Listing of Chicago West Side Roller Skating Rinks

Based on conversations with roller skaters and the comments in my Calling Chicago West Side Roller Skaters post, here is a listing of west side roller skating rinks in Chicago and other places they skated: Roller Skating Rinks Concrete Jungle Concrete Jungle – Madison & Menard Motion Explosion 7 Grand Roller Rink Hot Wheels Broadway… Read More »

At Which Chicago Public Housing Complex Did You Roller Skate?

When you hear about public housing in Chicago, you mostly negative stuff – struggle, poverty, violence, gangs and drugs. You rarely hear stories about two-parent families, adults encouraging young people to go school and get jobs, and good neighborly relations within those complexes. Yes, that did exist. Now, tales that you won’t hear about unless… Read More »

Chicago YMCAs Where People Skated

I emailed YMCA Chicago for information on the three Ys where people skated on the south and west sides of the city. Following is the information provided. Hyde Park YMCA Located at 1400 E. 53rd Street (Dorchester & 53rd), Hyde Park YMCA Opened in January 1923 and closed in August 1980.   Sears YMCA Sears YMCA opened… Read More »

Commemorating Black Roller Skating in Chicago – December 8, 2018

The very first day Black people were able to roller skate indoors in Chicago was December 8, 1938. I’m having a roller skating event to commemorate this historical event on December 8, 2018. Here are the details I have for now: Date: December 8, 2018 Place: Glenwood Roller Rink, 656 Holbrook Rd, Glenwood, IL 60425… Read More »