Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to sign up for all of the tournaments?
A: No.  You can sign up for any tournaments you wish.  You can enter one or all of them if you want.  You can play when you want.

Q: I am a USTA ranked player.  Can I play the Junior Grand Prix?
A: Yes.  USTA ranked players may play in the Junior Grand Prix.  If you have any 2010 Final National Rankings, you may not play in any Junior Grand Prix tournaments.  If you have a 2010 Final Sectional/District Ranking, you may play in the Junior Grand Prix, but not in the specific age division being ranked.  The Junior Grand Prix Girls' 15s age division will be governed by the USTA Girls' 16s rankings.  NOTE: A current-year USTA standing has no bearing on eligibility to play in the Junior Grand Prix.  If there are any questions about this rule concerning your player or any other players, email tennis@jrgrandprix.com with the player name(s) and they will be checked for eligibility.

Q: I disagree with my point total.  How do I get this fixed?
A: Please send scoring discrepancies to tennis@jrgrandprix.com.

Q: Do my results affect my USTA ranking?
A: No.  Gateway Junior Tennis – Chicago is not directly involved with any USTA sanctioning.

Q: I play in the Junior Grand Prix.  Should I play USTA tournaments?
A: Absolutely.  We recommend that many of our players try some USTA tournaments.  It is good for up-and-coming players to have a mixture of both.

Q: I have a very busy schedule.  I cannot make all of the tournaments.  Can I still play in the league?
A: Yes!  It is up to you to pick your own schedule based on the league schedule.  You may play as much or as little as you want depending on which events you want to participate in.

Q: How did this program get started?

Gateway Junior Tennis - St. Louis

Craig Tidwell created the St. Louis Gateway Junior Grand Prix in 2001.  Craig teaches tennis at The Chesterfield Athletic Club in the winter, and at Whitmoor Country Club in the summer.  He received his USPTA certification in 1995, and he played on a tennis scholarship at The University of Kansas in the early 1980's.  He was also a nationally ranked junior, and a Missouri State High School Doubles finalist in 1981.  Please feel free to e-mail Craig with any questions at:  craigwell64@yahoo.com.

Gateway Junior Tennis - Chicago

Craig Tidwell introduced the Gateway Junior Grand Prix format to Warren San Luis of Lombard, IL, which is named, "The Junior Grand Prix."  It follows a very similar format to that of the St. Louis Gateway Junior Grand Prix.  It began in 2004 and has spread throughout the western suburbs of Chicago extending from Elmhurst to Yorkville and as far south as Joliet.  Warren teaches tennis at Courts Plus in Elmhurst, IL.  He received his PTR tennis teaching certification in 2004 and played 4 years on a tennis scholarship at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL.  Almost 1,300 players have played in the Junior Grand Prix in the last 5 seasons and we hope to drastically increase that total in the coming years.  Please feel free to e-mail tennis@jrgrandprix.com with any questions.

If you have any other questions, please send an email to tennis@jrgrandprix.com.