Chanhassen – October 13, 2026 -- Amateur pickleball players can now compete for cash at Life Time clubs in four states. The company is expanding its LT Classic into a quarterly tournament series, with more than $20,000 in total prize money and registration open in the Life Time app.
The first tournament starts October 16 in California
The series opens at Life Time Rancho San Clemente on October 16 and then moves through Georgia, Illinois and Minnesota in October and November. Players from each host city, state and surrounding region will compete in divisions organized by skill level.
Every division pays out, and top prizes reach $2,000 or more
Each host club sets its own prize pool, with cash payouts in every division. Across all divisions, more than $20,000 will be awarded. Winners can also take home JOOLA paddles and gear plus other sponsor prizes, and most events include a registration gift, from Tyrol shoes to a Vooray bag.
Four clubs host the 2026 fall schedule
- Orange County Fall Classic: Life Time Rancho San Clemente, San Clemente, Calif., October 16-18
- Atlanta Fall Classic: Life Time Peachtree Corners, Peachtree Corners, Ga., October 21-25
- Chicago Fall Classic: Life Time North Shore Sport & Racquet, Northbrook, Ill., November 13-15 (home of PPA Chicago)
- Minneapolis Fall Classic: Life Time Lakeville, Lakeville, Minn., November 13-15
Players compete where PPA pros play
Under the theme "Play where the pros play," the events run at venues that host many PPA Pro and Challenger events. Matches use the LT Pro 48 ball, designed by Life Time Founder, Chairman and CEO Bahram Akradi and his team. It became the official ball of the PPA Tour in 2025 and of Major League Pickleball in 2026.
Life Time has expanded its pickleball courts, lessons, leagues, open play and tournaments since 2021. It now operates more than 960 permanent courts.
Ryan Brister, Life Time's Vice President of Racquet Sports, said the LT Classic gives amateurs the chance to "challenge themselves" in a setting built around the same ball the top pros use.