Andrew (Tinley Park)
Argo (Summit)
Capacity: 2,500
Frequent host of sectionals in the past few years, hosting many of Chicago's top teams. A great atmosphere for a game, with a stadium-like 360-degree seating arrangement. People walk from the top-down, so during the game no one is ever walking in front of you. Essentially people can come and go from their seats as they desire without disturbing other fans.
Capacity: 2,500
Frequent host of sectionals in the past few years, hosting many of Chicago's top teams. A great atmosphere for a game, with a stadium-like 360-degree seating arrangement. People walk from the top-down, so during the game no one is ever walking in front of you. Essentially people can come and go from their seats as they desire without disturbing other fans.
Bartlett
Barrington
Capacity: 2,550
Capacity: 2,550
Benet (Lisle)
Bloom (Chicago Heights)
Bogan (Chicago)
Bolingbrook
Bradley-Bourbonnais
Brooks (Chicago)
Capacity: 800
Notice the way the walls are painted. It shows someone really cared about how the gym looks. This is a new, well lit, comfortable gym.
Capacity: 800
Notice the way the walls are painted. It shows someone really cared about how the gym looks. This is a new, well lit, comfortable gym.
Brother Rice (Chicago)
Buffalo Grove
Carver (Chicago)
Christian Liberty (Arlington Heights)
This was the gym at the former Arlington HS which closed in 1984. One of the best in the Chicago area and unique with three levels if you look closely.
This was the gym at the former Arlington HS which closed in 1984. One of the best in the Chicago area and unique with three levels if you look closely.
Clemente (Chicago)
Collins (Chicago)
Also the home court for North Lawndale
Also the home court for North Lawndale
Conant (Hoffman Estates)
Corliss (Chicago)
Crystal Lake Central
It is difficult to explain what makes this gym one of the best. It is perfectly built - old school. The dimensions and decorations are easy on the eyes, the acoustics were not too loud, the track above gives depth, the lighting is bright, and the people are friendly. This gym has an amazing ability to feel both full but not too crowded, creating an unbelievably perfect atmosphere.
It is difficult to explain what makes this gym one of the best. It is perfectly built - old school. The dimensions and decorations are easy on the eyes, the acoustics were not too loud, the track above gives depth, the lighting is bright, and the people are friendly. This gym has an amazing ability to feel both full but not too crowded, creating an unbelievably perfect atmosphere.
Crystal Lake South
DePaul Wintrust Arena (Chicago)
Capacity: 10,387
New arena opened in 2017. The stadium is built with a significant amount of windows to provide a sense of openness. Unlike most stadium bowls, this one is not dug out and built into the ground. The main locker rooms are circular, apparently a very rare design. Depending on where you sit, you will find a wide selection of different types of seats.
Capacity: 10,387
New arena opened in 2017. The stadium is built with a significant amount of windows to provide a sense of openness. Unlike most stadium bowls, this one is not dug out and built into the ground. The main locker rooms are circular, apparently a very rare design. Depending on where you sit, you will find a wide selection of different types of seats.
Downers Grove North
Eisenhower (Blue Island)
Elgin (Elgin)
Capacity: 3,500
Capacity: 3,500
Evanston
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Farragut (Chicago)
Capacity: 1,050
There are two huge murals (photos above), one on each side of the gym. One is of Kevin Garnett and the other is of Ronnie Fields.
Also included above is the old Farragut gym which was in use until the late 1970's.
Capacity: 1,050
There are two huge murals (photos above), one on each side of the gym. One is of Kevin Garnett and the other is of Ronnie Fields.
Also included above is the old Farragut gym which was in use until the late 1970's.
Fenton (Bensenville)
Fenwick (Oak Park)
Current gym in the first two pictures.
The original gym (directly above, circa 1929). Remodeled but still with the same golden atmosphere. Used for lower level games and practice.
It's where I got hooked on high school basketball in grade school. Jammed packed crowds on cold winter Friday nights watching intense Catholic League games.
Current gym in the first two pictures.
The original gym (directly above, circa 1929). Remodeled but still with the same golden atmosphere. Used for lower level games and practice.
It's where I got hooked on high school basketball in grade school. Jammed packed crowds on cold winter Friday nights watching intense Catholic League games.
Fosco Park (Chicago)
Home court for Urban Prep-West
Home court for Urban Prep-West
Gardner-South Wilmington
Geneva
Geneva (Olson Gym)
Glenbard East (Lombard)
Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn)
Capacity: 1,760
The ceiling was made entirely of wood. This gave the gym quite a comforting feel.
Capacity: 1,760
The ceiling was made entirely of wood. This gave the gym quite a comforting feel.
Glenbrook South (Glen View)
Gordon Tech (Chicago)
The 4-sided scoreboard in the center of the gym is rare. Even more rare is one that is high quality and looks flush with the gym.
This is the current site of DePaul Prep.
The 4-sided scoreboard in the center of the gym is rare. Even more rare is one that is high quality and looks flush with the gym.
This is the current site of DePaul Prep.
Grant (Fox Lake)
Capacity: 2,400
Capacity: 2,400
Grayslake North
Hales Franciscan (Chicago)
Also the homecourt for Johnson of the Noble League
Also the homecourt for Johnson of the Noble League
Harvest Christian (Elgin)
Hillcrest (Country Club Hills)
Hinckley-Big Rock
Hinsdale Adventist
Hinsdale Central
We're not sure if the red cloths on the ceiling are for sound or decoration, but we like them. Also, a very young Jabari Parker can be seen in the photo.
We're not sure if the red cloths on the ceiling are for sound or decoration, but we like them. Also, a very young Jabari Parker can be seen in the photo.
Hinsdale South
Holy Trinity (Chicago)
Homan Square Park (Chicago)
Capacity: 300
Current home court for DRW Prep of the Noble League.
This was the home gym for Powerhouse High School. We noticed one of the doors had written on it, "NO FOOD OR DRINK. NO DUNKING." This was very ironic at the time because Young was playing Powerhouse, and the Young players had thrown at least a dozen hard dunks before halftime.
Capacity: 300
Current home court for DRW Prep of the Noble League.
This was the home gym for Powerhouse High School. We noticed one of the doors had written on it, "NO FOOD OR DRINK. NO DUNKING." This was very ironic at the time because Young was playing Powerhouse, and the Young players had thrown at least a dozen hard dunks before halftime.
Homewood-Flossmoor (Flossmoor)
Capacity: 2,040
This was a nicely built gym, nothing too unique.
Capacity: 2,040
This was a nicely built gym, nothing too unique.
House of Hope (Chicago)
Capacity: 10,000
This is typically a church, but they often have other events during the week. There was only one small scoreboard (seen in the picture) which was difficult for players to see. It also changed colors: winning team green, losing team red, tie game orange. The floor was made of a plastic/rubber composite which was apparently very slippery for the players.
Capacity: 10,000
This is typically a church, but they often have other events during the week. There was only one small scoreboard (seen in the picture) which was difficult for players to see. It also changed colors: winning team green, losing team red, tie game orange. The floor was made of a plastic/rubber composite which was apparently very slippery for the players.
Hubbard (Chicago)
Hyde Park (Chicago)
Capacity: 850
Capacity: 850
Illinois Math & Science (Aurora)
Indian Creek (Shabbona)
Islamic Foundation (Villa Park)
Joliet Central (Joliet)
Capacity: 4,500
This is Michael O'Brien's favorite gym, probably because he went there. According to Michael, it can hold up to 6,000 (our capacity is based on the number of seats). It is also known as "The Barn". There is a small track in the rafters that is almost invisible. My guess is that it cannot be longer than 125 meters. The gym in general is extremely long from end to end.
Capacity: 4,500
This is Michael O'Brien's favorite gym, probably because he went there. According to Michael, it can hold up to 6,000 (our capacity is based on the number of seats). It is also known as "The Barn". There is a small track in the rafters that is almost invisible. My guess is that it cannot be longer than 125 meters. The gym in general is extremely long from end to end.
Joliet West (Joliet)
Capacity: 2,200
Capacity: 2,200
Kaneland (Maple Park)
Kenwood (Chicago)
Capacity: 660
This gym was brand new and one of the nicest public league gyms I have ever visited. Funding for the gym was provided by Nazr Mohammed formerly of the Chicago Bulls, who played at Kenwood. A rare treat for photographers; the area underneath and around the hoop was brighter than the surrounding court. This is opposite of typical gym lighting and helps make the players stand out in pictures.
Capacity: 660
This gym was brand new and one of the nicest public league gyms I have ever visited. Funding for the gym was provided by Nazr Mohammed formerly of the Chicago Bulls, who played at Kenwood. A rare treat for photographers; the area underneath and around the hoop was brighter than the surrounding court. This is opposite of typical gym lighting and helps make the players stand out in pictures.
Lake Forest
Capacity: 2,000
The school's architecture was impressive. Their parking lot was bricked.
Capacity: 2,000
The school's architecture was impressive. Their parking lot was bricked.
Lake Park (Roselle)
Lake Zurich
Lane Tech (Chicago)
Capacity: 750
The gym lies on the second floor, in the center of the school. Unlike entering a normal gym, spectators go through a side door, down a long hallway, and up a set of stairs. Once you're in the gym, Lane provides a great atmosphere for watching games.
Capacity: 750
The gym lies on the second floor, in the center of the school. Unlike entering a normal gym, spectators go through a side door, down a long hallway, and up a set of stairs. Once you're in the gym, Lane provides a great atmosphere for watching games.
Larkin (Elgin)
Capacity: 2,200
Capacity: 2,200
Legal Prep (Chicago)
Capacity: 300
Capacity: 300
Leland
Lemont
Leo (Chicago)
Libertyville
Capacity: 2,200
Capacity: 2,200
Lincoln-Way Central (New Lenox)
Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort)
Lincoln-Way West (New Lenox)
Loyola (Wilmette)
Lyons (LaGrange)
Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights)
Capacity: 1,910
Large bleachers cover all four sides of the court. This is a phenomenal setting to watch a close game with a full crowd.
Capacity: 1,910
Large bleachers cover all four sides of the court. This is a phenomenal setting to watch a close game with a full crowd.
Maine East (Park Ridge)
Mansueto (Chicago)
Marist (Chicago)
Marquette Manor (Downers Grove)
Marshall (Chicago)
Absolutely one of the best gyms in the Chicago area and one of my favorites. Check the top photo where you can see the downtown Chicago skyline.
Absolutely one of the best gyms in the Chicago area and one of my favorites. Check the top photo where you can see the downtown Chicago skyline.
Metea Valley (Aurora)
Montini (Lombard)
Mooseheart (Batavia)
Capacity: 1,900
Although this gym is the size of a field house, the only part of the floor that's intended to be used for athletic activities is the actually gym floor in between the baskets.
Capacity: 1,900
Although this gym is the size of a field house, the only part of the floor that's intended to be used for athletic activities is the actually gym floor in between the baskets.
Morgan Park (Chicago)
Capacity: 275
Capacity: 275
Morris
Morton (Cicero)
Mundelein
Naperville North
Navy Pier Ballroom (Chicago)
Capacity: 1500
This venue was the site of a three-game Jordan Brand event held Thanksgiving weekend in 2018.
Capacity: 1500
This venue was the site of a three-game Jordan Brand event held Thanksgiving weekend in 2018.
Neuqua Valley (Naperville)
New Trier (Winnetka)
Newark
Niles North (Skokie)
Niles West (Skokie)
Northridge Prep (Niles)
Capacity: 800
Small but energy-packed gym, nicknamed "The Dungeon". Since 2005, Northridge has hosted The "Battle at the Ridge" Thanksgiving Tournament. (Picture directly above and info provided by athletic director Will Rey).
Capacity: 800
Small but energy-packed gym, nicknamed "The Dungeon". Since 2005, Northridge has hosted The "Battle at the Ridge" Thanksgiving Tournament. (Picture directly above and info provided by athletic director Will Rey).
Notre Dame (Niles)
Capacity: 1,970 | The ceiling is curved downward towards the court. This gym is built into the ground like a basement or true stadium. Spectators enter at the height of the balcony (seen on the right of the first photo).
Capacity: 1,970 | The ceiling is curved downward towards the court. This gym is built into the ground like a basement or true stadium. Spectators enter at the height of the balcony (seen on the right of the first photo).
Oak Forest
Capacity: 1250.
Oak Forest opened in 1971, yet the gym has an old time feel with the wooden bleachers and the columns on the visitors side.
Capacity: 1250.
Oak Forest opened in 1971, yet the gym has an old time feel with the wooden bleachers and the columns on the visitors side.
Oak Park-River Forest (Oak Park)
Orr (Chicago)
Oswego
Oswego East
Palatine
Payton (Chicago)
Capacity: 165 | Despite being a tiny second floor gym, they have both a trapeze set and a rock-climbing wall.
This is the old gym, since replaced by a new, larger one.
Capacity: 165 | Despite being a tiny second floor gym, they have both a trapeze set and a rock-climbing wall.
This is the old gym, since replaced by a new, larger one.
Peoria Civic Center (Peoria)
Capacity: 11,442 | Home of the Illinois boys high school basketball state championship since 1995. During the state tournament they turn the exhibition hall into a basketball carnival. Although this is technically named "The Experience," we at HSBBALL like to call this the "Fun House" The press room is under the stands in a dark storage area which many refer to as "The Cave."
Capacity: 11,442 | Home of the Illinois boys high school basketball state championship since 1995. During the state tournament they turn the exhibition hall into a basketball carnival. Although this is technically named "The Experience," we at HSBBALL like to call this the "Fun House" The press room is under the stands in a dark storage area which many refer to as "The Cave."
Pontiac
Capacity: 3,500 | Home of the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. For many media members, it is one of the favorite events of the year. The gym is a little dark, virtually no cell phone reception, it's far away, there are no stairs on the bleachers, and you can only enter/exit the gym during time outs or between games. What makes the tournament such a treat is the people who run it. Everything is always exactly on time, there is an amazing hospitality room, there is not hassle with security, and everyone always greets you with a smile.
This photo was provided to the tournament chairman and hangs in the tournament historical display case in the lobby.
Capacity: 3,500 | Home of the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. For many media members, it is one of the favorite events of the year. The gym is a little dark, virtually no cell phone reception, it's far away, there are no stairs on the bleachers, and you can only enter/exit the gym during time outs or between games. What makes the tournament such a treat is the people who run it. Everything is always exactly on time, there is an amazing hospitality room, there is not hassle with security, and everyone always greets you with a smile.
This photo was provided to the tournament chairman and hangs in the tournament historical display case in the lobby.
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
Prospect (Mt. Prospect)
Providence (New Lenox)
Capacity: 1,320 | The gym floor was wood, but just about a foot from the out of bounds line the floor turned to tile.
Capacity: 1,320 | The gym floor was wood, but just about a foot from the out of bounds line the floor turned to tile.
Providence - St. Mel (Chicago)
Capacity: 400 | Where to begin? This gym is located on the 4th floor of the school (5th floor for seating). School staff will even direct you to the elevator for the trip upstairs. It was difficult to sit on the gym floor to shoot game photos because there was such little room on all four sides of the court. Incredibly loud when full due to tight, thick walls.
Capacity: 400 | Where to begin? This gym is located on the 4th floor of the school (5th floor for seating). School staff will even direct you to the elevator for the trip upstairs. It was difficult to sit on the gym floor to shoot game photos because there was such little room on all four sides of the court. Incredibly loud when full due to tight, thick walls.
Proviso West (Hillside)
Capacity: 2,130 | Very unique to a high school gym; the lower section bleachers are actually separate seats, quite a luxury. The bright orange glow from the lights (recently replaced) made this environment a nightmare for photographers.
Capacity: 2,130 | Very unique to a high school gym; the lower section bleachers are actually separate seats, quite a luxury. The bright orange glow from the lights (recently replaced) made this environment a nightmare for photographers.
Quentin Road Christian (Lake Zurich)
Quest Multisport (Chicago)
Current home court for Hope Academy.
Current home court for Hope Academy.
Rich East (Park Forest)
Ridgewood (Norridge)
Rochelle
Rolling Meadows
Rowe-Clark (Chicago)
Sandwich
Schaumburg Christian (Schaumburg)
Senn (Chicago)
Simeon (Chicago)
Ironically, with such a great team Simeon does not play many home games here. A great old gym with bleachers on three sides and a balcony on one. Lot's of history in the hallway including pictures of legendary coach Robert Hambric, and players Jabari Parker, Derrick Rose and Ben Wilson.
Somonauk
South Elgin
South Shore (Chicago)
St. Benedict (Chicago)
St. Charles East
St. Charles North
St. Edward (Elgin)
Capacity: 485
The gym opened in 1951. Old of the oldest and loudest gyms when full because of its size and construction.
The locker rooms are under the gym and the players have to walk up two flights of stairs to get to the gym floor.
Capacity: 485
The gym opened in 1951. Old of the oldest and loudest gyms when full because of its size and construction.
The locker rooms are under the gym and the players have to walk up two flights of stairs to get to the gym floor.
St. Francis (Wheaton)
St. Ignatius (Chicago)
St. Joseph (Westchester)
In the picture directly above, legendary coach Gene Pingatore can be seen in the black suit and red tie to the right of the jump ball.
"Ping" passed away in June, 2019, at age 82, as the winningest coach in Illinois HS boys basketball history with 1,035 career victories. He was still the head coach at St. Joseph at the time of his passing, even coaching in a summer league tournament just days earlier, and had been the coach for 50 seasons.
In the picture directly above, legendary coach Gene Pingatore can be seen in the black suit and red tie to the right of the jump ball.
"Ping" passed away in June, 2019, at age 82, as the winningest coach in Illinois HS boys basketball history with 1,035 career victories. He was still the head coach at St. Joseph at the time of his passing, even coaching in a summer league tournament just days earlier, and had been the coach for 50 seasons.
St. Patrick (Chicago)
St. Rita (Chicago)
St. Viator (Arlington Heights)
Stagg (Palos Hills)
Thornton (Harvey)
Thornton Fractional North (Calumet City)
Timothy Christian (Elmhurst)
Universal (Bridgeview)
University High (Chicago)
University of Illinois - Chicago
Walther Christian (Melrose Park)
Waukegan
Capacity: 3,250
Waukegan's east gym, aka the "Dog Pound," is one of the oldest and most historic gyms in the area. It was recently refreshed with a new floor and other updates.
Capacity: 3,250
Waukegan's east gym, aka the "Dog Pound," is one of the oldest and most historic gyms in the area. It was recently refreshed with a new floor and other updates.
Wells (Chicago)
West Aurora
Westinghouse (Chicago)
Westmont
Wheaton-Warrenville South (Wheaton)
Wheeling
Whitney Young (Chicago)
Capacity: 1,320
Capacity: 1,320
Willowbrook (Villa Park)
York (Elmhurst)
Zion-Benton (Zion)
Capacity: 2,410
Capacity: 2,410