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: Commemorating Black Roller Skating in Chicago – December 8, 2018 »
Oak Lawn Roller Rink was a popular rink where Chicagoans skated for over 40 years. It was located on 9121 S. Cicero in a segregated city on the southwest side of Chicago. The rink opened in the early 1950s (I don’t have the exact date); was hit by a devastating tornado on April 21, 1967;… Read More: Did You Skate at Oak Lawn Roller Rink? »
Altgeld Gardens is one of those little known places where people roller skated in Chicago for two reasons. First, Altgeld is a community located on Chicago’s far south side with limited access to public transportation. Second, it was a community where residents were not very trusting of outsiders. But the people who lived in Altgeld… Read More: Did You Roller Skate at Altgeld Gardens? »
The Swank Skating Rink graced the Beverly community at 1234 W. 111th St. It opened in the 1950s but I don’t have records of its closing. If you have that information, share it in the comment box below. Also, feel free to share your memories of roller skating at The Swank. Image credit: Google… Read More: Did You Skate at The Swank? »
I’ve spoken to a few skaters and have uncovered several YMCAs where people roller skated. If you, or anyone you know, skated at any of the Ys listed below, share your roller skating memories in the comment box below. YMCAs where Chicagoan’s skated: Wabash YMCA – 3763 S. Wabash Hyde Park YMCA – 1400 E.… Read More: Did You Skate at a YMCA in Chicago? »
Did you know that Riverview Amusement Park had a roller skating rink? It was located at 2528 Belmont in Chicago where DeVry University sits today. Opened from 1904 to 1967, Riverview the largest and longest-running amusement park in Chicago. If you have memories of roller skating at Riverview, please share them in the comment box… Read More: Did You Skate at Riverview Roller Skating Rink? »