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Mark Miller at tennis program
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Mark Miller in lesson with young girl on pickleball court

About Munchkin Programs

Founded by lifelong youth advocate Mark Miller, Munchkin Programs provides accessible, high-energy sports programming for children ages 3 to 12, with a special focus on underserved communities. From public housing developments to local parks, the program brings sports directly to the kids who need them most, at no cost to families.

Programs are designed to do more than teach the rules of the game. They build self-esteem, strengthen family bonds through “Parent & Me” experiences, and promote positive life skills through consistent, structured play.

Mark Miller’s work has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, WGN, CNN, and in national outlets like Home-Based Business Magazine, Chicago Tribune, and Racquet Magazine. He has run free clinics at the Robert Taylor Homes, Cabrini-Green, and the Chicago Housing Authority, and remains one of the city’s most trusted community sports educators.

Upcoming Events

Mark Miller's Munchkin programs are self-funded through these events, with proceeds from each event help underserved kids.

There are no current events to view at this time.

See Us in Action

In The News

Munchkin Programs Event Featured on ABC7 Chicago

"Suburban coach sets to break record for world's largest pickleball lesson"

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CBS Chicago: Highland Park hosting biggest pickleball lesson in hopes of breaking record

"The Park District of Highland Park is hosting over 400 pickleball participants at Danny Cunniff Park."

 

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Fox 32 Chicago: World's largest pickleball lesson takes over Highland Park

"You know everyone is obsessed with pickleball lately, but Highland Park is taking it to another level this morning."

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NBC Chicago: Attempt to Break World Record for Largest Pickleball Lesson

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Mark Miller Radio Interview

Worlds Largest Pickleball Lesson, Scottsdale 2024

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Our Self-Funding Partners

Thanks to these mission-aligned partners, every child in the Munchkin Program participates for free. Their contributions—ranging from meals and apparel to fundraising and equipment—make it all possible.

People can order products from our partners and 50% goes back to their school district. 50% goes to us so we can continue to create and offer programs to underserved kids.

Are you an Athletic Directors and interested in participating in our program? Contact us for more information and to get special pricing for purchases through our funding partners. 

Partner Logo

Spirit Store

Shop Mark Miller's Munchkin Programs Apparel

DiaDem Logo

DiaDem

Pickleball and Tennis gear.

Sports Outlet Express

Sports Outlet Express

Licensed apparel and Chicago sports gear. Use code "pickleball15" to support our program and save on your order.

Portillo’s

Portillo’s

Every child walks away with a treat: free cake from Portillo’s. The brand is also supporting in-store fundraising events to help expand the program’s reach.

Food & Apparel Partners

Courtside Tennis & Pickleball Logo

Courtside Tennis & Pickleball

Your new go-to pro shop for high-quality gear from top brands.

Kissed By Fire BBQ & Pizza Logo

Kissed By Fire BBQ & Pizza Food Truck

Indulge in our delectable smoked BBQ and Pizza, carefully crafted with the finest, freshest i

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Spirit Store

Provides screen-printed apparel and promotional items for program visibility
 [MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW]

Little Caesars Pizza Logo

Little Caesars Pizza

[Details coming soon]

Hippie Gourmet Grilled Cheese Logo

Hippie Gourmet Grilled Cheese

 [Details coming soon]

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Smoke and Barbecue Kitchen

 [Details coming soon]

Want to join this roster of impact-driven sponsors? Contact us to collaborate.

What People Say About Mark and the Munchkin Program

What We Offer Year-Round

The Munchkin Program runs clinics and family-friendly sports programming across Chicago in:

  • T-ball
  • Basketball
  • Nerf Football
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Pickleball

Each sport is designed with developmental milestones, fun, and inclusivity in mind.

Contact Us

Whether you’re a parent, donor, community leader, or local business, there’s a role for you in helping Chicago’s kids thrive through sports.

  • Register your child for our next free event
  • Volunteer on the day of the event or at clinics throughout the year
  • Sponsor a program, provide in-kind goods, or donate directly
  • Host a session at your school, daycare, or park district

 

Contact Us