Mentorship
Wellness
Culture
Who We Are On And Off Court
Different Strokes Pickleball Group, LLC is a Chicago-area pickleball coaching and mentoring community that blends sport, connection, and healing. Founded in 2023 by long-sober, Black-owned leader Mario Bates, our group pairs USA Pickleball aligned coaching with real-life mentoring. We welcome kids, teens, adults, and seniors into a funky, down-to-earth space where movement, conversation, and encouragement matter just as much as winning points on the court.
The Values Shaping Every Session
Our work is grounded in a few simple promises. We put people before performance, and we treat every player with patience and respect. We believe that structure, consistent movement, and honest conversation can change lives. On our courts, seniors find friendship, youth find guidance, and families find common ground. Coaching time always includes encouragement, listening, and small life lessons woven naturally into drills, games, and laughs.
A Court For Everyone
We live our motto, "All Ages. All Levels. Different Strokes." Seniors, youth, beginners, and seasoned players share space, stories, and high-fives. Sessions are paced so new players never feel rushed, and returning players stay challenged and engaged. The result is a relaxed, upbeat vibe where people can heal from isolation, build confidence, and enjoy a healthier rhythm in life through simple, consistent time on the pickleball court.
Stronger Communities
create inclusive communities where people of all ages connect, grow, and thrive through pickleball, mentorship, and wellness while inspiring future leaders and expanding opportunities across underserved communities.
Creating Opportunities
Different Strokes Pickleball Group uses pickleball to promote mentorship, healthy lifestyles, skill development, and community engagement through coaching, youth programs, senior activities, tournaments, and coach development opportunities.
Mario Bates
Mario Bates, our founder and head coach, built Different Strokes Pickleball Group, LLC on the same grit that helped him maintain over 30 years of sobriety. He knows what it feels like to start over, and he brings that same patience and structure to every lesson. Mario blends USA Pickleball aligned coaching with real talk about discipline, hope, and healthy living. Seniors appreciate his calm, steady style, and youth respond to his honesty and sense of humor. Whether he is breaking down a serve or checking in about life off the court, Mario's goal is simple, he wants every person to feel safe, seen, and capable of more than they thought possible.
Community
We use pickleball as a bridge that connects generations, neighbors, and stories through shared play.
Resilience
Mario's long-term recovery reminds us that discipline, movement, and hope can slowly rebuild lives.
Inclusion
All ages and skill levels are welcomed fully, and every player's starting point is honored.