Our Story

Our Story Starts Here

In April 1986, Steve Wild, the owner/president of what is now the LifeSport Athletic Clubs, saw immense potential in the rundown Libertyville Racket Club. Determined to revive the facility for individual players and the surrounding community, Steve acquired the club and renamed it the Libertyville Tennis Club. By introducing his nationally recognized junior tennis programs, that eventually produced two players in the world's top 100 on the ATP and WTA tennis tours. Steve transformed the club into a thriving establishment, making it profitable within a few short years.

By 1995, Steve expanded the club's offerings, turning it into the Libertyville Tennis & Fitness Club with the addition of a state-of-the-art fitness center. The major rennovation marked the beginning of a new era. The mission was clear: to develop full-time tennis players and lifelong fitness enthusiasts.

The success in Libertyville set the stage for further expansion. In 1998, LifeSport extended its reach into Wisconsin with the acquisition of the Kenosha and Racine Tennis Clubs. The growth continued in 2005 with the purchase of the Lincolnshire Bath and Racquet Club, which offered indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a fitness center.

The clubs were eventually rebranded as LifeSport Athletic Clubs. Under this new identity, LifeSport became the areas premier tennis and fitness club provider. Continuing its mission and a tradition of innovation and community service, LifeSport launched a new division in 2022: LifeSport Management, which provides tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball programming to local park districts and country clubs, in addition to consulting/management services.

LifeSport's dedication to excellence and growth is set to reach new heights in July 2024 with the opening of its first dedicated Pickleball Club, featuring five cushioned indoor pickleball courts. From a single struggling club to a regional leader in fitness and racket sports programming, LifeSport's story is one of vision, hard work, and a commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for all.

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