On the Beat At The 2017 Juanna Rumbel Cup

The Windy City Rollers is a four team flat-track roller derby league founded by Juanna Rumbel and Sister Sledgehammer in 2004. It is the first of its kind in Chicago and is a founding member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The WCR league consists of The Double Crossers, The Fury, The Manic Attackers and Hell’s Belles.

Roller derby dates back to the 1800’s. Multi-day endurance races morphed into speed and endurance contests held on flat and banked tracks. Currently there are hundreds of roller derby leagues all over the world. At times, roller derby featured more theatrics than actual sport, but now it is generally played as a real sport, complete with real rules which are enforced and scoring based on a legitimate and explainable system.

The WCR skaters take their games seriously, but they also have a lot fun. Like older days, the skaters still have colorful names, like Sara Problem, Bork Bork Bork, Tay Q. Down and more, but that is really the end of the over-the-top stuff. The rest of the WCR experience is full of highly competitive, dedicated, athletic women who want to win every time out there.

On Friday night, we attended the 2017 Juanna Rumbel Cup at the UIC Pavilion, which featured all four teams, battling it out. Four 30 minute bouts determined the 2017 JRC champ.

The first game saw The Manic Attackers beat The Double Crosers 130-98. In the second game, Hell’s Belles defeated The Fury 149-84. The Double Crossers bounced back and trounced The Fury 140-41 in the third game. The JRC championship was decided when Hell’s Belles edged out The Manic Attackers 91-82. The MVP was Bambi Bloodlust.

All of the games had great action, but the championship game really stole the show. It was a hard-fought, smash-mouth, tight-scoring battle from beginning to end. Hell’s Belles took the win and earned it, but it could have easily gone to The Manic Attackers. It was just that close throughout the game.

In addition to the action on the track, a very special event occurred between games. All eyes were on Peake-A-Bruise of the Double Crossers as she accepted a marriage proposal and the happy couple officially became engaged! It was an interesting juxtaposition to see the romantic moment in the middle of the rough and tumble night of derby action.

The roller derby crowd is interesting in the diversity. There is beauty in seeing so many different types of people come together and have fun cheering for their favorites.

During the night, we met up with some old skater friends and met a bunch of new ones. The recurring theme was their palpable passion for their sport. These women play for the love of the game. They give their time and bodies to the sport. Many long practices and workout sessions prepare these women for their games. Nobody can question their dedication, toughness or love of derby.

When they are not playing, the women of WCR can be found at their merchandise booth or mingling with fans. This is one of the most fan-friendly experiences I have seen. They are especially great with youngsters.

The WCR provides these women with a special bond, which is obvious in their words and actions. The rivalry on the track is intense, but respectful. The connection off the track is deep and unbreakable.

One of the cool parts for the fans is that you can watch intently, keeping up on the score, penalties, strategies etc. or you can casually watch as the flurry of action spins around the track. I do a little of both. My friends and I sometimes spend the down time creating roller derby names for ourselves. Belton John? Johngy Crash? Johngy Rotten?

If you don’t live near Chicago, you can still see great flat track roller derby. The World Flat Track Derby Association has info and rankings on over 200 derby leagues world wide. I have enjoyed derby action in a few other cities, including Detroit, home of the Detroit Derby Girls.

I highly recommend a night of derby with the Windy City Rollers. A few years ago, I got my first taste of WCR action. I was just looking for something different and did not expect to fall in love with the sport. I have gained friends, including skaters, staffers and other fans. I even keep in touch with several former skaters who have moved out of the area. The WCR really does become an extended family of sorts.

The best part is that the action is just beginning for 2017. It’s going to be a fantastic year for derby fans. I plan on reporting all of the pertinent news, but you can also keep up with the WCR at WindyCityRollers.com.

I thank the WCR for their hospitality and I thank the Patch for giving me this outlet to share my passion. I can't wait for the next WCR event!