After reading Roller Girl, a young adult graphic novel by Victoria Jamieson, Yoshi McKee developed a growing interest in roller derby. The Orland Park native found the fast-paced, full-contact sport on quad roller skates captivating and resolved to not only read about it but also participate.
“I had started with rollerblading, so the transition to roller skates wasn’t that hard,” said McKee, 14.
At 11, McKee joined the Chicago Riots, a junior roller derby team teaching kids ages 10 to 17 to play roller derby, collaborate, lead, and build confidence. The Riots belong to the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA).
Roller derby is played in two 30-minute periods comprising two-minute “jams” in an oval arena. Each team fields four defensive blockers and one offensive jammer.
Skaters race around the track, staying in bounds while avoiding contact with hands, heads, or feet.
They are prohibited from intentionally hitting others in the head, back, or legs. Violations frequently result in penalties.
“I could have used the Riots when I was that age, and providing that for the next generation is even better than playing the sport myself,” said Kerry Turner, general manager of the Chicago Riots.
Turner, who lives in Downers Grove, has served as general manager for five years and was previously the parent of a skater on a Wisconsin team before joining the Riots.
The team, composed of 30 skaters ages 10 to 18, practices at Fleetwood Roller Rink, 7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit, on Sunday mornings from January through August. Coaches Karen Kinderman and Sara Wadford lead the practices.
“My personal goal for the Riots is to provide a space where these kids feel comfortable being themselves, even if they don’t feel that way anywhere else,” Wadford said. “I want the Riots to be where they can show up as themselves, for themselves, and leave feeling supported by their teammates and coaches.”
Roller derby, which began during the Great Depression, still draws a strong following among today’s youth.
“My favorite thing about roller derby is the friends I’ve made and how the sport has shaped me,” said Birdie O’Malley, 15, of Beverly. O’Malley started in the sport seven years ago and hasn’t looked back. Neither has her teammate Marlow Glaser.
“It’s corny, but I love the team,” said Glaser, 17, of Chicago. “I started derby just for fun on the weekends and for some exercise, but I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have found the Riots. My teammates are always there to help—whether it’s with an icepack, a skate repair, or even cool stickers for our helmets. I’ve never felt alone on the rink because I know someone has my back.”
Although the sport has evolved— rules have changed, and banked tracks have become flat — it remains rooted in passion and competitive spirit, according to Chicago Riots’ coaches.
Whether for the thrill of the race or the camaraderie, the Chicago Riots offer young skaters more than just a sport—they provide a community where confidence and friendships flourish, both on and off the rink.
The Chicago Riots accept new skaters at the start of each season. No experience is required. For more information, email chicagoriotsmembership@gmail.com.