There’s only so many nights you can sit on a barstool before it gets boring (and your beer gut starts expanding). With Friday’s release of the locally filmed “Roll Bounce,” we were inspired to try a new nighttime activity, so we checked out The Rink-where film tryouts took place-and found you can have a lot of fun on eight wheels.
On a recent Tuesday night, skaters rush around The Rink to a James Brown tune. Feet twist, bodies swerve, and a threesome ducks low into a turn, shoulders moving in unison, each with a skate kicked out.
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The skaters know their stuff; we’re especially impressed by Darius Stroud, a local pro who rolls to the name D-Breeze.
D-Breeze explains that lessons are available and that accomplished skaters are usually willing to help us upstarts. But you have to know the basics, he says, and most skaters practice at slower rinks or during less busy periods, like Saturday mornings, before trying to hang on Tuesdays.
How good is good?
Beneath kaleidoscope lights, D-Breeze picks his way through the crowd, picking up speed to give us a demo. Soon we see him streaking across the floor, sliding backward on the toe stop of one skate, head back, arms spread high in the air. On the next lap, he points to the feet of a fellow member of his team, the JB Elite. The man rides solely on the two inside wheels of his right skate. (Skate with the JBs 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays; 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sundays.)
They’re JB skating tonight, a Chicago-based style named after James Brown, the preferred skate music. And JB is spreading.
Aside from competing across the country,
D-Breeze and friends have appeared in the films “8 Wheels” and “Some Soul Brother Music,” in addition to “Roll Bounce.” A skater from The Rink was featured in an iPod commercial, and DJ Keezo-Kane, who mixes funk for the JBers, was recently signed by Kanye West.
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Take a breather
Whether pooped out or in awe, you can watch the best moves from the sidelines, or grab a table by the snack bar and enjoy a pop. Shoot eight ball-while wearing skates, of course-or work on your steps at the practice rink, where photos of Rink regulars look on approvingly. Or, upgrade your gear at the pro shop.
Why skate?
Owner Nate Simpson says roller skating makes great exercise. D-Breeze agrees but adds: “The best skater on the rink is like a celebrity. When you’re in here, it’s about if you can skate. It doesn’t matter if you got a Benz. It stays outside.”
It’s not all high-energy, sink or swim. We like the slow R&B and old-school skating for the over-30 crowd (10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays; 5-9 p.m. Sundays). Or hire the hang for a party; sorry, alcohol is not allowed.
Admission varies; expect to pay $7 if you BYO skates, $10 to rent (though the rentals look a little abused). Tuesdays, men pay $1 if they arrive between 8 and 9 p.m.; women pay $1 on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Getting here
From downtown, take the Metra Electric Line to 87th Street; remember to request the stop. The Rink is one block east. Driving? There’s ample parking, and a golf cart is sometimes available to ferry you to and from your car.
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On a roll? Try these
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Lynwood Sport Center
2030 Glenwood-Dyer Road, Lynwood
708-474-5900
“Roll Bounce” was filmed at this suburban spot, 28 miles south of downtown. Head here for Adult Organ Skate (with live organ music) and Black Out Nights, where $9 admission includes skate rental and a glow stick.
Frankly, we weren’t surprised to learn The Rink was first choice for the set of “Roll Bounce.” But when that spot turned down the shoot-The Rink’s owner wanted to keep it open to the public for the summer- the film fell to Lynwood.
Windy City Rollers
What the ladies of the Windy City Rollers (Chicago’s own roller derby league) lack in skill-they can’t begin to match the technique of JB skaters-they make up with brawn, bravado and pro wrestling-like theatrics.
The next roller derby event, School Daze Showdown, takes place at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Congress Theatre, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. Advance tickets $10; $15 at the door.
Information: [email protected].
Post-match recovery takes place at Liar’s Club, 1655 W. Fullerton Ave.
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