Chicago North Shore Volleyball

If you live in Northbrook, Deerfield, Bannockburn, Highland Park, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Long Grove, or the surrounding suburbs, you’ve probably heard about “club volleyball” and wondered if it’s worth the time, cost, and drive. Club volleyball is a paid, competitive program that runs outside the school season, with trained coaches, structured practices, uniforms, and weekend tournaments.

Below is a straightforward look at who it’s for, what a season feels like, and why many North Shore families decide the drive-time is worth it.

Our club trains athletes from across Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Bannockburn, Highland Park, Highwood, Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Wheeling, Glenview, Glencoe, Northfield, Long Grove, Prospect Heights, Mount Prospect, Green Oaks, Mundelein, Winnetka, and neighboring communities.

Athletes typically join us between 3rd and 12th grade, with most competitive “club” teams built in the 12U–18U age ranges (roughly 5th–12th grade). Players come from a mix of public and private schools, and many also play for their school teams in the fall before transitioning into club season.

Across the U.S., most clubs organize teams by “U” age groups that align with school grade levels.

• 10U–12U: Introductory club years, usually 4th–6th grade.
• 13U–14U: Core middle school years; some travel, more structured training.
• 15U–18U: High-school athletes, often with a focus on varsity roles and, for some, college opportunities.

Tryouts in Illinois typically happen in the mid to late summer or fall before the club season starts, with set windows dictated by regional volleyball rules. Athletes attend a 1–3 day evaluation where coaches run skill, position, and game-play drills, then offers are made for specific age groups and team levels (for example, national, regional, or local travel).

Club volleyball is usually a several-month commitment that sits on top of school and family schedules.

• Practices:
• 2–3 practices per week, 1.5–2.5 hours each, in a dedicated volleyball training environment.
• Sessions focus on skill work (serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking), game systems, and competitive drills.
• Tournaments:
• Weekend events ranging from local one-day tournaments to multi-day events that may include hotel stays and out-of-town travel, depending on age and team level.
• Younger or local-focus teams may stay primarily in the Chicago area; older or higher-level teams may travel regionally or to national qualifiers.

For families in Northbrook, Deerfield, Bannockburn, Highland Park, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, and nearby suburbs, this often means a consistent weekly rhythm: evening practices plus 1–2 tournament weekends per month during the core season.

Club volleyball is an investment. National surveys and regional guides often show total club-season fees (not including travel)ranging from $1800-6,000 and up, depending on age, travel level, and what’s included.

Typical costs help cover: (Revolution is all in one cost, some clubs charge tuition plus other charges)

• Trained coaching staff and director oversight.
• Practice court time and equipment.
• Tournament entry fees.
• Uniforms and gear package
• Administrative support, scheduling, and communication tools.

Families also budget for travel: gas, hotel stays for out-of-town tournaments, and meals. While exact numbers vary by club and team, understanding that there are two buckets—club fees and travel costs—helps families plan realistically.

Highland Park

Highwood

Riverwoods

Northbrook

Winnetka

Lincolnshire

Lake Forest

Wilmette

Evanston

Niles

Arlington Heights

Buffalo Grove

Vernon Hills

Wheeling

Glencoe

Northfield

Lake Bluff

Glenview

Long Grove

Prospect Heights

Mount Prospect

Libertyville

Knollwood

Green Oaks

Mundelein

North Chicago

Grayslake and similar suburbs