2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, Illinois ● 630-907-8067 ● Directions

From first-timers to national level players, the Vaughan Junior Tennis Academy offers programming for all ability levels. Our mission is to teach young players the sport of a lifetime in a safe and fun environment. Our highly trained staff utilizes teaching techniques that will keep your child motivated to continually improve and maximize their potential.

The Vaughan Junior Tennis Academy offers year-round programming and follows USTA guidelines for QuickStart tennis. On this webpage you will find information on upcoming events, leagues, tournaments, play days, training tips and more, serving as a resource for parents and players to stay updated on everything we have going on. Enjoy!

What is your child’s Universal Tennis Rating?

Universal Tennis rating pyramid

UTR is a new way to assess an individual’s skill and how they rank against their peers in the tennis world. Learn more about how it works and find your child’s UTR here.

Info & Links

Advice, Guidance on How to Get Your Child Started in Junior Tennis Tournaments

Parents often ask “How do I get my child involved in playing competitive tournaments?” Here are a couple of resources that provide more insight:

– Youth Tennis Progression / USTA website
– Printable “How to Get Started” guide

Youthful Exuberance

Check out this quick video featuring some of the youth tennis players in our programs…

 

Vaughan Tennis Center offers:

  • Affordable permanent court time
  • Advance reservations
  • Discounted court time rates
  • Organized leagues and tournament play
  • Skills clinics for men and women
  • Traveling team participation
  • Private tennis instruction
  • Ball machine
  • Pro Shop featuring leading brands in tennis apparel and equipment
  • Lower-level locker room access

For children, the Vaughan Tennis Center offers:

  • Junior Development Program for kids with little or no tennis instruction
  • Tennis Excellence Program for the competitive youth players


  • Hours
  • Rates
  • Tennis Programs
  • Tennis Leagues
  • Tennis Instructors
  • Tennis Court Guidelines
  • Hours

    Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

    Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday: Closed
    *Evenings and weekend hours may be extended to accommodate USTA matches

    Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day)

    Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    *Club may close early if there are no court reservations. USTA matches only Saturday/Sunday & Weekday Evenings. Please note hours may vary to accommodate USTA matches.

    Prime Hours

    Monday to Friday: 6  to 10 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Non-Prime Hours

    Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday: 6 to 7 p.m.

    Rates

    Tennis-Only Annual Membership

    Individual Adult*

    Resident: $119
    Non-resident: $175

    Couples*

    Resident: $199
    Non-resident: $299

    *Court time is an additional cost. No monthly EFT or enrollment fee applies.

    Court Time Rates

    Advance Reservations

    Non-prime hours: $22 per hour
    Prime hours: $26 per hour
    Guest Fee (non-pass holder): $6 per visit

    Reservations made less than 24 hours in advance

    Pass Holders Only (non-prime hours): $18 per hour
    Guest Fee (non-pass holder): $6 per visit
    Senior/Youth Program Participants: $14 per hour

    Senior Play (6 courts reserved for ages 62 and better)

    Pass and Non-pass Holders: $4 per player

    Monday to Thursday: 7 to 9 a.m.; Friday: 7 to 8:30 a.m.

    Pass and Non-pass Holders: $14 per hour (maximum of 3 hours)

    All other time slots

    Senior non-pass holders may only make reservations less than 24 hours in advance for this rate 

    Ball Machine

    Any Time of Day

    Pass Holders/Non-pass Holders: $5 per hour (in addition to court fee and applicable guest fee)

    Private Tennis Instruction

    Lessons range from $50 to $70 per hour

    Tennis Programs

    Tennis Lessons

    Vaughan Tennis Center offers lessons for all ages and abilities!

    QuickStart Tennis

    QuickStart Tennis is a new format to help children 10 and under learn to play tennis. Balls lower in compression are used to make it easier to hit and develop optimal swing patterns. Smaller courts and smaller rackets for little hands are used.

    Tennis Leagues

    Ladies Northern Illinois Traveling League

    The Northern Illinois Traveling Tennis League, established more than 20 years ago, practices once a week and plays matches on Thursdays or Fridays. Call 630-907-8067 for more information.

    Tennis Instructors

    Jim Bowers

    Areas of Specialty
    • Beginner to Advanced Level Junior Programs
    • Beginner to Advanced Level Adult Programs
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    Background
    • ITA and ITF Certified Tennis Professional
    • Won 5 national championships as head men’s and women’s tennis coach at College of DuPage
    • Two-time all-state player
    Teaching Style

    Each player learns differently, so I prefer to teach through activity instead of lecturing.  I prefer fast paced drills that focus on proper shot selection and court positioning.  As Confucious says, ‘I hear and I forget. I do and I understand.’ My teaching style is that of less talk and more doing.

    Brian Brooks

    Areas of Specialty
    • High School and Tournament Level Junior Programs
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
    • 30-plus years coaching at West Aurora High School
    • Member of West Aurora High School Hall of Fame
    • Illinois High School Tennis Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2004
    • Member of Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame
    • Assistant women’s coach at Northern Illinois University
    • Wilson Advisory Staff
    • Daughters Megan, Courtney and Shannon all played collegiate tennis at the Division I level.
    Teaching Style

    I give my students the most up-to-date instruction and training so they have every advantage in working to meet their goals. I love teaching and getting the most out of my students. Seeing them make progress and enjoying the game while they improve makes it very rewarding for all.

    Jim Kuntzi – Head Pro

    Areas of Specialty
    • Beginner to Tournament Level Junior Programs
    • Beginner to Advanced Level Adult Programs
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Men’s Open Drills
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
    • 40-plus years of teaching experience
    • Played on full scholarship at University of Illinois-Springfield
    • Tennis Director, Dunham Woods Riding Club, 2006-present
    • Instructed several players to IHSA state championship matches
    Teaching Style

    Since first picking up a racquet as a nine-year old, I have been a player, fan, teacher and promoter of the sport. There are many styles of players, and I believe each has to be equipped with the tools that best fit their physical and mental abilities.

    Raja Matthew

    Areas of Specialty
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Beginner to Intermediate adult Programs
    • Beginner to Advanced junior programs
    • Men’s Open Drills
    Background
    • Versatile teaching experience with all levels of play
    • Coached son (Vivek) to Top 10 National Junior Ranking
    Teaching Style

    I stress the fundamentals of the game and make it fun by teaching from a player’s perspective. Winning strategies are always traced back to good fundamentals. I care about the players and love to see them improve and have fun doing it.

    Jennifer McMullen

    Areas of Specialty
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Junior developmental and advanced program
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • Teaching tennis since 1998; Vaughan Tennis Center Professional since 2003
    • Head Coach of Waubonsee Community College’s women’s tennis team
    • Conference champion at Ferris State College
    Teaching Style

    Being a good tennis player requires commitment and hard work. It’s also important to have fun while learning, so I make each practice session/lesson enjoyable. It’s very rewarding to see students progress and grow, not only as players, but as people.

    Michael McWilliams

    Areas of Specialty
    • Quickstart to High School and Tournament Programs
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • USPTR Certified Tennis Professional
    • Teaching professionally since 1999
    • Head Pro/Tennis Director at Stonebridge Country Club
    • Long-time Aurora resident; Vaughan Athletic Center Professional since 2007
    Teaching Style

    I teach technique and consistency to create a championship type player while fostering a fun learning environment. It’s very rewarding to watch kids grow, learn and become highly ranked tennis players.

    Paul Pridmore

    Areas of Specialty
    • High School and Tournament Level Junior Programs
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • Teaching professional since 1999
    • Illinois high school state champion
    • Played No. 1 singles and doubles at University of Minnesota
    • Big 10 Conference singles champion
    • Professional tennis player for five years
    Teaching Style

    I strive to provide a fun learning environment that is conducive to students’ growth and development of their tennis skills. As a former competitive player, I truly enjoy sharing my passion and love for the game with students; it’s rewarding to see them improve.

    Sarah Marcoux

    Areas of Specialty
    • High School and Tournament Level Juniors
    • 10 & Under Tennis
    • Adult Levels
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • Coach at Rosary High School for 10 years – Varsity and JV
    • Coach at Waubonsie Valley High School for 3 years
    • ASEP (American Sports Education Program) Certified in Tennis
    • Women’s Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Winner in Singles and Doubles
    Teaching Style

    I provide a fun environment for all of my students. Being a teacher, I understand everyone learns differently and I strive to provide a positive, motivating and serious – but fun – learning experience. I want to bring out the best in all of my students!

    Jake Lipka

    Areas of Specialty
    • Quickstart Tennis
    • Junior Programs
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • I have been playing tennis for 10 years – starting in youth programs just like here at the Vaughan Center – and currently play collegiate tennis at Aurora University. I was named to the NACC All-Conference team in 2014, the All-Academic team in 2014 and 2015, and the All-Sportsmanship Team in 2015.
    Teaching Style

    I’m a firm believer that students benefit most from these programs when they are engaged. From Quickstart Tennis up to the Elite program, I like to keep my students active and alert. Keeping each student happy during the entirety of each session is of the high priority, especially young students. While they are here to learn tennis, having fun is of great importance, too. When conducted right, fun and progression go hand-in-hand.

    Jonathan Kerch

    Areas of Specialty
    • High Performance Juniors
    • Youth Programming and Special Events
    • Stringing
    Background
    • USPTA & USPTR Certified Tennis Professional
    • CARDIO Tennis Certified
    • B.A., Piedmont College; played tennis all 4 years
    • Coached High School state championship team in North Carolina
    Teaching Style

    I give my students the most up-to-date instruction and training so they have every advantage in working to meet their goals. I love teaching and getting the most out of my students. Seeing them make progress and enjoy the game while they improve makes it very rewarding for all.

    Jean Maren

    Areas of Specialty
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Women’s Pro Doubles
    Background
    • Vaughan Tennis Center professional since 2012
    • Played No. 1 Singles all four years at Augustana College
    • Conference champion as senior at Augustana
    • Tennis professional at Stonebridge Country Club since 2014
    • USTA NTRP rating of 5.0
    Teaching Style

    I enjoy interacting with other women who like being active and share a love for the game. I strive to make drills fun and competitive. It is rewarding to watch participants improve and compete each week.

    Natalie Van Blerk

    Areas of Specialty
    • Beginner USTA Quickstart to Elite Junior Level Programs
    • Beginner to Advanced Level Adult Programs
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
    • Ph.D (C) in Exercise Physiology – focus on USTA Quickstart program
    • Played four years full scholarship at Delta State University (Mississippi)
    • Assistant Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Delta State
    Teaching Style

    I believe tennis is a life-sport and can be used as a means of fitness or fun for all ages. Although good technique and hard work are the most essential aspects for improvement, fun is the most essential aspect for adherence. My teaching style encompasses my background knowledge and experience so different types of players can achieve their various goals, whether it is fitness, recreational or competitive based.

    Andrew Moment

    Areas of Specialty
    • 10-and-under to High School Development
    • Women’s Travel Teams
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • USPTR Certified Tennis Professional
    • Teaching professional since 2011
    • Played in Vaughan Elite Program as a junior;
    • Played No. 1 Doubles for Judson University
    • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education
    Teaching Style

    I have a passion for seeing players improve. I believe players improve best when in a positive environment and I tailor my style around that belief. I coach with enthusiasm and I am dedicated to developing and refining every player instruct.

    Robert Salerno III

    Areas of Specialty
    • 10-and-under Tennis
    • Junior Programs
    • Private Lessons
    Background
    • USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
    • Coach Youth Tennis Pathway Certified
    • Collegiate playing experience at Aurora University and Waubonsee Community College
    • NJCAA Academic Team of the Year in 2014 & 2015 at WCC
    Teaching Style

    I strive to create a light atmosphere for my students to enjoy and progress because, above all, it is important for these students to have fun but also become athletes along the way. I have an exceptional love for the game, and by trying to instill this in my students (while adapting my teaching style to better fit the needs of the every pupil), I believe each and every one can reach their full potential.

    Tennis Court Guidelines
    • Please check in at the front desk.
    • Players must wear appropriate tennis attire; only tennis shoes may be worn.
    • All court rules, regulations and courtesies shall be observed.
    • Private instructors are required to have written authorization from the park district to conduct lessons.
    • The park district reserves the right to ask players to leave if guidelines are not followed.
    • Courts may be reserved at the tennis desk or by calling 630-907-8067.

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