Beechmont Racquet & Fitness has been serving Cincinnati’s east side for nearly five decades, but at its core, it all started with tennis.
The Early Days
The club was founded in 1976, during the golden age of tennis. Legends like Jimmy Connors, Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova dominated the courts, fueling a nationwide tennis boom. It was the perfect moment for an indoor tennis club to take root in Anderson Township.
Just one year later, in 1977, Bill and Helen Atkins, along with a partner, purchased the club. At the time, Beechmont was primarily a tennis facility, featuring unique carpet-style courts that resembled a felt surface and a small weight room (in what’s now the movie room!).
Photo: Bill Atkins
And in true “it was the 70s” fashion? You could smoke inside the club. Hard to imagine today!
Building a Community Through Tennis
Beechmont quickly became more than just a place to hit balls. It played a pivotal role in founding the GCITA (Greater Cincinnati Indoor Tennis Association), which remains a thriving organization today. GCITA gave local players the chance to compete in league play across the city—home and away matches that balanced social connection with serious competition. Each season, the top teams battle in playoffs for the title of city champion, a badge of honor that players cherish for years.
This passion for indoor tennis has helped fuel Cincinnati’s larger tennis culture—contributing to the city’s reputation as home to The Cincinnati Open (formerly the Western & Southern Open) in Mason, one of the most prestigious ATP/WTA events outside of the US Open.
Generations of Players
While no world-famous names can be claimed, Beechmont has proudly been the training ground for countless high school stars and lifelong players. Many of today’s parents and grandparents in Anderson got their start on these courts, and our tennis pros have shaped young athletes both here and at summer clubs across the region.
Evolving with the Times
Over nearly 50 years, Beechmont has grown into a full-service fitness club, with tennis now part of a much broader offering that includes group fitness, personal training, pickleball, swimming, childcare, and more. But tennis remains a cornerstone. Players still gather for social matches, leagues, clinics, interclub, and lessons—keeping the tradition alive.
The courts themselves have evolved, too. The once-unique carpet surface was replaced with traditional hard courts. And in 2019, Beechmont added pickleball lines, making the courts even more versatile and ensuring they stay buzzing with activity.
The Spirit of Beechmont Tennis
Though the club has expanded well beyond its roots, tennis is woven into Beechmont’s identity. From the first serve in 1976 to today’s clinics and leagues, Beechmont continues to be a place where players connect, compete, and grow—generation after generation.