They Just Don’t Roll, Women Can Play, Too

So a few months ago, there was a buzz about Roller Derby. I had my doubts, but I checked it out and I loved it.

Of course, I’m talking about the Windy City Rollers, the all female flat track roller derby league that calls the UIC Pavilion home. The league is made up of four teams: the Double Crossers, Hell’s Belles, The Fury and the Manic Attack, plus a traveling team.When I went to the travel league’s game a few months ago, I had no idea about the rules or what was going on, but it wasn’t long before I figured it out and enjoyed what I was seeing.

The girls have names like Reina Chaos, Mona Lott, Helsa Wayton, Blazing Inferno and Juanna Rumble. Most are inked up, punk or goth girls who play the weekend warrior role very well. I was amazed at not only how they could skate on those old fashion roller skates but the physicality and the speed of the sport. I don’t know what women’s roller derby was like in the ’70’s, but this version is tattooed, faster, tougher and with some Slayer playing in the background, and that is how everyone wants it.

Well, before halftime, I had figured out how teams scored and was beginning to get a handle on what was taking place. By the end, I was cheering and enjoying myself with the rest of the crowd.So here is how it works. Each team has five players on the track at one time — 1 pivot, 3 blockers and 1 jammer. At the first whistle, everyone begins skating except for the jammers, who are a few feet back. Then there is a second whistle and the jammers can take off. The jammers must first get through the other eight girls on the track, but those eight are allowed to do almost everything they can to deny the other team’s jammer to get through.

The first jammer to get through is the lead jammer, who can call off the jam. Once a jammer is through the pack of girls, they must skate around the track again and try to pass members of the other team. This time, when they pass a member of the other team, they get a point for each one. It sounds a little confusing, but when you are watching, it’s actually very easy to follow.

I’m not going to get into some of the other rules because I don’t really understand them. But what I said above is what you need to know to understand how the points are earned.

The next bout for the Windy City Rollers will be this Saturday, May 30 at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the event starts at six. The Belles will take on the Manics, and the Crossers will take on the Fury to decide who will play for the championship on June 20, which will also be at UIC, same time.

You have heard their advertisements all over Q101. The events are a lot of fun, and the crowd really gets into it. After matches, there usually is an after-party. When I went, the party was at Cobra Lounge, but the site has since changed.

I would recommend Roller Derby not just to sports fans, but to everyone. It’s a fun time with a great atmosphere. It’s hard not to get caught up in the action and cheer for your favorite team, or just cheer for the hell of it. There were a number of kids at the match I went to, and the players were available afterward to take pictures and sign autographs.

Just don’t get on these girls bad side. Would you want to mess with anyone named Juanna Rumble?For tickets or to check out the teams, go to windycityrollers.com.


(Chuck Salvatore is a general assignment reporter for the Southwest News-Herald. He may be reached at (773) 476-4800, ext. 241; at chucksalvatore@hotmail.com; or at chucksalvatore.blogspot.com. Be sure to catch him every Thursday on the Linda Padgurskis show from noon to 1 p.m. and every Friday on the Out’N’About talk show with Ron and Joe from 2 to 3 p.m., both on WJJG 1530 AM.)