Jerry Schneider, credited with building first indoor tennis courts; at 87

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. -- Jerry Schneider, the man credited with building the first indoor tennis facility, has died. He was 87.

Mr. Schneider died of complications from lung cancer on July 18, his daughter, Marlon Barden, said yesterday.

Mr. Schneider established the North Shore Racquet Club in 1961 in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, using money his father loaned him. He wanted to be able to play tennis through harsh Chicago winters. It wasn't a sure success. Banks didn't want to offer credit, and fellow players weren't sure about the concept.

"Everybody sort of laughed at him and said no one will ever play tennis inside," Barden said.

That changed when Mr. Schneider opened four indoor tennis courts. Business took off, and he soon expanded to eight courts.

"Once it was built, everyone wanted to play indoor tennis," Mr. Schneider's former wife, Joy, said.

He sold the club in the early 1970s, but it is still in business.

Mr. Schneider grew up on Chicago's West Side and ran track at Northwestern University before serving in World War II. He was always athletic but became particularly interested in tennis after the war. He worked for his father before starting the club.

Recently, he won national doubles titles in the 80-and-over and 85-and-over men's divisions in the Senior Olympics.

In addition to his daughter and former wife, Mr. Schneider leaves a son, Blake; a granddaughter, Taylor; and his longtime companion, Darlene Collins.

"A year ago today he was playing tennis," his daughter said.