How ACE Pickleball Club Is Building Community in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla.—A new indoor pickleball club in Fort Myers is giving players a place to stay active and connected year-round. ACE Pickleball Club is turning pickleball into a full-on community sport, and you do not need to be a pro to belong.

The indoor pickleball club opened in June and already feels like a second home to many players. Inside, there are 12 full courts plus two warm-up or dinking courts, all under one roof. That means no blazing sun, no surprise rainstorms, and no canceling plans.

General manager Camryn White says that’s why this club is perfect for Florida, “Over the summer it gets so hot. Sometimes it rains here, or it’s just not a good day outside. Here at our club, it’s always a good time to play pickleball,” she said.

Mornings can get busy, especially with regulars who wouldn't miss it for the world, but the schedule stays packed all day with clinics and events for every level, from first-timers to competitive players. There are beginner clinics, round robins, mixed doubles, and even themed nights like glow-in-the-dark pickleball parties. 

What makes the place stand out is the people. A lot of the staff don’t just work here. They play here too. Everett Hill coaches and competes, and he loves helping new players get comfortable on the court.

For offense, Hill recommends starting with a drop shot. “It’s a soft shot, so it gives you more time to come up to the front,” he said.

For defense, he says posture is everything. “You have to stay low and compact. Plant your feet so your weight is evenly distributed. You want a solid base so you can absorb the power of your opponent’s shot.”

For some players, ACE is more than a gym. It’s a launchpad. Jenna Vlach is training with the goal of going pro and says the atmosphere keeps her motivated. “I was tired of working the traditional 9 to 5 and decided I was going to try and go pro. I feel like I’ve found a community here. The staff always welcomes me in and cheers me on; there's nothing like it."

At the facility, competitive players can take part in the APC Championship Series, a tournament that brings top talent from across Southwest Florida to Fort Myers. The series gives players of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors, a chance to compete locally and work their way up. Winners at the local level qualify for national tournaments, where top finishers can earn up to $125,000 in prize money.

If you want to try it out there, the club offers memberships and drop-in options, so you can test the waters with a paddle in your hand. The ACE Pickleball Club is located at 2501 Alessio Drive in Fort Myers.

Whether you’re chasing competition, looking for a workout that’s actually fun, or just hoping to meet new people, ACE Pickleball Club is proving that pickleball is not just a game. It’s a place to belong.