Squash World Championships bring top players and global spotlight to Chicago

‘Dream big’: Squash World Championships bring spotlight to Chicago

Top-ranked squash players are battling in Chicago this week for a $1M prize. Here’s what you need to know.

CHICAGO - Chicago is hosting the world’s best squash players this week, as the Professional Squash Association’s World Championships unfold at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness.

From the first serve to the final showdown—the wall-to-wall action is captivating crowds!

What we know:

The high-stakes tournament features 128 athletes—64 men and 64 women— from around the globe, who are facing off in their respective divisions. In addition to chasing the championship title, they are also competing for more than $1 million in prize money, collectively.

It marks the fourth time the PSA has brought the Squash World Championships to the Windy City; however, it is the first time matches are being played at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness downtown. The tournament has previously been held at Union Station (2019 and 2023) and the University Club of Chicago (2021).

The early rounds of this year’s event were held over the weekend at the University Club but shifted to Lakeshore Sport & Fitness on Monday, where a spectacular glass court was constructed over two days.

"It’s obviously our showpiece for our event and this one travels around the U.S.," said Lee Beachill, PSA chief operating officer.

Beachill is a former World No.1 squash player himself and speaks to the talent at play.

"They're coming from all over the world, squash is truly a global sport and this is the pinnacle," Beachill said.

Among the top athletes competing is Mostafa Asal, the current No. 1 men’s player in the world, known as "The Raging Bull" for his aggressive and often polarizing style of play.

"Hopefully the crowd will be entertained this week," said Asal.

Asal has competed in Chicago in the past, and shares that the city has always been a welcoming one.

"It’s amazing, it’s one of the lovely cities," Asal said. "Still on a strict diet as well, but hopefully after the tournament, going to go for the biggest, maybe pizza or something."

As players battle to squash the competition, all eyes look toward Saturday's finals.

U.S. athlete Olivia Weaver, originally from Philadelphia, is sharing advice with the next generation of stars watching from the stands.

"I would say, dream big. If you told me when I was young that I was going to be sitting here as World No. 4 and a national champion, I just would have never believed it," Weaver said. "It's amazing what happens when you put your head down, surround yourself with great people, and put in the work."

What's next:

The Squash World Championships continues through Saturday, with a limited number of tickets still available for fans hoping to catch the action in person.

In a sign of the sport’s growing presence in the U.S., the PSA Foundation, U.S. Squash, and the Chicago Park District are teaming up to unveil the nation’s first outdoor public squash court this Friday, May 16 in Union Park.

Dubbed ‘Project Beacon,’ the court will feature rotating public art exhibits, and is part of a broader push to make the sport more accessible. More information about the court’s grand opening celebration can be found HERE.

Next year, the Windy City Open squash tournament will return to Chicago from Feb. 4 -11, 2026 at the University Club of Chicago.

Excitement is also building for squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—marking the first time the sport will appear in the Games.