Do you or did you roller skate? I mean, quad skates (like the one in the logo). If you answered yes , this site is for you.
Even if you didn’t skate but went to roller rinks for fun, it’s for you, too.
If you have any memories of roller skating, please share them on Real Skate Stories. Or, feel free to contact Marcie Hill if you have any questions.
I was doing a search on Jack Balke and your website came up regarding the Swank rink. i was so excited to see that name! Some of my happiest times were spent there. I learned to skate at the Planet and then went to the Swank. I belonged to the Swank club and even skated competitions! I really miss those times.
Thank you for sharing your memories, Dean. Do you have any photos of yourself or the rink? Which years did you skate? Can you share more about the Swank club and your competition experiences?
I started skating at Skate City on 63rd and Elizabeth I ventured out to other rinks like The Loop, The Rink, Rainbow,Roller Rina Screaming wheels, Markham and Glenwood…Those were the day’s I tell you wish we could get back those day’s.
Karen, thank you for sharing your memories. Do you remember the names of the owners of the rinks? Do you have any photos? Do you remember names of people you used to roller skate with?
Skated at 89th & Ashland and 87th & Woodlawn back in the 80’s and early 90’s. The young people (at Ashland) taught me to Big Wheel. I was thrilled they took the time to help me. Lots of James Brown and JB’s . Perfect to skate to. Always went to the Midnight ramble, very much a night owl I am and it was never crowded. Also rolled at the Loop and Crestwood. We created a club the Skate Junkies.
Hey Roz, do you mind interviewing with me about the Skate Junkies?
I am from st. anselms skating rink i frst skated when i was 7years old and i was hooked ever since i remember the organ music the year was 1971-72 i also remember working there and learning all of the business, if you skated at st, anselms leave a story wasn’t nothing like friday and saturday night skating. oh yeah and the guys doing the st. anselms steps( lil jim & big jim). even though i wasnt suppose to be there mr, sumerlin let me stay and he took me under his wing. wheres all of my st, anselms skaters at
Thanks for leaving this memory, Chris. Do you remember the organist’s name? And who was Mr. Sumerlin?
I’ve been skating for over 40+yrs! I started skating @Markham,2 yrs before the Loop was opened! I moved out of Princeton Park in 73,to Grove Heights,for those that don’t know,it’s right across the I.C tracks from Chicago State,95 to 99&Cottage Grove! I was a established skater all over the city,I’ve won numerous contests,if you skated you know me! But the Loop was always a gathering place for all skaters,actually all the rinks were back then! I left for the service in 80& only skated twice 8q&85 when I would come home on leave! 85 was the last time I skated in 40yrs! But that’s not the end of my story! In 2012 I joined Facebook& all of a sudden I started connecting with my old skate friends! I see videos of people skating&I’m like I can’t skate anymore first of all it’s been40+yrs& my Mom bronzed my skates,to be on display with my trophies! Now this has to be the SKATE GOD’S intervention????? I was talking to my first 💘,if you know me.I’m talking about Veronica! She said you should get back into it,I have the number to Homewood Skate Shop! We call& I start talking to Tracey,now this is the lady that switched my GMII plates to Panthers in 1977,We couldn’t believe it!!!! So I told her I wanted the same skates I had back in the day,didn’t want no Hard Candy plates,Panthers or nothing! So she told me she could get what I needed,but it would take about a month& the cost would be 700$,now back in the day,they only costs 145$,Tracey the said David&Veronica if you really want these skates,since we both got our plates from her,she did the deal for 500$& THEY’RE UNBELIEVABLE! You can 👀 what a 54 yr old LEDGEND skates like on,LEDGENDS of THA WOOD! I’m in my third week of getting back to form,it’s coming!4$HO Holla!😎
You are a Legend just like myself. Keep doing what you do! You inspire someone like me to push
through my medical issues to get back to what I love. David you are an inspiration. I Love you dude. Keep in touch!
Thank you,
Judy Sytaughter
Is this site still active and monitored?
I happened on your page by accident tonight as I was looking for friend from the past who was a roller skating partner of mine. I am pleased you are taking the time to do this. A few years ago I planned to do something similar but do to an accident, no pity please my plans were put on hold. God works in mysterious ways and after my spinal operation this July I will during my rehab I will bombard you with a variety of real stories about rink owners, the R.S.R.O.A., competitive skating here and in Europe over a 27 year period. Then the pro side the original roller derby having skated with the New York Chiefs, we made many appearances at the old Chicago Ampatheater (if it still exists). So feel free to question a bit by e-mail and I will answer as I can, otherwise until the surgery I send you short items. Thanks for remembering this was and is fun and family first for those of us on quads. JK
Hi John, I e-mailed you but I wanted to thank you for sharing your memories with me. Any assistance you provide will be greatly appreciated. Also, what is your friend’s name? I can post that you are looking for him or her on the site. Take care and talk soon.