The season runs January through September with up to two practices a week at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. | File photo
The season runs January through September with up to two practices a week at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. | File photo
The Windy City Rollers roller derby team is holding a tryout on July 23.
Team trainers and captains request that anyone desiring to try out be in good physical shape, as the tryout includes a fitness test and a skating test in addition to an interview about skills and availability.
Those wanting to tryout should email the team at tryout@windycityrollers.com to request information.
Prospective skaters should watch roller derby and learn about the sport's demands, and may want to talk to league members and consider volunteering to see how the league operates, Email volunteer@windycityrollers.com for information.
Those unsure if they meet the skating ability required can attend a Learn to Skate Clinic, held regularly at the team's practice space. The clinics are co-ed and open to anyone interested in skating or being a referee.
The next Learn to Skate Clinic is Saturday. Clinics are $15 each or $25 for the whole session. Those wanting to attend a clinic should email tryout@windycityrollers.com.
Skaters who make the team will be required to pay monthly dues, attend at least two to four practices per week, pay for the upkeep of their equipment, be prepared for lots of bumps and bruises, and "have a ton of fun and be around wonderful, supportive and hardcore athletes."
The Rollers have a training program called the Haymarket Rioters, consisting of three skill levels.
In Rioters 1, skaters are taught the basic skills they will need for flat track roller derby. In Rioters 2, skaters who have passed basic skating skills will be taught pack and contact skills needed for the sport. In Rioters 3, skaters who have passed all Women's Flat Track Derby Association Minimum Skills Requirements will be placed on the Haymarket Rioters, functionally a recreational roller derby that typically does not need to travel for games. Any skaters desiring to join a team that does travel must pass the WFTDA Rules test.
Those interested in being an official can contact officiating@windycityrollers.com for more information.
For younger skaters, the Windy City Rollers have a "little sister league," the Second City Slaughter.
Hosted and run by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, the Slaughter aim to help young female athletes build skating ability, self-esteem and emotional strength. The program is coached by both current and retired Rollers' and is open to all ability levels.
The season runs January through September with up to two practices a week at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. More experienced skaters will have the chance to scrimmage and bout against other teams in the area.
More information can be found at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club website.
There are two ways for visiting derby skaters to participate. Skaters are offered $10 tickets to attend bouts as spectators. Skaters must email derbydiscount@windycityrollers.com by 7 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the next bout to be placed on the list. If skaters wish to volunteer, they can contact volunteer@windycityrollers.com.
Visiting skaters who wish to participate in a bout must have proof of current insurance and sign an injury release waiver, as well as bringing their own gear, with all safety equipment required to participate. Email visiting@windycityrollers.com for more information.
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