According to my research, Fleetwood Roller Rink in Summit, Illinois is the longest running rink in close proximity to the city. I am not certain if is the longest running open rink in the state because I have not reached that far in my research. Unfortunately, I cannot share the history of Fleetwood because it… Read More: Fleetwood Roller Rink is Celebrating Over 55 Years »
Okay, I don’t have any images of The Loop Roller Disco (The Loop) yet, but I have spoken with the owner, Greg Evans, and several other roller skaters in the city. Apparently, the Loop was hot in it’s day. Even legendary DJ Herb Kent gave it kudos. The Loop was visited by local and… Read More: Remember the Loop Roller Disco on West 95th Street in… »
The Rink Fitness Factory http://youtu.be/bG2IgGCdYVk The Rink is currently one of two roller rinks in Chicago, both of which are located on the South Side of Chicago. It is one of the three black-owned roller rinks in the immediate and surrounding areas. And it is still pretty hot. Anyway, if you have ever roller skated… Read More: Did You Skate at The Rink Fitness Factory on Ashland… »
Roller skating would not be what it is without music. From the early days of skating to the late 1960s, organists provided the music. Yes, gifted people earned their names in history because they played the organ at roller rinks. All of that changed with disco. This was a new dance style that everyone enjoyed.… Read More: What Were Your Favorite Roller Disco Skating Jams? »
If you roller skated at Madison Roller Rink, Hot Wheels, Top Flight, St. Agatha or Maywood Roller Rink or any other rink on the west side of Chicago, your stories, images and other memorabilia are needed. We would love to hear from you. At which other West side rinks did you roller skate?
I asked Russell Lewis, resident Chicago World’s Fair guru at the Chicago History Museum, if there was a roller rink at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, and he said no. So, my next question becomes: Did visitors to the World’s Fair roller skate at the Chicago Roller Skating Rink, the very first roller rink in… Read More: Did Visitors to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago Roller… »