North Avenue Beach South Volleyball Courts

Last summer, I was visiting Chicago and decided to drop by North Avenue Beach just to chill and maybe hit some volleyball. I stumbled on the South Courts by accident and I was hooked. The view, the vibe, the open sand felt like discovering a little secret in the busy city.

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If you’re looking for a “beach + volleyball” combo in Chicago, you’ll want to know exactly how to use those South Courts smartly and not just follow what everyone else writes. That’s what this article is for.

Where Exactly Are the South Courts

North Avenue Beach is located at 1600 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.
The volleyball courts there are split into North, Reserve, and South Courts. The South Courts lie toward the southern edge of the beach (closer to Lake Michigan) and can feel more open and exposed.
The courts are part of Chicago’s outdoor sand setup — and during summer months, there are over 150 sand courts citywide.

What Others Miss (And What You Should Know)

When reading other guides, I saw some weak spots. Let me fill them.

Common Weakness	What’s Missing / What to Add	My Tips
Unclear pricing	Many say rent courts are cheap without numbers	Courts are rentable; check Chicago Park District or call ahead.
No mention of lighting	Guides sometimes ignore night play	Yes — there are lit courts in the South near the boathouse sometimes used for night leagues.
Wind & sand conditions ignored	Vibe is romanticized, but games get tricky by the water	The South Courts are exposed strong lake winds can mess up your set.
Parking hassles downplayed	They say there’s parking but…	Expect it to be hard. Use public transport, ride share, or get there early.
Lack of schedule info for leagues / events	Many guides stop at normal use	Several leagues run in South Courts (ex: Tuesday Simple Social 6v6) (S3 Simply Social Sports Leagues Chicago)

How to Use the South Courts: Step-via-Step

Here’s how you can go from I wanna play to game on.

Check schedule & weather
The courts are busiest in summer. Some are reserved for leagues (especially evenings). Also, windy days can make play frustrating.
Reserve or show up early
If courts are for rent, call ahead (Chicago Park District: ~ (312) 742-3776) (Chicago Traveler)
Or show up early to claim a free pole if available.
Bring or rent gear
You may need your net, lines, ball unless courts have equipment you can borrow. Some local players bring spare gear.
Account for wind & light
- Use low shots or float serves to counter wind
- For night games, pick courts with lights (those near boathouse sometimes have lighting) (Players Sport & Social Group)
Parking & arrival tips
- Avoid peak times (weekends, late afternoon)
- Use public transport or bike if possible
- If driving, use parking apps (SpotHero, etc.) (S3 Simply Social Sports Leagues Chicago)
Play & respect court etiquette
- Always yield to league play if scheduled
- Return equipment to proper place
- Keep the area clean — no trash or drink spills

Pros & Cons of South Courts (vs North / Reserve)

Pros	Cons / Challenges
More open space, less league congestion at certain times	Very windy — hard to control high shots
Scenic — close to the water & nice views	Courts may get wet after rain
Possible lighting for night play	Courts may be farther from amenities (restrooms, shade)
Less crowd when leagues occupy North courts	Limited shade, fewer windbreaks

Real-Life Moment: A Windy Evening Match

I remember playing on a Tuesday evening. The South Courts were lit, and we had a 6v6 casual match. The wind was howling we switched to float serves and slices. Some sets flew off course entirely. But the experience under lights, the glow on the lake, players cheering felt unforgettable.

That’s exactly why knowing the courts’ quirks matters.

League & Event Info for South Courts

S3 Leagues – Simply Social 6v6 (Tuesdays)
Plays at the South Courts during summer/fall evening slots.
Players Sports Coed 6’s – Lit Court Nights
Occasional night games offered at courts just south of the boathouse.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
Run multiple levels (open, competitive) using North Avenue courts including South side.)

If you plan in advance, you could join one. Great way to meet people + lock a court slot.

FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to rent a court there
A: The pricing isn’t always fixed publicly. Some sources mention ~$10/hr for court & gear in past seasons. (Reddit) Best: call Chicago Park District or local league organizers beforehand.

Q: Are courts available year-round
A: No — they’re mostly active during warmer months, typically late spring through early fall.

Q: Can I just walk in and use a court
A: Sometimes. If courts are free (not in use by leagues) and poles are open, you may. But that’s risky on popular days.

Q: Are there night courts
A: Yes, in some cases. Some South Courts near the boathouse have lighting for night leagues.

Q: What gear do I need
A: Ball, net, boundary lines, maybe a pump. Some courts might provide nets, but bringing your own gear is safest.

Tips to Maximize Your Experience (That Others Rarely Mention)

Use wind as an assistant: when serving with wind, use float serves. When against wind, go short and low.
Bring extra spares: extra lines, stakes, clips courts get busy and gear gets lost.
Coordinate via social media: local volleyball groups often post last-minute open court availability.
Check for events: big events (like Chicago’s Air & Water Show) sometimes close or limit court access.
Dress smart for sand: wear light shoes or ankle wraps for extra support sand can be uneven.

Final Thoughts

The South Courts at North Avenue Beach are more than just volleyball space they’re a window to playful summer evenings, city + lake vibes, and a crowd that loves the game as much as you. Yes, they come with quirks: wind, parking trouble, scheduling. But with the right prep, you can turn those quirks into memories.

Go early, bring your gear, adjust for wind, and don’t stress a perfect game. You’ll end up scoring way more than just points.