Windy City Rollers Hell's Belles
So you think Chicago winters are rough? Clearly you haven’t seen the Windy City Rollers. A league of brash, brawling, roller derby groups, the Windy City Rollers demonstrate what rough really means. Roller Derby actually originated in Chicago during the 1930s and the league aims to stake its rightful claim. Founded in 2004, the Windy City Rollers are Chicago’s premiere all female, flat track derby league. Windy City All stars are currently number one in the North Central Region, led by the deadly Manic Attackers. The season opening bout unfolds on Saturday, January 30 at 6PM, with a duel between Hell’s Belles and Double Crossers as well as Manic Attackers against The Fury.
With skater names like Mo Vengeance, Tina Flay, Brawla Poundstone and Notorious D.I.E., Windy City Rollers entertain on every level. To watch a roller derby game, you need to pay attention to “The Jammer,” who wears a starred helmet and sores the most points for her team, “The Pivot” in a striped helmet, sets the pace for the team and “The Blocker” knocks down whomever attempts to get in the jammer’s way. Scores come quick and the hits are brutal, making roller derby a fast-paced, seat-clutching sport. After catching the boats, head over to nearby Little Italy at Damenzo’s for an old school Italian dinner of baked cheese manicotti or deep dish pizza.
Photo courtesy of Windy City Rollers