Squeeze-ing in pickleball
New club in Burlington is helping to satisfy the demand for a wildly popular sport.
Pickleball has been exploding in growth across Canada, and is nearing 1.5 million players, according to Pickleball Canada. Women, in particular, have been flocking to the sport, with a recent increase of 50 per cent in the number of Canadian women players.
Jim Kotsopoulos recognized this demand as an opportunity and opened Squeeze Pickleball in Burlington at the beginning of 2025. I caught up with Kotsopoulos on the court to find out more.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up with a pickleball business.
I moved to Burlington from Toronto in 2001 and have been a proud Halton resident since. I have two great kids – Stephen, my son, and Alana, my daughter – and I'm fortunate to share my life with my partner Theresa. Professionally, I spent much of my career as an executive in finance, but like many people, life has a way of changing directions. About a year ago, I was downsized from my position, which sparked a new chapter in both my personal and professional life.
Why pickleball?
Theresa and I have always been active, and we both love to stay fit. I play in the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey League (BOHC) and coed three-pitch softball with Alana, while Theresa enjoys tennis. About a year ago, I started looking for an activity we could do together, and I stumbled across pickleball. I bought a couple of paddles for Christmas, thinking it would be something fun to try. But when I went to search for lessons, we couldn’t find any in the Burlington area. That’s when the idea hit me: maybe there’s an opportunity here. A year later, Squeeze Pickleball was born.
What makes Squeeze Pickleball different from other clubs in the area?
It’s the combination of our welcoming atmosphere and versatile facility. From the start, my motto has been to ensure that we are a club where everyone feels welcome, regardless of skill level. Pickleball is meant to be fun, social, and competitive – without any judgment. I hope to create an environment where people can laugh, meet new friends, and get some exercise. That’s truly what makes me proud to see in our members.
In terms of our facility, we’re not just a pickleball club. Batts Athletics (where Squeeze has its courts) has built a multi-use space with badminton courts, tennis, a full gym, hot yoga, Thai massage, and table tennis, plus a fully licensed bar on site. After a few games or classes, it’s nice to unwind, grab a drink, and chat with others in our community. We’re really trying to create a place where people can enjoy themselves and try out different activities – all in one location.
Why do you think pickleball has become so popular?
The sport is the perfect mix of fun, competitive play, and social interaction. It’s easy to pick up, but still challenging enough to keep players engaged. Whether you're new to the sport or have been playing for years, there’s always something new to learn, and the social aspect makes it incredibly appealing. It brings people together, and that’s exactly what we wanted to foster in our club.
Since I first started looking for a location, I’ve seen other pickleball clubs pop up in the area, and I’m excited to see how the sport is growing. It’s clear there’s an appetite for it in the community, and I’m proud to be part of that movement in Burlington.
Squeeze Pickleball is open to both non-members and members, with a variety of opportunities for social play, lessons, clinics and leagues. You can pick up a paddle at 1233 Dillon Rd, Burlington, and you can book a court at squeezepickleball.ca.
