Chico History Museum

05/06/2026

100 years ago today in the Chico newspaper.
May 5th, 1926.

05/03/2026

The 8th Annual Chico Classic Pickleball Tournament Presented by Allworth Financial is off to a phenomenal start on Day 1, highlighting the powerful bond of community and competitive spirit. Huge congratulations to our champion teams and heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers, supporters, and vendors who have brought this event to life.

We're looking forward to Day 2 tomorrow, Mixed Doubles, at 8AM, where momentum builds with Potato Bake and Smashed back in action; our Massage Therapist will be onsite at the Players' Lounge to help players recharge. Don't miss the Chico History Museum hosting a raffle drawing at noon – grab your tickets onsite now for a chance at fantastic prizes and be part of a day that embodies community, teamwork, and playing for a cause. See you on the courts!

Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe Chico Air Museum Fleet Feet Chico Play It Again Sports - Chico, CA

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

Some of the best stories about pickleball in Chico don’t come from a court—they come from the people who built it.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Martin and Mike Kunkis to talk about how it all started here in our community. From those early days of makeshift courts and small groups of curious players, they helped spark something that would grow into the vibrant pickleball scene we know today.

I also spent time with Rich Gitelson, who shared what it took to bring the Chico Classic back in 2022 after the COVID pause. With little momentum at the time, he stepped in and rebuilt the tournament—helping reignite the community and carry the sport forward into what it has become today.

Together, these stories connect the full arc of Chico pickleball—from its grassroots beginnings to the thriving, tournament-driven community we see now—supported by the ongoing efforts of the Chico Classic tournament committee.

That history is something worth celebrating—and preserving.

Join us as we bring those stories to life at a special Players’ Reception hosted at the Chico History Museum on May 1st from 4:00–7:00 PM.

We’re especially excited to have Bob Martin as a featured speaker, sharing firsthand stories from the early days of pickleball in Chico.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, connect with fellow players, and experience our featured exhibit: “Chico Pickleball: A Community Story.”

We warmly invite the pioneers who helped start it all, our generous sponsors, and the dedicated volunteers who continue to make this event possible—this celebration is for you.

🎟️ Players can also pick up their tournament T-shirts, swag bags, and raffle tickets at the event.

This is more than a kickoff—it’s a celebration of the people, history, and community behind Chico pickleball.

RSVP here: https://chicohistorymuseum.org/event-6625624

04/22/2026

100 years ago today in the Chico newspaper.
April 22nd, 1922.

04/22/2026

100 years ago today in the Chico newspaper.
April 22nd, 1922.

04/15/2026

100 years ago today in the Chico newspaper.
April 15th, 1926.

12/27/2025

We have a new book in our shop, by local author