to download our Press Kit! - The Windy City Rollers

2013
SEASON
PRESS KIT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
windycityrollers.com • wftda.com
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Dinah Party • pr@windycityrollers.com
**We are happy to provide access to our practice space, scrimmages and bouts,
however we do not allow reporters or members of the media to be on skates with
the Windy City Rollers.**
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Windy City Rollers Story .........................................3
Home Teams - Schedule & Roster ..........................4
Travel Teams - Schedule & Roster .........................5
Community Outreach ...............................................6
Derby 101 ..................................................................9
WFTDA Member Leagues ........................................9
Windy City Rollers Images ......................................10
Roller Derby History ................................................11
Windy City Rollers Timeline ....................................12

WINDY CITY ROLLERS STORY
Elizabeth “Juanna Rumbel” Gomez and Kelly “Sister Sledgehammer” Simmons could never have
imagined what was in store for them when Juanna brought the idea of roller derby back from
a trip to Austin, Texas, the derby revival capital. In September of 2004, that little idea became
a reality when the pair recruited and formed Chicago’s premiere all-female flat track derby
league—the Windy City Rollers. It was a decision that could only be called destiny, as roller derby
had been invented in Chicago more than half a century earlier.
The first season started in 2005 at Chicago’s historic Congress Theater, where they attracted the
largest derby audience any flat track team had seen at the time. Derby had truly come home, and
it came with a vengeance.
After realizing that the small track at the Congress was detrimental to their success on a national
level, they relocated to The Stadium in Cicero for their second season. As bouts began selling
out the 1,500-capacity Cicero Stadium, the league looked into finding a space in its namesake
city that would enable league growth to continue at the same rapid pace. An agreement with
the University of Illinois at Chicago was formalized in July 2008 that made the UIC Pavilion the
league’s new home.
Today, the Windy City Rollers comprises four home teams: Double Crossers, The Fury, Hell’s
Belles, and Manic Attackers. New skaters to the league start out on the farm team, the Haymarket
Rioters, where they hone their skills until they’re ready to be drafted to a home team. A selection
of the strongest skaters from each team play for the Windy City Rollers All-Stars, who represent
the league nationally. A second traveling team, Second Wind, was added to the league to assist
other promising skaters develop regional intra-league competitive play while preparing for the
All-Star team.
The Windy City Rollers have been proud members of WFTDA (Womens Flat Track Derby
Association) since its inception. The WCR All-Stars were the North Central Region champs for
four years, and have consistently been in the top 10 nationally..
Looking forward, the Windy City Rollers is focused on remaining a force to be reckoned with in
the national flat track derby arena. The skaters and staff strive to make roller derby synonymous
with Chicago, as they remain tied to their home and especially to their incredible fans. By
continuing to train hard, the league is proud of challenging other nationally ranked teams and
keeping the home season exciting and competitive.
Juanna Rumble, WCR co-founder
MISSION
The Windy City Rollers is a nonprofit organization that strives to promote athleticism and
fraternity among its members and seeks to foster professional, personal, and athletic
advancement for all its members. Whenever possible, the organization shall support and promote
its members in all their pursuits both on and off the track. We strive to advance and grow our
organization from within, cultivating the blatant and latent talents of all members.
That said, the goal of the organization beyond advancing the sport of roller derby both in the city
of Chicago and nationally, is to create a network of talented multifaceted individuals offering
both opportunity and training in order to continually self-govern the organization and raise up all
its members. By remaining autonomous, we achieve these goals through community outreach,
athletic training, and open opportunity for all who are willing to commit themselves toward the
advancement of these goals.
3

JANUARY 26 - ROUND ROBIN CHARITY BOUT
FEBRUARY 9 – HOME SEASON OPENER
Manic Attackers vs. The Fury - Double Crossers vs. Hell’s Belles
HOME TEAMS ROSTERS
Julia Rosenwinkel - Bench Coach
Busty BraBender - #00 - Captain
Sunshine N Painbows - #72 - Captain
Claire Lee Dangerous - #12
Cruel Whip - #16
Dani Get Your Guns - #22
IceBerg - #8
Joanie Utah - #7
Karmageddon - #42
Killa Nois - #312
Leggy Phlegming - #27
Minerva Damage - #315
Pain Goodall - #48
Reina Chaos - #78
Sara Problem - #26
Sassy Squash - #10
Senorita Slam - #5
Stella Sabotage - #812
Teddy Slams - #23
Yom KaPOW - #18
HOME TEAMS SCHEDULE & ROSTER
2013 SCHEDULE
MARCH 1 (FRIDAY NIGHT)
Manic Attackers vs. Double Crossers - Hell’s Belles vs. The Fury
APRIL 20
The Fury vs. Double Crossers - Hell’s Belles vs. Manic Attackers
Athena DeCrime - Bench Coach
Howie Rollson - Bench Coach
Sue Perduper - Bench Coach
Deb Autry - #74 - Captain
Zombea Arthur - #43 - Captain
Abita! Down - #138
Baberaham Lincoln - #47
Bloody Elle - #1134
Dawn Ting - #76
Drew Grit - #3
Fifi Nailya - #318
Hermione Danger - #12
Legal Tenderizer - #55
Luxe Capacitor - #88
Monica Lewhipsky - #1600
Mya Ssault - #38
Nicoleon Complex - #2XL
Phoebe Fi Fo Fum - #504
Shelby Musting - #500
Tay Q. Down - #333
Trouble Helix - #260
Unicoroner - #4
Val Capone - #89
Amy NoNamey - Bench Coach
Angel Dustt - Bench Coach
Bro Bro Bro - Bench Coach
Justice Feelgood Marshall - Bench Coach
Bork Bork Bork - #75 - Captain
Ruth Enasia - #81 - Captain
Ada Hatelace - #1337
AliSin Chains - #286
Beth Amphetamine - #98
F.N. Fed - #787
Funkadelic - #76
Ghoulita - #13
Mack Savage - #116
Meanie Baby - #312
Mo Vengeance - #22
Mobile Chernobyl - #235
Norma Lee Wright - #90
Outlaw Ferrel - #44
Rose Feratu - #34
Tamikaze - #00
Thievin’ Tyler - #9
Wreck N Shrew - #24
Ying O’Fire - #777
Zoe Trocious - #27
MAY 4 – HOME TEAM PLAYOFFS
JUNE 8 – IVY KING CUP CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT
Peter Coffinail - Bench Coach
Sixteen Scandals - Bench Coach
KonichiWOW - #303 - Captain
Ska Face - #0i - Captain
Annihilist Nin - #33
Beaux Dozer - #d8
Billie Mean King - #426
Dinah Party - #24
Flo Rider - #14
Hat Trixxxie - #18
Jackie Daniels - #07
Jailya Roberts - #5OH
Janicide Joplin - #66
Jule B Sorry - #311
Lynn E.R. Aggression - #804
Mel Content - #12
Mimi MeOW! - #711
Moby Nipps - #68
Poppy Spock - #47
Rusty Razorskates - #440
SpartaKris -#300
T.S. Helliot - #434
4

WINDY CITY ROLLERS ALL-STARS 2013 ROSTER
# 75
Bork Bork Bork CAPTAIN
KonichiWOW
# 303
# 999
Yvette YourMaker CAPTAIN
Moby Nipps
T.S. Helliot
# 68
# 434
TRAVEL TEAMS SCHEDULE & ROSTER
Athena DeCrime
Norma Lee Wright
Tamikaze
# 30
# 90
# 00
MARCH 30
Second Wind vs. Toronto Roller Derby
WCR All-Stars vs. The Montreal New Skids on the Block
Beth Amphetamine
Ol’ Drrrty Go-Go
Thievin’ Tyler
# 98
# 17
# 9lives
JULY 20 - 21
Golden Bowl Tournament
Cruel Whip
Outlaw Ferrel
Varla Vendetta
2013 SCHEDULE
# 16oz
# 0.44
# 25
AUGUST 24
Second Wind vs. TBD - WCR All-Stars vs. TBD
OCTOBER 19
Second Wind vs. TBD - WCR All-Stars vs. TBD
Hoosier Mama
# 219
# 504
Phoebe Fi Fo Fum
Wreck N Shrew
# 24
Jackie Daniels
Ruth Enasia
Ying O’Fire
# 07
# 81
# 777
Janicide Joplin
Sargentina
Zoe Trocious
# 66
# 52
# 17
Killa Nois
Ska Face
# 312
Photos by Mariah Karson/Gil Leora/Thia Penta/Jamie DiVecchio Ramsay
# 0i
5

Sara Problem
CAPTAIN
Beaux Dozer
Karmageddon
Sassy Squash
WINDY CITY ROLLERS SECOND WIND 2013 ROSTER
# 26
# d8
# 42
# 10
Tay Q. Down
CAPTAIN
PHOTO
NOT
AVAILABLE
Bloody Elle
Legal Tenderizer
# 333
# 1134
# 55
# 72
Sunshine N Painbows
Abita! Down
Dinah Party
Mo Vengeance
Unicoroner
# 138
# 24
# 22
# 4
Ada Hatelace
Hermione Danger
# 1337
# 12
# 1600
Monica LeWhipski
Yameet Ur Doom
# 44
AliSin Chains
Jule B Sorry
Rose Feratu
Zombea Arthur
# 286
# 311
# 34
# 43
Photos by Mariah Karson/Gil Leora/Thia Penta/Jamie DiVecchio Ramsay
6

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Windy City Rollers are strong proponents of community outreach and engagement both on and off the track. Chicago’s #1 roller derby league has a history
of spotlighting a local charitable organization at each one of its bouts to support their mission and values through public awareness, while offering each of
these charities a financial donation. This year, we have partnered with four charities, which will be highlighted throughout the season.
The Working Bikes Cooperative gives life to old bikes and
independence to those who ride them in the underserved
communities of Chicago, Africa and Central and South
America. The Cooperative gives away more than 5,000 bikes
a year, some in Chicago. Many are shipped to places like El
Salvador where a bicycle can mean the difference between
poverty and transportation to a job. Currently it receives
no government or foundation monies. All its operations are
funded through the sale of the bicycles at its storefront
located at 2434 S. Western Ave. in Pilsen.
Rape Victim Advocates (RVA) is an independent,
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the healing and
empowerment of sexual assault survivors through
non-judgmental crisis intervention counseling, individual
and group counseling, and medical and legal advocacy in
the greater Chicago metropolitan area. RVA provides public
education and institutional advocacy in order to improve
the treatment of sexual assault survivors and to effect
positive change in policies and public attitudes toward
sexual assault.
Urban Initiatives is a nonprofit organization that runs
health, education and character development programming
for kids in the Chicago Public Schools. By actively engaging
participants in our extracurricular activities at a young
age, Urban Initiatives empowers youth to live a healthy
lifestyle, value education and enhance their personal and
social development. Urban Initiatives takes a collaborative,
whole child approach to development in order to provide
children with the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Since 2001, CircEsteem’s mission has been to unite
youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic
backgrounds and help them build self-esteem and mutual
respect through the practice of circus arts. CircEsteem
programs give students a chance to shine as center-ring
stars in their very own circus, enhancing self-esteem
as they overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and proudly
exclaim, “Look what I can do!” Fostering confidence and
cooperation, our professional circus staff teaches a variety
of skills such as clowning, juggling, stilt-walking,
ball-walking, unicycling, gym wheel and acrobatics. Students
progress at their own pace while working hands-on with
instructors in a safe and supportive environment.
7

We also regularly appear at some of Chicago’s greatest events to meet our fans and support terrific organizations. You can find us at these annual events:
CHIDITAROD (MARCH 2013)
Chiditarod (think Iditarod) is Chicago’s Epic Urban Iditarod. A charity food drive, beauty
pageant, costumed shopping cart race, talent show, fundraiser and chaos generator
all in one. And probably the world’s largest mobile food drive, benefitting the Greater
Chicago Food Depository.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY WALK & ROLL (APRIL 2013)
Whether you walk, roll, run or stroll, the American Cancer Society’s Walk & Roll ® brings
people together to walk, bike or skate multiple distances that span a morning or a day
during the month of May. Walk & Roll provides you the opportunity to fight cancer in the
way that suits you best.
CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE (JUNE 2013)
The Chicago Pride Parade, formerly called the Chicago Gay Pride Parade or PRIDE
Chicago, is the annual gay pride parade held on the last Sunday of June in Chicago. It is
considered the culmination of the larger Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, as promulgated
by the Chicago City Council and Mayor of Chicago.
COMICCON & WIZARD WORLD (JULY 2013)
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North
America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming,
technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies
and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premiers, gaming tournaments, panels,
and costume contests. Wizard World, Inc. also produces Wizard World Digital, an online
publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, is
distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.
PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL (JULY 2013)
The Pitchfork Music Festival is an annual summer music festival organized by
Pitchfork Media and held in Union Park in Chicago,IL. The festival, which is normally
held over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in July, focuses primarily on artists
and bands from alternative rock, rap & hip-hop, electronica, and dance music, although
it has also included acts from hardcore punk,experimental/avant-garde rock and
jazz in its lineups.
RUNNING OF THE BULLS (JULY/AUGUST 2013)
Every year, the Windy City Rollers partners with the Chicago Urban Sportsmen and
Adventurers Society (CUSAS) in the Running of the Bulls. This event raises money for
Tequila Mockingbird, a former WCR skater who suffered a serious spinal cord injury.
Windy City skaters don bull horns, arm themselves with whiffle ball bats, and take to
the streets to “herd” the pack from checkpoint to checkpoint. Part bar crawl, part
spectacle all fun and all for a good cause!
RIOT FEST (SEPTEMBER 2013)
Riot Fest is a punk, rock and alternative music festival formed in Chicago in 2005.
The festival proposes a diverse lineup consisting of buzzed-about reunions, one-offs,
special guest appearances and popular punk mainstays. It is known for reuniting bands
such as Naked Raygun, WAX, Blue Meanies, Articles of Faith and Plow United. Previous
headliners include Social Distortion, Weezer, Alkaline Trio,NOFX, Bad Brains, The
Lawrence Arms, Descendents, Murder City Devils, The Dead Milkmen, The Mighty
Mighty Bosstones, Leftöver Crack and Screeching Weasel, and more.
8

WHO’S WHO
• The Jammer: The star of the show if you will. This skater has a star helmet
cover and scores all the points for her team. She’s quick and agile, and covets
that Lead Jammer status.
• The Pivot: Skater with a striped helmet cover. This skater sets the pace of the
pack and is often called the “last line of defense.” The brains of the operation!
• The Blocker: You won’t catch her with a helmet cover, but she can and
will knock down whomever she can to make sure her Jammer gets through
the pack first.
WHAT’S WHAT
Scoring is quick and the hits are crushing, so try not to blink! Five players from
each team line up on the track: one Jammer (star cap), one Pivot (stripe cap)
and three Blockers (no cap). One whistle blows to start the Blockers and Pivots
(a.k.a. the “Pack”) and the Jammers. The first Jammer to make it through the
Pack is named Lead Jammer, which gives her the right to end the play (or “Jam”)
at any time. On the next pass, both Jammers start scoring points for each player
on the opposing team they pass. Pivots and Blockers from the opposing team try
to hold her back or knock her down, while her own team tries its best to make
holes for her to slip through. It’s offense and defense at the same time.
WHAT’S GOING ON?
One Pivot, three Blockers, and one Jammer (the point scorer) from each
team enter the track. One whistle is blown and the pack (made up of the Blockers
and Pivots) and Jammers are released. Each Jammer tries to race through
the pack first to attain Lead Jammer status, as indicated by their Jammer
Referee. You can tell who is Lead Jammer because the Jammer Referee will be
pointing at them. The Lead Jammer may end the jam at any time by putting her
hands on her hips. When a Jammer makes her way around the track and back
to the pack, she is eligible to score. She can earn one point for every opposing
skater she legally passes. Blockers try to stop the opposing team’s Jammer while
also making holes for their own Jammer to slip through. A jam is the period
of play, and it can last up to two minutes in duration. A jam continues until either
the Lead Jammer calls it off or the two minutes expires. A series of four whistle
blasts lets you know the jam is over.
DERBY 101
WHAT IS LEAD JAMMER?
The first Jammer that passes each opposing player in the pack legally on
her initial pass receives Lead Jammer status. This gives her the right to call off
the jam at any time.
If a Jammer passes a skater illegally on her initial pass, she may attempt
to re-pass legally. If she does so, she remains eligible for Lead Jammer status.
If a Jammer steps out of bounds for any reason before she reaches the
Engagement Zone, which is within 20 feet from the last skater in the pack, she
ineligible to be Lead Jammer for the duration of that jam.
WHAT HAPPENS IF NO ONE GETS LEAD JAMMER?
If both Jammers make unclean passes in their first attempts through
the pack, no Lead Jammer is declared. The jam will continue for the full
two minutes.
HOW DOES A JAMMER GET POINTS?
A Jammer earns one point for every opposing player passed legally on her
second pass through the pack, and every pass thereafter. A Jammer receives
points for opposing skaters in the penalty box as soon as she legally passes the
first opposing Blocker. A Jammer receives an additional point when she laps
the opposing Jammer.
WHAT THE HECK IS THE ENGAGEMENT ZONE?
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
The term “pack” refers to the largest group of Pivots and Blockers, skating in
proximity, containing members from both teams. The Engagement Zone is 20 feet
from the nearest pack member. A skater must be in the Engagement Zone in
order to block or assist. Engaging and/or being outside of the Engagement Zone
results in Out of Play penalties.
If there is no pack then no skater can engage or assist another player. There are
Out of Play penalties for destroying the pack as well as failing to reform the pack
once it is destroyed.
PENALTIES! AND THE BOX.
Upon committing a penalty, the player must serve one minute in the penalty
box. Both the skater and her position are penalized. For example, if she were the
Jammer, the team would have no Jammer for one minute. Skaters reentering the
pack from the penalty box must enter at the back of the pack.
Only two Blockers from each team and one Jammer from either team are allowed
in the box at one time. If there are already two Blockers from a team in the box
when a third is sent, that third Blocker will be waived back onto the track and
must wait to server her penalty.
If one Jammer is in the box and another Jammer gets sent to the box, the first
Jammer is released and the second Jammer serves the same amount of time that
the first Jammer served.
WHAT IS A LEGAL BLOCK?
Any player may engage an opposing player’s shoulder to upper thigh, chest and
upper torso. The player can initiate contact with her booty, hips, torso, and arm
from her shoulder to above, but not including, the elbow.
For a full set of rules, visit WFTDA.com.
WFTDA MEMBER LEAGUES
Women’s Flat Track Derby Association includes more than 130 leagues that
compete on a national and international scale. WFTDA is divided into four
game play regions: East, West, North Central, and South Central. Every fall, each
region holds a Playoff tournament involving the top 10 teams from that
region, with the three winners of the tournament advancing to the WFTDA
Championship tournament.
For a current list of WFTDA leagues and tournaments, please visit WFTDA.com.
9

WINDY CITY ROLLERS IMAGES
High Resolution Images Available Upon Request.
Photos by Gil Leora/Jamie DiVecchio Ramsay

ROLLER DERBY HISTORY
IN THE BEGINNING MODERN ROLLER DERBY
1935
Roller derby is born in Chicago. Leo Seltzer,
inspired by an article on the popularity of
roller skating in America, scribbles the idea
on a napkin while eating at Johnny Ricketts.
His original idea called for a month-long,
transcontinental race between two
two-person skate teams.
AUGUST 13, 1935
The first Transcontinental roller derby
race is held Chicago: 25 two-skater co-ed
teams skate 3,000 miles (a distance equal
to that between San Diego and New York
City!) around a track. The winners are
the team that covered the distance in the
shortest time.
1937
Leo Seltzer creates a governing body for
roller derby. He names it the International
Roller Derby League (IRDL) and maintains
ownership rights.
FEBRUARY, 1937
A bus crash in Salem, IL kills over 40
derby skaters and personnel on their way
to a race in Cincinnati. The devastating
loss almost destroys the IRDL.
1938
Roller derby gains popularity throughout
the country. In 1938, sportswriter Damon
Runyon suggests an increase of physical
contact to Seltzer, and a version of the game
evolves into what we know today.
1938 - 1947
Runyon’s version of roller derby is played
between two teams of five men and five men,
scoring points by lapping opponents.
Seltzer’s version of the game continues to be
played throughout World War Two.
1948
Roller derby is televised for the first time.
A co-ed game captures the attention of
the nation and two female stars, Midge
“Toughie” Brashun and Gerry Murray win
the hearts of viewers.
1953
Roller derby hops the pond. The IRDL goes
on a tour, skating in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona
and London.
1958
Leo’s son, Jerry, takes over for his father and
moves the headquarters of the IRDL from the
east coast to California. Jerry Seltzer is still
active in the roller derby community to this
day and continually shows support for the
rebirth of the sport.
1961
A rival to the IRDL is created – the National
Skating Derby, nicknamed “National.”
1972
A skaters’ strike hobbles the IRDL and rising
costs makes the league suffer. In September,
over 52,000 fans attend an interleague
game between the IRDL and the National in
Chicago’s Comiskey Park.
1973
Gas shortages and increased costs cripple
Seltzer’s family-run league and the original
IRDL skates its last game on December 8,
1973 at the Long Island Arena in Commack,
NY. Seltzer sells everything to the National
Skating Derby.
APRIL 1977
The International Roller Skating
League (IRSL) is formed with David
Lipschultz at the helm.
DECEMBER 12, 1987
IRSL plays its last game in Madison Square
Garden in New York.
2001
The new millennium heralds the rebirth
of Roller Derby. Women working at four
different bars in Austin, TX decide to host an
interesting sporting event. With the help of
man named “Derby Dan,” they decide on an
all-woman, flat track roller derby bout.
Allegedly, the team themes were based on
the bars’ décor, and were represented in
each team’s DIY uniforms. This established
the flamboyant and flirtatious nature that is
present in derby today. What was supposed
to be a one-night-only event became so
popular that the women formed Bad Girl/
Good Woman productions (BGGW).
2002
BGGW’s inaugural season.
2003
BGGW splits due to business differences and
two separate leagues are formed: Lonestar
Rollergirls (who switched to playing on
a banked track, and still operate under
BGGW), and Texas Rollergirls (who stayed
with the flat-track format).
Derby takes off—Phoenix, then New York,
Los Angeles, Tucson, and North Carolina
create teams. The flat track format requires
less setup, startup money, and maintenance
so its popularity spreads and exceeds that of
banked track’s.
2004
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association
is formalized.
This new governing body created a number
of requirements and bout (or game) dates
in an effort to formally unite leagues across
the nation and to elevate the image of
member leagues. WFTDA wants its members
to be seen as women who are world-class
athletes and business owners, focused on
the advancement of flat track roller Derby.
Its governing philosophy is “by the skaters,
for the skaters.” Women skaters are the
primary owners, managers, and operators of
each member league and of the association
itself. Operational tasks include setting
standards for rules, seasons, and safety
and for determining guidelines for
the national and international athletic
competitions of member leagues. All member
leagues have a voice in the decision-making
process, and agree to comply with the
governing body’s policies.
2009
WFTDA expands from two regions to four to
accommodate growing league membership.
Montreal becomes the first international
league in January 2009. Hammer City
of Hamilton, Ontario, became the second
later that year.
MAY 20, 2010
The first Transatlantic bout is played in
London. The Hustlers, a Texas Rollergirls
home team, travel to England to take on
the London Rollergirls. London had already
established themselves as the European
roller derby champions at Roll Britannia, the
first European tournament, in 2009.
JUNE 2010
London Rollergirls became the first
league outside of North America to be
accepted into WFTDA.
NOVEMBER 2012
WFTDA releases a new ruleset for the
2013 that does away with minor penalties
and 2 whistle jam starts.
JANUARY 2013
WFTDA releases a new rankings system
to categorize teams by game results instead
of geography. Instead of Regional Playoffs,
teams vying for a slot in Championships
will now compete in four Division 1 Playoffs
tournaments. Division 2 teams will also
compete in two separate Playoffs
tournaments to allow for additional
interleague gameplay.
11

SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
First WCR recruitment event held at Cork
Lounge in Chicago.
JUNE 2005
WCR debuts for the Chicago public.
The Windy City Rollers’ first public bout was
an exhibition match-up between The Fury
and Double Crossers and the Hell’s Belles
and the Manic Attackers. The bout was
held in the Congress Theater in front of an
impressive crowd of 3,000. To accommodate
the venue, the WCR skated on an abnormally
small track.
AUGUST 2005
Several Windy City Rollers attend the Roller
Derby Hall of Fame induction, where they
meet Ivy King, a roller derby legend. Ivy’s
tenacity, contribution to the sport, and love
of dirty jokes led the league to name the
championship cup after her.
NOVEMBER 2005
The Fury become the inaugural Ivy King
Cup winners.
FEBRUARY 2006
The Dust Devil Invitational is hosted in
Tucson, AZ by Tucson Roller Derby. 20 of
WFTDA’s 30 member leagues competed
in this first ever all-women Roller Derby
tournament. Three days of hard skating
produced the first national derby champions,
the Texas Rollergirls. The WCR All-Stars,
having skated for one season on a smaller
track, finished 18th out of 20.
JUNE 2006
To accommodate the new WFTDA
regulation-sized track, a new venue became
necessary. The WCR began skating at
Cicero Stadium in Cicero, IL. Cicero will be
WCR’s home for the next three years.
NOVEMBER 2006
The Fury win the Ivy King Cup for the second
season in a row.
FEBRUARY 2007
The second annual Dust Devil is held in
Tucson, AZ. This three-day tournament
included all Division 1 and Division 2 leagues
in the WFTDA. WCR did not advance out of
the initial “round robin” bracket.
MARCH 2007
The first East Coast Extravaganza (ECE)
is held in Philadelphia, PA. The Philly
Rollergirls hold a weekend invitational for
all flat-track leagues east of the Mississippi
River. WCR happily accepts the invitation to
participate, and continues to do so.
APRIL 2007
WCR switches its home schedule from
summer to winter to facilitate having an
interleague season.
WINDY CITY ROLLERS TIMELINE
AUGUST 2007
At the Eastern Regionals Playoffs in
Columbus, OH. #7 seed WCR upsets #1 seed
Mad Rollin’ Dolls of Madison, WI to secure a
spot at Nationals. WCR placed second in the
tournament behind New York’s Gotham Girls
Roller Derby.
AUGUST 25, 2007
Tequila Mockingbird, skater for The Fury,
sustains a neck injury that renders her
partially paralyzed.
OCTOBER 2007
WCR places seventh at the 2007 WFTDA
National Tournament.
NOVEMBER 2007
The Double Crossers win the Ivy King Cup
for the first time.
JANUARY 2008
WCR’s fourth home season begins.
OCTOBER 2008
WCR finishes second behind New York’s
Gotham Girls Roller Derby in the WFTDA
Eastern Conference Finals.
WCR holds its inaugural interleague bout at
UIC Pavilion in Chicago versus the Carolina
Rollergirls. WCR wins 191-16.
NOVEMBER 2008
WFTDA’s National Tournament, Northwest
Knockdown, is held in Portland, OR. It is
jointly hosted by Rose City (Portland) and
Rat City (Seattle). WCR finishes second
behind Gotham Girls.
NOVEMBER 2008
Hell’s Belles win the Ivy King cup for the
first time.
JANUARY 2009
WCR’s inaugural home bout is held at the
UIC Pavilion and marks the beginning of
WCR’s fifth season.
OCTOBER 2009
Whip It!, directed by Drew Barrymore and
starring Ellen Page, is released. WCR pairs
up with the film’s distribution company for
promotions in Chicago.
NOVEMBER 2009
WFTDA’s National Tournament, the
Declaration of Derby, is held in Philadelphia,
PA. WCR is the #1 seed in the North Central
Region but is eliminated in the quarterfinal
round after losing to the Denver Roller Dolls.
The Manic Attackers win the Ivy King cup for
the first time.
JANUARY 2010
WCR’s sixth season begins.
For the first time, skaters may opt for a WCR
All-Star only status to solely compete in
interleague play.
SEPTEMBER 2010
WCR places first in the North Central
Regional tournament hosted by the Brewcity
Bruisers of Milwaukee in Green Bay, WI.
NOVEMBER 2010
WCR hosts its first interleague tournament
at UIC Pavilion: the 2010 WFTDA
Championship, Uproar On the Lakeshore.
WCR All-Stars lost in the first round to
the Oly Rollers of Olympia, Wash.
The Fury win the Ivy King Cup for the
third time.
JANUARY 2011
WCR’s seventh season begins.
OCTOBER 2011
WCR All-Stars take the North Central
championships for the third consecutive
year, making them the only WFTDA team to
retain a regional title for that long.
NOVEMBER 2011
WCR All-Stars fall to the Kansas City Roller
Warriors in the second round of the WFTDA
Championships in Broomfield, CO.
The Fury win the Ivy King Cup for the
fourth time.
DECEMBER 2011
Blood & Thunder magazine sponsors the
first Roller Derby World Cup in Toronto,
Ontario. WCR’s Varla Vendetta and
Sargentina represent Team USA and
Team Argentina, respectively. Team USA
sweeps the competition to win the first
World Cup title.
JANUARY 2012
With a revamped home season format,
including a pre-season mini-tournament for
charity, WCR opens its eighth season at UIC
Pavilion on January 28th.
JUNE 2012
The Manic Attackers break The Fury’s streak
and win the Ivy King Cup.
SEPTEMBER 2012
The WCR All-Stars place first in the North
Central Regional Playoffs, extending their
undefeated streak in the Region.
NOVEMBER 2012
The WCR All-Stars receive a bye in the first
round of the WFTDA Championships, but
lose to the Denver Roller Dolls in the second
round.
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