the nets are missing and occasionally you find a bent rim.

Wrightwood and Ashland Courts:

On the corner of Wrightwood and Ashland is the aptly named Wrightwood Park. Now, not only does this sprawling facility have two full courts set-up with four additional hoops on the side, but the mothers of well-to-do Lincoln Park congregate there. Earning this top place to play basketball in Chicago the nickname "hottie mom park." Check it out, I am not lying. The hoops at Wrightwood park are always well maintained, but it does tend to fill up-especially at night, since it stays lit till 11 PM.

Horner Park:

At the intersection of Montrose Avenue and California, Horner Park has two side by side full courts that bring together a lot of the city's good, Northside players. Late afternoons and early evenings are good times to find quality pick-up games. The park is also very scenic, with nice views of the Chicago River afforded. The downside of the Horner Park hoops is that, although the tennis courts stay lit till 10:30, the basketball courts have mysteriously no lights. Once it begins to get dark, it becomes real easy to catch a quick pass to the head. The nets, however, are almost always new and the rims are never bent.

Chase Park: