THE CHI BALL REVOLUTION
Play Chi Ball isn’t just a game—it’s a movement.
We’re Mike and Bradley, two dads from the Pacific Northwest who believe that fresh air, good friends, and spontaneous play are the real keys to a joyful life.
What began as a fun way to pass time—and make friends with strangers—has grown into a playful uprising. Chi Ballers are popping up everywhere, bringing movement, connection, and laughter to parks, beaches, and backyards.
This little handwoven ball is more than a toy—it’s a doorway to flow, freedom, and full-body joy. A symbol of friendship, collaboration, and what it means to really live.
Need a reason to play today?
Welcome to the Chi Ball Revolution.
How to play competitive
Chi Ball
Even though Chi Ball is a collaborative game played with two or more people, there is a competitive version. Teams race to 100 or 500 hits; if the ball hits the ground, you lose 10 points. If the ball bounces once but you keep the rally going, you only lose 5 points.
This style of Chi Ball is very fast and very fun! We call this “Going into the Chi Zone!”
The official world record stands at 100 hits in 49.03 seconds by Bradley T. Morris & Isun Skelhorn.
Think you can beat the record? Play Chi Ball today!
What's a Chi Ball?
What's a Chi Ball?
Chi Balls are lightweight, durable, and minimalist at heart—no plastic, bulky accessories, or breakable parts here.
Each Chi Ball is hand woven out of a natural grass — just like your grandparent’s old wicker furniture. .
And after hundreds of hours of play, when you're Chi Ball has reached its expiration date, you can place it in the compost bin where it will return to the soil from which it came.
Chi Ball can be played anytime, anywhere and all you need is this little handwoven Play Chi Ball and one or more people.
The Origins of Chi Ball
Honoring the Roots. Igniting the Revolution.
Play Chi Ball’s story begins in the late 1970s on the lush, mystical island of Maui. It was there that a Tai Chi master and magical wizard named Phill Merkel birthed a simple yet powerful game of flow and presence.
Originally played with a tennis ball, the game became a practice of energy, awareness, and joyful connection. Phill passed away in 2024, but his spirit lives on in every rally, every laugh, every moment of play. We honor him as the original Chi Baller, the spark behind this growing movement.
The Rediscovery
Fast forward to 2012 in the desert of Arizona, where Bradley stumbled upon a pair of artists bouncing a handwoven wicker ball under the desert sun at Eden Hot Springs.
Drawn in by curiosity, he joined their rally—and something clicked. This wasn’t just a game. It was meditation in motion. It was joy. It was connection. It was majik.
Years later, as if by fate, Bradley found a dusty old wicker ball under his house. It felt like the Universe whispered: “GO PLAY!”
From that day forward, Bradley played Chi Ball everywhere, with anyone; beaches, parks, festivals, retreats, conferences, men’s circles, and family gatherings
Hence the tagline, “Play Chi Ball anywhere!”
Chi Ball broke down barriers, brought people together, sparked laughter, and got people—of all ages and walks of life—playing together. [Hello health benefits!]
The Evolution
To make it more accessible, Bradley and a crew of Chi Ballers began developing simple, flexible rules for casual and competitive play, so anyone could jump in—kids, elders, first-timers, athletes and everyone in between.
That’s when Mike entered the story.
Mike and Bradley had shared years of friendship, fatherhood, adventure and men's work. Chi Ball became their game; a way to hang out, have fun and pass the time (with & without the families around).
And then something beautiful started happening: People noticed, circles formed, rallies grew, laughter ensued and strangers became friends.
That’s when we knew:
Chi Ball is more than a game. It’s a revolution (of joy)!
Instead of zoning out—we’re tuning in.
Instead of competing—we’re collaborating.
Instead of isolating—we’re creating community.
Instead of scrolling — we’re playing.
And the most important rule is: KEEP IT UP.
Chi Ballers Unite!
This is your invitation. This is the moment, movement, and game you’ve been waiting for.
Whether you’re 5 or 95, a longtime Chi Baller or just discovering it — the Chi Ball Revolution is yours to carry forward. Bring it to your park, your school, the bus stop, a retreat, your group, the beach, workplace, family dinner…
Wherever you go, Chi Ball can go with you.
Play Chi Ball. Anywhere. With Anyone. Anytime.
THE Origin Story:
Born from Play, Built for Joy
