I love these ladies (and their management)! Talented, athletic, entertaining, and always looking to keep the fans happy with the Party Bus and Fan Appreciation nights. I watched them go from #7 to #2 in the country, and went from a casual spectator to a rabid fan in just a few bouts. Expect a lot from the 2009 season! read more

Go Manic Attackers! Ruth Enasia, Bork Bork Bork and Beth Amphetamine! I'm now a big fan of the Windy City Rollers. I'm new to the game so at first it was a bit difficult to follow. But after about 5-10 minutes of watching I picked it up and the game started to become really fun. Its such a blast watching it. even if you don't know all the detailed rules. So many sporting events are fun but are such a hassle. Not this one. Everything about it was fun, casual and really easy/convenient. I loved that its first come first serve on seating. Gives you a nice way to experience the game from different perspectives. The only negative about the event is they need more vendors. They don't have many vendor facilities which makes line pretty long if you want a drink or something to eat. read more

We had so much fun at a recent match! I had never been to roller derby before but a young woman in the audience (former player? injured player? intern?) helped explain the finer points to us. It was easy to get into,the crowd was friendly and fun, and the action was non-stop! Hooray for the Windy City Rollers! read more

Having never heard of this organization before last week, I was completely overwhelmed by how amazing the atmosphere of the match was on March 30, 2008. Maybe it was because the championship was on the line but this may be the best entertainment for the price. I would usually consider myself the baseball or basketball type of fan. However, the match made me definitely want to come back for another event. The women that participate in this sport are all-around bad asses. If you ever get the opportunity go to a match, do it. You will not be disappointed. 5 Stars! read more

So. Friggin'. Awesome. I went with a group of friends, and we had a ton of fun. One the the matches was pretty close the whole time. In the other, one of the teams came back from a huge point deficit to win. I'll definitely be going back next season! read more

Word to everything about WCR. If anyone seriously does want to join, this league was founded by people who learned to skate from scratch! Try-outs are getting more competitive (and over for 2009 season). Start casually skating now, volunteer, join a roller skating speed team, come to bouts and next spring you'll have a great shot. You can still be part of the family! read more

Go Manic Attackers! Team Captain 'Malice with Chains' throws blocks worth the ticket price alone. Doesn't get as bloody as the the banked track stuff you used to watch on TV decades ago but is more of a sport. All that old stuff was staged anyways. I like the bouts better when they have them at the UIC pavilion but the smaller venue in Cicero had the more concentrated rambunctious elbow-to-elbow crowds. As Elaine C. mentioned (and as with any sport) it helps to read up on how the scoring works and gameplay is conducted before you go as it helps you follow what's going on. It's a good time once in a while and there's always an open invite to meet them out drinking later. read more

Do you enjoy fast-paced, full contact sports, but find yourself wishing for short skirts and tattoos? Do you long for something you and your boyfriend can both enjoy? Are you just aching for an excuse to go to Cicero? Lucky for you, the Windy City Rollers are here! I've been a fan of the WCR since day one, when Ana Mission from God, Coco BangBang, Ellen DeGenerate and Quiet Storm ruled the tracks. Back then they skated at Congress Theater, which was nice only because I could walk there. Cicero Stadium, while lacking the history and charm of Wrigley Field, is much more suited to, you know, sports. And this is a sport, that's for sure. Don't be fooled by the clever names, cute uniforms, and, well, girls. This is hard core racing. These girls train their butts off, and it shows. They skate wicked fast, slam into walls (and each other) and have the bruises to prove it. I took a WCR virgin to yesterday's Ivy King Cup Championship, and the energy in the room was amazing. The crowd was INSANE and it was a very heated battle between Hell's Belles and my beloved Double Crossers. It was like Game 6 in the World Series! ( I have no idea what that means.) I think you can only get tickets on line now, which stinks because of the service fee, but it's still only around $16, which is no big deal. Beer is $5 for a dinky cup of Bud Light, and the snack bar was pretty sad, but that's not why you're going. You're going to see hot chicks in short skirts beat the crap out of each other. Girl Power!* *Yeah. I did. read more

I am kind of disappointed that I'm giving a roller derby league a two star review. But I'm kind of disappointed with Windy City Rollers! Granted I'm an Austin, TX transplant to Chicago and the bar has been set high by the TXRD -- I used to love going to roller derby bouts on the regular. Dirty, gritty, inexpensive (but not cheap!) entertainment that put a smile on my face every other Sunday while the season is on. So I was super excited to see a poster in a bar over in the West Loop for Windy City Rollers and bought tickets to the last bout. The Chicago version of derby is... well... I hate to say it but sterile. Flat and not banked track, not much going on with crazy names/costumes, RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE ($30 for tix? That you can only buy on Ticketbastard? What?!), in a shiny gym so the ambiance is a bit off kilter, the athletes weren't that aggressive & I didn't see anything that made the event fun and unique like the crew in Austin knows how to do (Spank Alley, Wheel of Punishments, great local bands playing The Star Spangled Banner, etc). Honestly, I was let down & I never thought in a million years that I would be let down by live roller derby. read more

Our fans rule!! Thank you for supporting us, we couldn't do it without you. I am sad tho that the Fury-ous chicas are not a fan favorite. That's ok, we will shank you! Nah. Well maybe just a little. Thank you again, Go-Go "Mad Love for the Fans" Hatchet read more

With a 2nd place victory at the Women's Flat Track Derby Association National Championships under their belt the Windy City Rollers (WCR) are gearing up for a new season of mayhem and destruction. The 2009 season bouts will now be held at the UIC pavilion making the excitement even more accessible for fans. The first bout premiers January 31st. The Windy City Rollers are more than just a bunch of Amazons knocking each other's blocks off- the women who play derby are office workers, teachers and mothers by day and hardcore athletes by night. The girls also raise money for charitable causes. Since 2004 they've raised over $27,000 for different causes. They also have a charity set up to help a sister player who was severely injured in a bout and couldn't walk for nearly a year. Roller derby is fast-paced, extreme sports entertainment featuring some of Chicago's finest athletes. What's the hottest entertainment when it's cold out? Why roller derby of course! read more

I've been watching WCR for a few years, and it is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago! I am not a generally a sports fan, but I have grown to appreciate and enjoy roller derby - I am always surprised find myself cheering and getting up ut of my seat when they make a good play. The Windy City Rollers are the best team in the region, and deserve a lot of credit for representing Chicago so well. I would sincerely recommend checking out a bout to anyone. If you've never been to roller derby, I suggest reading up on the rules before you go; it can be confusing if you don't know what's going on. read more

I love the derby!! I first heard about the Windy City Rollers from one of my favorite waitresses at Kuma's. The girls are all dressed up to kick ass and take names. They have names that often give you a chuckle and are creative. A friend of mine and I went and since have been 4 times. I am looking forward to their next season coming up in 2013. I love the fact that those ladies take so much delight in their sport and that it can be insane and unpredictable. As I have gone some of the different derbies I have gotten to see the girls interact with the fans and just how much they appreciate your support and patronage. There are "after parties" where they come a meet fans. They are friendly and warm and maybe knock back a tequila shot with you. How can you beat it?! Eventually I plan bring my kids along and it is great that at some point they will get to experience the same pleasure my father and grandfathers had when once upon a time professional baseball players thanked the fans for their paychecks. These girls do that. It might be my kids one chance where an entertainer would actually acknowledge a fan as mattering to their success. These girls are great examples of what athletes should be and what is missing now days in some of the other sports venues and teams. Talk Derby to Me! read more

The first time I went to a Windy City Rollers bout I have never even heard of roller derby before, and now I'm totally hooked. I keep bringing new friends to the bouts and they're never disappointed. Such a fun and cool sport with a welcoming community--if you have any questions about how the game is played just ask the people sitting next to you! Can't wait for the next one! read more

You should become an avid fan of this amazing sport. The girls are athletic, entertaining, approachable and accessible. Imagine being able to hang out with your favorite players from any other sport? Well, getting involved with derby means getting involved with the players. After-parties are perfect for showering your favorite derby player with praise, criticism and shots. I know I can't wait to be a FAN in the 2009 season of WCR!!!! To be even more involved with the action become a volunteer and give YOUR blood, sweat and tears to help it all come together. Terra Fye retired skater, bench coach for the Double Crossers 2006-08 read more

This was the first time to WCR for Deb, me and 3 other of my friends. Except for one of us (bored), we all had a blast. This is one of those things I kick myself for not doing earlier. I got motivated finally because we have been going to Twisted Scissors (another Yelp-ish Chicago spot) for some time now, and they are big on promoting WCR. Imagine my surprise to find out one of the stylists was a performer at the May 10th game, and in fact a top scoring performer with very strong stats. I think I figured out the main rules of the game easily enough by watching, even the 20 foot rule became clear by watching the pack. It's cool that this is a spectator sport yet I understand it is not too difficult to become involved in the sport if you're willing to spend the time. One of my friends is now going to join Derby Light, a league where the rules on direct contact are a little more stringent to encourage older, less brave women to participate. read more

This was my first experience with the Roller Derby and I really hope that it isn't the last! I stumbled upon it accidentally and ended up staying for a double header. I was taken in by the energy of the place. I explained that it was my first visit and everyone was really friendly and wanted to answer my questions. They even had some ladies walking around with signs saying "Ask me about Derby." I got to talk to quite a few of the players as well. It might be silly to say, but I was really impressed with their skating abilities. Their Derby names made me laugh too. (Death Raye, Philly Cheese Skates, and Dr. Know Good to name a few.) It was amazing to see so many people from so many walks of life come together for such a fun event. It was explained to me that everything was done on a volunteer basis. As they had everything from a bake sale to a live band in between games, I was really impressed. While I knew a few people who are involved with the Derby, I had never had a desire to seek it out before. I still don't think that I understand it, but it was fun enough that I would go again! read more

As a sports fan, the fast action on the track captured me right away. After seeing my first bout at the Congress in 2005, I bout a bunch of tickets to the next bout and brought a group of friends. I loved what I saw on the track so much that I tried out for the league a few months later. Now retired, I have come full circle and am simply a fan again. The league has changed their format so that instead of the halves being staggered, one game/bout is completed before the second begins. Good for any age (my family members from toddler to grandma have had a blast). A night watching the Windy City Rollers is well worth it and if you worry that you don't know what's going on, grab someone that looks like they know what's up and I'm sure they can explain the rules. read more

These gals are really proving themselves more and more as athletes every time they play! Don't get me wrong - they're still crazy fun to watch (and have crazy half-time acts), but they've turned what used to be a scripted, schtick act, like wwf wrestling, into a bona fide, competitive sport. These ladies are the real deal! EVERYONE should check them out at least once, even skeptics. The Windy City Rollers deserve a spot in the Chicago sports spotlight! read more

I can't express how grateful I am for this community of strong and inspiring people. HYHB!!!! read more

I heart the WCR! I have been a fan of the WCR for years. I wish I knew how to roller skate because I would totally be a derby girl!!! It takes a little while to understand the game but just try to pay attention & listen to the announcers for the play by play. I still have yet to do the party bus but I hear it's a blast. I didn't give out the last star for a few reasons. First beer prices have gone up, food isn't so good (I mean even the popcorn is bad), & I miss the FREE programs. But it's a great time & family friendly. I suggest everyone check it out at least once, bring the kiddies. You wont be let down. read more

one time during massage school I got a chance to work a windy city roller practice session..first thoughts were "schwing"! but after being close to the action, seeing the blood, sweat and tears just shed in practice and working on these athletes i was more than inspired and educated as these ladies are the real deal they are true athletes with the biggest hearts putting it all out there on the line and its in their passion and hardwork that generates such an energy and excitement, I am forever a die hard fan. F8ck watching million dollar salaried crybabies, these ladies are worth more than that, paid way less than that, but put on shows of sportsmanship which are priceless. read more

I think we're pretty much the raddest thing you can do in Chicago, but you know...I might be a little biased.

So we've all heard of Roller Derby and seen it in 70's movies, but do you really know what it is? Well, neither did I until a friend invited me to see the Windy City Rollers. Coolest night ever! All team members have a pseudonym like "Anita Bier" or "Malice With Chains". The premise is to skate around the track and earn points for your team. It gets a bit more complicated than that, but you'll have to go to find out more. I was convinced that someone was going to get killed (yes, I sound like my mother) but these gals know what they are doing and how to get a crowd on its feet. The funniest part was watching our German tourist friend competing with 12 year old girls to try and get every Rollers' autograph. Be sure to check out the photos of injuries in the program. You'll know that this is serious stuff and respect the Rollers all the more for it! read more

The girls got it all! They are organized, fun, sexy, tough, rough, buff, something other that rhymes with "uff". I have been wanting to go see the girls for some time now. I went last Saturday and it was a great time! They do a good job at explaining it for the people who are new. The announcers are pretty entertaining. I do have to say that they are endanger of falling into the problems that pro-sports teams have. The tickets are expensive and the booze is even more expensive. Oh well, next time I think my own flask will fix that (shhhhhhh). read more

I didn't love it - I moved here from NYC where Roller Derby is down and dirty, and the girls have names that are ahem, not family friendly. I guess that's it - if I wanted to be around 5 year olds, I'd go to baseball game, not a roller derby match. Not EVERYTHING has to be suitable for children. read more

Go to a bout (that's what they call the competition). As soon as you can. You won't be disappointed. I went to the final tournament of the season not knowing a thing about roller dervy and had THE BEST TIME. The names of the players are good for laughs on their own: Ann Arkie, Hoosier Mama, Lucy Furr, Val Capone, just to name a few. And these chicks know how to put on a good show! They are hysterical while still taking their competition really seriously. There are two cheesy announcers that give the play by play, so you won't be lost trying to figure out what's going on. I still don't totally get it, but got the gist of it pretty quickly and found myself cheering my favorite players on. They even have referees! They have their own goofy names. Even though I was supposed to be watching the bout I found myself strangely attracted to Sheik Yerbouti. He's this dude that wears the regular ref shirt, but has on a sheik turban kind of thing and those pants that are tight at the bottom but that have the crotch at the knees. And he had a sheik mustache to boot! But that's not why I couldn't stop watching him - he has major roller moves! Straight from the 70s or those dudes who roller skate at North Ave. The venue the Rollers play at is a dive, but I still loved it. You sit on bleacher seats and it was super crowded so personal space was totally invaded. But that's okay because the nachos and beer will soothe your pain. They start to have bouts again in January 2008, so make sure to check it out. You won't be sorry. read more

First of all, I would like to reject any and all comments from people who don't think the derby playing or skating technique is "good enough"--I would really like to see you put on a pair of skates, not fall, keep an eye on whats in front of you, behind, you, coming up on your side, while keeping up with a pack, and playing both defense and offense and not getting your ankle broken when you do eventually hit the floor. The super helpful ladies who run the derby bouts love to tell you about the rules, and get a program to understand how the game is played and you will be hooked--I was! Great music, super fun atmosphere, and the names!! The hits are hard, the speed is fast, competition is thick. It's a GREAT TIME! go and check it out one time and I guarantee you will be back. read more

this league is the number two roller derby league in the nation. i have seen a lot of roller derby in the last four years- and i love no other team more than them. the new season starts in january 09 at the uic pavillion. do not stop. do not pass go. do not collect $200... just get your tickets to see some of the best derby in existence! read more

I was at the very first WCR bout to support my sister Tara Heartout who is now with the Rose City Rollers in Portland. Glad to see WCR still kicking ass. read more

I went to see the Windy City Rollers last weekend and had an awesome time! The crowd, the DJ, the girls, the price of the ticket...everything was great. This is by far and away the most fun sporting event I have ever been to. I can't wait to go back in a few weeks!! read more

I'm in love with Windy City Rollers. Great time. Great fun. Women teams blash, crash, push each other until they fall and then they get up and do it again. There really is a strategy but lets not get into it here. I went last Sunday and I've been talking about it ever since. You'll find all kinds at the event and everybody really gets into it. Football is for wimps! This is intense! I have one complaint, those bench seats are really uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Next time I'll bring something to sit on. This is the most fun I've had in a long time. read more

VaVaVoom. Roller Derby girls are the best. Besides the sexiness, I have seen some great athleticism in the rink. Some teams are better than others, by far, but the action is thrilling. These ladies are hot and tough and have great names. Fun for the whole family! read more

Now I'm not big on sports. The only one I keep up with is this one. It's fun, it's really fun. The teams this year have the talent spread out better so there's not the usual one team slaughters the other one by 80-100 points. That's what would happen a couple years ago. Then there are the travel teams which is also a blast to watch. After the match the teams go out to a a sponsors bar afterward. It's cool as hell and a lot of fun. read more

I have seen the future of entertainment. It's Windy City Rollers - Chicago Women's Roller Derby. It's hugely entertaining. Would you believe that the crowd at a rollerderby event in Cicero, IL is hipper than any improv crowd I've ever seen? Believe it. Go to WindyCityRollers.com and go to the next event. Cheap beer, hot action and fun like mad. Mad, I say! read more

Here's another MUST experience! These manicured ass-kickers are HELL on WHEELS!!!! I was turned on to this group of ladies (who love to compete as much as they love to party afterward) by my cousin who is one of the team photographers. This is a great way to spend a night! Take a ride over to Cicero have a few beers and enjoy!!! If you are in the know and want to hang out with the team, go to the Cobra Lounge on Ashland and jump on the bus of party-goers and make some new friends on the way to the game! You might also run into the team members at Kumas on Belmont and California... If you see them there, buy 'em a drink!!! Don't be afraid... They are sweet as hell!!!!! read more

Much, much more interesting than watching any of the Chicago Ursus (Bears and Cubs) teams play.

So, what's not to like? 1. The over zealous boyfriends of the girls, or guys trying to impress them by yelling at the refs. 2. Bleeding Heart bakery is a sponsor, but doesn't sell anything to buy at the games. WTF read more

If you don't have a ridiculously good time watching these ladies, its your own fault.

Really, one of the best kept secret activities in Chicago. I've never seen anything so entertaining! The girls are totaly badasses and throw themselves (literally) into every game. The games get better throughout the season as the stakes get higher - and by better I mean more violent! The stadium (more like a gymnasium) gets a little steamy, especially in the summer, so dress appropriately. They claim to sell tickets around town at various retailers, but the last time I tried Chicago Tattoo they said they hadn't had tickets in months. read more