May is National Tennis Month, and if you needed one more reason to finally sign up for that league, dust off your racket, or find a hitting partner near you, this is it. Tennis is one of those rare sports that rewards you on every level: physically, mentally, and socially. And there is no better time to celebrate that than right now.
At Gladiator Tennis, we believe in making tennis more accessible and fun for everyone. That's why this month we're highlighting some of the best events, resources, and opportunities happening across our regions to help every player, from beginners to seasoned competitors, get more out of the game they love.
Why Tennis Deserves Its Own Month
Before we get into what's happening on the court, it's worth pausing on why tennis is worth celebrating in the first place. Study after study has pointed to tennis as one of the healthiest sports a person can play, and not just for the obvious reasons.
Unlike many high-impact sports, tennis is something you can play competitively well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. It combines cardiovascular endurance, explosive bursts of speed, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking all in a single match. The mental engagement required to play tennis – reading your opponent, adjusting your game plan, staying composed under pressure – means your brain is working just as hard as your body.
Beyond the physical benefits, research has consistently linked regular tennis play to lower stress levels, stronger social connections, and a greater sense of community. It is not just exercise. It is one of the best things you can do for your overall wellbeing, and National Tennis Month is the perfect reminder to prioritize it.
What's Happening in Our Regions This May
All Regions
The Gauntlet Hitting Partner Finder
One of the biggest barriers to playing more tennis is simply finding someone to hit with. That is exactly what the Gauntlet Hitting Partner Finder was built to solve. For just $49 for six months, you get unlimited connections with local hitting partners near you — no league commitment required, no rigid scheduling, just more time on the court whenever you want it.
For players who want to sharpen their game between league matches, prepare for a new season, or simply get more court time without the structure of a full league, the Gauntlet Hitting Partner Finder is one of the most valuable tools available. National Tennis Month is the perfect time to try it.
The Court Finder Tool
Not sure where to play near you? Gladiator Tennis recently launched a Court Finder tool on our website that makes it easy to discover tennis courts in your area. Head to your region's home page at GladiatorTennis.com, search your location, and find the courts closest to you in seconds. No more guessing, no more driving around — just more tennis.
Gladiator Tennis Leagues Open for Registration
If there is one thing that will make you play more tennis this year, it is joining a Gladiator Tennis league. Our flex league format gives you 5–7 UTR and WTN integrated matches per season against skill-matched opponents right in your area — all scheduled around your availability. Singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior leagues are all available, with seasons running year-round across every region we serve.
National Tennis Month is the ideal time to commit to a full season of competitive play. Registration is open right now — and spots fill up fast.
Free Tennis Workshop with Coach Ben Wolfe
If your backhand has been letting you down — or you just want to hit harder without working harder — Coach Ben Wolfe is hosting a free tennis workshop on May 19 at 7:00 PM CST and it is one of the best no-cost coaching resources available to players right now. Ben covers the mechanics of a more powerful and consistent backhand using real, practical coaching techniques that players at every level can apply immediately. The best part? It is completely free. Visit coachbenwolfe.com/freetennisworkshop to claim your spot and take your game to the next level.
Florida Regions
Gladiator Tennis Florida Playoffs, May 17 at Tropical Park
One of the most exciting events on the Gladiator Tennis calendar this National Tennis Month is the Florida Playoffs, happening May 17 at Tropical Park. The best Gladiator players in Florida will be competing for the championship in a day of high-level, competitive flex tennis that is worth coming out to see. Whether you have qualified and are ready to compete or want to bring friends and family out for a great day of tennis, this is an event you do not want to miss. Qualified players should keep an eye on your inbox for details. Everyone else, come on out and cheer on your fellow Gladiators. More information is coming soon.
Midwest Regions
St. Louis On-Court Clinics with Brian Kirk
Good Vibes Tennis Academy Summer Tennis Clinics provide specific drills & strategies to help improve your tennis game. Led by Tennis Pro’s Brian Kirk and Mark Zolman, clinics will focus on a couple of different skills per week along with game play with feedback. Email Brian at coachbkirk@gmail.com for more details and to sign up.
Toss & Spin Free Women’s Event May 16 MIDWEST
Body by MJ is teaming up with Toss & Spin to bring women a free flow day of pickleball, tennis, expert coaching, and a mix of vendors: matcha, mocktails, jewelry, tru fru, perfume and more. Paddles and rackets provided! Check in at 11:30. Play 12-2.
The Sport house 1301 E. 47th St. Chicago, IL 60653. Register here.
Gladiator Strings Attached Deal
To celebrate National Tennis Month, Strings Attached and Gladiator Tennis are teaming up to fuel your game all May long! Throughout the month, all Gladiators will receive a complimentary overgrip to keep their rackets in peak condition. To further gear you up for the season, we are offering an exclusive 10% discount on all professional stringing services and pro-shop merchandise (with the exception of tennis balls). Whether you need a fresh hybrid setup or new gear for the court, stop by this May to take advantage of these perks and celebrate our tennis community!
USTA Northern Illinois Men's Open Prize Money Tennis Tournament
Get ready for elite-level competition as top players from across the region compete for prize money at the First Annual Northern Illinois Men’s Open. Singles and Doubles draws available.
USTA Chicago - Help the youth
Help bring the youth tennis license plate decal to Illinois roads. Every license plate decal sold directly funds nonprofit tennis programs across the state, giving children of all backgrounds the chance to thrive both on and off the court. With just a $25 commitment today, you can help bring this plate to life and open the door to healthier, brighter futures for thousands of Illinois youth. Learn more here.
Make This Your Best Tennis Month Yet
National Tennis Month only comes around once a year, but the habits you build this May can carry you through the rest of 2026 and beyond. Whether you are attending a clinic with Brian Kirk, joining Ben Wolfe's free forehand webinar, finding a hitting partner through the Gauntlet, or finally signing up for the Gladiator Tennis league you have been thinking about, this is the month to make it happen.
Tennis is the healthiest sport you can play. Gladiator Tennis makes it easier than ever to play more of it.
Ready to celebrate National Tennis Month the right way? Visit GladiatorTennis.com to find a league near you, explore the Court Finder tool, and discover everything happening in your region this May. Your best tennis season starts now.
Gladiator Tennis offers competitive adult flex tennis leagues across Chicagoland, St. Louis, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Delray, West Palm Beach, Milwaukee, and Denver — with new regions launching soon. Registration is open now for all 2026 seasons.
