We truly believe in having the best people around us, and our coaches are no exception. We're confident you'll agree. If you're looking to take your game to the next level but aren't sure where to focus, we'd be happy to connect you with one of our experienced coaches. They can help you identify the specific skills you need to develop to see real improvement.
Kirk Fox
PPR Coach
With a lifelong passion for racket sports, Kirk began playing tennis at age 9, earning a USTA junior ranking, competing in the New York State High School Championships, and playing at the collegiate level. As a former USTA instructor, he has years of experience coaching players of all levels. In 2022, he discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game’s physical, mental, and social benefits. Dedicated to making learning both effective and enjoyable, Kirk focuses on helping players improve their skills, build confidence, and have fun on the court. Whether working with beginners or experienced players, he is committed to fostering a welcoming and engaging environment for all ages. His goal in lessons is to help you improve on the court and to have fun with all ages on the court!
Tonya Joly
PPR Coach
A lifelong multi-sport athlete, Tonya Joly has competed in basketball, volleyball, softball, and long-distance running, making her transition to pickleball in 2022 a natural fit. She instantly fell in love with the sport and its vibrant community. As a dedicated student of the game, Tonya understands that pickleball is not just about physical skill but also about strategic thinking and court awareness, which are key to success. Tonya’s competitive spirit, passion for teaching, and approachable coaching style allow her to break down the game in a fun and effective way. She enjoys teaching all aspects of pickleball but loves helping players perfect their drop shots and resets. Tonya works with a wide range of players, from beginners learning the basics to 3.5 players striving to reach the 4.0 level. In addition to coaching, she manages leagues and tournaments, leads group classes, and offers private and semi-private lessons, helping players elevate their game with a structured, strategic approach.
Michael Jesselson
PPR Coach
Michael Jesselson is a PPR Level 2 Certified Coach, bringing advanced training and instruction to players looking to elevate their game. He has a lifelong background in racquet sports, including tennis, racquetball, ping pong, beach tennis, and squash. After discovering pickleball just two years ago, Michael quickly made his mark in the Chicagoland scene through his deep knowledge, technical expertise, and passion for player development.
Astrude Escasa
Coach
Astrude Escasa is a lifelong athlete with a strong foundation in racquet sports, having been the #1 CPS female singles tennis player during her competitive years. Her passion for sports led her to explore golf and squash before discovering pickleball in 2017. Drawn to its fast-paced and strategic nature, she quickly developed a deep love for the game and transitioned into coaching in 2020. With years of experience teaching pickleball, Astrude focuses on fundamentals, footwork, and strategy, helping players of all levels refine their skills and elevate their game. Her multi-sport background allows her to bring a unique perspective to coaching, ensuring a structured yet engaging learning environment where players gain confidence and improve their overall performance.
Mark Petriko
PPR Coach
Mark Petriko — a longtime Skokie educator and retired physical education teacher from McCracken Middle School, where he taught and coached for over 30 years. With his infectious energy, decades of youth coaching experience, and a passion for helping kids thrive, Coach Mark brings a warm and encouraging presence to every class. He is equipped with foundational pickleball training and a strong commitment to teaching the game the right way—especially to beginners and younger players. Coach Mark’s classes are rooted in fun, fundamentals, and building confidence both on and off the court.
Patrick "Sully" Sullivan
PPR Coach
Patrick “Sully” Sullivan — a seasoned tennis professional with over 20 years of coaching experience and a well-respected name in the Chicagoland racquet sports community. Known for his approachable style and deep understanding of player development, Sully has dedicated his career to teaching and inspiring athletes of all ages. Now a PPR Certified Level 1 Coach, Sully is pivoting into the world of pickleball, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh enthusiasm for the sport. He’s excited to begin this new chapter at Pickledilly Skokie, where he’ll be applying his coaching foundation to help players build strong fundamentals and love the game from the start.
