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The Chicago Outfit's season may be over, but they remain in the spotlight.
According to an Outfit spokesperson, four Outfit skaters -- Pippi Long Smackings, Queefer Sutherland, Hero Shima and Busty Broke'her -- recently traveled to Los Angeles to tape a segment on the "Queen Latifah Show." The segment will be broadcast during today's show.
Outfit fans will have two chances today to watch the show. The first chance comes at 2pm when the show will air on CBS. It will be re-run at 7pm on WCIU. For a complete list of showtimes, click here (PDF).
The Syndicate, the A-team of the Chicago Outfit, lost in the first round of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association Division One playoffs Friday.
Tammy Tsiones, who skates for the Syndicate under the name Pippi Long Smackings, said the Syndicate lost to the Victorian Roller Derby League of Melbourne, Australia, 304-115.
The loss means the Syndicate will not be going to the WFTDA championships in Milwaukee in November.
In roller derby, almost no lead is safe until the final whistle blows.
That idea was on display Saturday as the Syndicate, the A-team of the Chicago Outfit, narrowly defeated the A-team of Madison's Dairyland Dolls, 254-244.
Saturday's win allowed the Syndicate to end their regular season on a high note. They head to Salem, OR Sept. 27-29 for the Women's Flat Track Derby Association Division 1 playoffs.
"The Syndicate has worked especially hard for this opportunity this year," Cheryl Runge LoVerde (also known by her derby name, "Helsa Wayton"), who skates for the Syndicate and serves as the league's general manager, said in a news release. "Amidst a season plagued with player turnover and hitting the reset button many times to get our relatively fresh team to finally gel, we are thrilled and proud to qualify as a Division 1 team in 2013 and excited about the opportunity to meet and play 2013's best D1 teams at playoffs."
The Chicago Outfit's b-team, the Shade Brigade, took home a win Saturday against the Ohio Roller Girls' b-team, the Gang Green.
The Shade Brigade held Gang Green scoreless for the first eight minutes of the bout, jumping out to a 29-0 lead. But Gang Green went on a 51-0 run to take the lead from the Shade Brigade. At the half, the Shade Brigade led 99-60.
Though Blue Ridge was up 31-10 with 20:35 left in the first half, strong jams by Matza Ball Breaker, Joan Ranger and Lola Blow put the Syndicate up 39-31 with 15 minutes left in the half. But Blue Ridge kept the pressure on and with just under 11 minutes to play in the half had gone up 43-41.
The Outfit's a-team, the Syndicate, lost to the Nashville Rollergirls All Stars, while the Shakedown, the Outfit's c-team, lost to the Davenport, Iowa-based Quad City Rollers on Saturday night.
Though Nashville drew first blood against the Syndicate, in the second jam of the game. Lola Blow got lead jammer status and quickly scored 19 points, while Syndicate blockers kept Nashville's Britches N'Hose from scoring any. The jam put the Syndicate up 19-2.
The Outfit's A-team, the Syndicate, and C-team, the Shakedown, open their 2013 seasons tomorrow at the Windy City Fieldhouse. The Syndicate skates against the Nashville Rollergirls while the Shakedown takes on the Davenport, Iowa-based Quad City Rollers.
The Outfit's B-team, the Shade Brigade, opened their 2013 season last weekend in Madison.
This year, said Jan Trainor, who skates for the Syndicate under the name Queefer Sutherland, the teams aren't preparing as much for individual opponents and are instead concentrating more on making sure they play the best game possible.
The Chicago Outfit today announced their 2013 season opener.
On Saturday, April 27, Outfit home team the Shakedown will face off against the Quad City Rollers at 7 p.m., with the Outfit's nationally-ranked travel team The Syndicate taking on the Nashville Rollergirls shortly after.
Bouts will take place at the Windy City Fieldhouse, 2367 W. Logan, and doors will open at 6 p.m.
The Chicago Outfit, coming off a loss to Milwaukee's Brewcity Bruisers in the first round of the WFTDA north-central regional tournament yesterday, lost to the Detroit Derby Girls in the first consolation-round bout today.
According to Derby News Network, Detroit was up 82-38 at the break and limited the Outfit to 20 points in the second half, for a 174-58 victory.
The eighth-seeded Outfit plays the ninth-seeded Brewcity Bruisers of Milwaukee at 10am today, with the winner of that bout going on to face the top seed Windy City Rollers All-Stars at 4pm.
The Windy City Rollers' home season may be over, but that doesn't mean Chicago's lacking in derby bouts. What, you think they're the only derby league in town? Not by a long shot, friend.
The Chicago Outfit are celebrating their fifth season in a double header on Saturday, June 9, at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan). The Outfit's A team, the Syndicate, will be facing off against the Carolina Rollergirls, while their C team, the Shakedown, bout against the So Ill Roller Girls. The bout kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. As always, parking is blessedly free.
Whoa, man, if you like roller derby, this Saturday is your night. Both hometown leagues, the Windy City Rollers and the Chicago Outfit are bouting on the same evening--and, unfortunately, at the same time. That's right, derby fans, you must make a Sophie's Choice decision between the two games.
While the Windy City Rollers wrapped up their home season two weeks ago, the Chicago Outfit have been hard at work building their rep.
So far, the Outfit's A team (yes, I know), the Syndicate, has enjoyed a pretty good season, having won six of the nine bouts they've played thus far. At this spring's Midwest Brewhaha in Milwaukee, the Syndicate topped the Ohio Roller Girls but lost their second bout to the Arch Rival Roller Girls.* Their efforts have moved the Outfit up to 9th place in the WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) North Central first-quarter rankings .
On Saturday, July 9, the Outfit Syndicate revisit their beef with Arch Rival in a hometown double header at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan Blvd). The leagues' B teams, the Outfit Shade Brigade and the Arch Rival St. Lunachix, will also bout. The event is all ages, and the first game begins at 7 p.m. And, as always, free parking is available! Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door.
*We got a little wonky with the team results upon publication. The results have been amended.
Outfit jammer Sweet Mary Pain (right) gets a hand from Suzie Crotchrot (center) / Photo: Steve Stearns
There was a theme at Saturday's Chicago Outfit bout at the Windy City Fieldhouse: Hit 'em hard and don't let up. At this, their first hometown bout of the season, the Outfit's A and B teams both enjoyed wins with wide margins.
The first game pitted the Outfit's B team, the Shade Brigade, against the So ILL Rollergirls of Southern Illinois. From the first whistle, the Brigade gals snagged lead jammer time and time again, a tactic that ensured they stayed on top. While So ILL's jammers were stuck in the box, the Brigade came to a halt, employing slow derby tactics to allow their jammer to cruise through the pack without much hassle. By the half, the score was in the Brigade's favor 110-27, with some excellent jamming by Graves. The game wrapped up with a 207-70 win for the Shade Brigade.
Afterward, the league's A team, the Chicago Syndicate, rolled out in their game against the Tri-City Rollergirls of Kitchener, Ontario. As far as the Outfit teams' gameplay and strategy, this game was a whole other beast from the first. It was also a much faster game, although the Syndicate still dipped into slow derby waters from time to time. Aided by the smooth moves of agile jammers such as Sweet Mary Pain, the Outfit doggedly built their point base. Although Tri-City came close to flipping the score, they never quite managed it, ending the half with the Syndicate leading 71-34. The Syndicate widened the spread in the second half until their ultimate 102-47 win.
The next hometown Outfit bout is Saturday, July 9, featuring a double header against the Arch Rival Roller Girls of St. Louis.
Cravin' some skatin'? Look no further, friend. On Saturday, enjoy a hometown doubleheader with the Chicago Outfit. This marks their first home game of the season, and for this round their A team, the Chicago Syndicate, plays the Tri-City Rollergirls out of Kitchener, Ontario. The Outfit's B team, the Shade Brigade, will take on the SO-ILL Rollergirls, representing Southern Illinois.
The Outfit have had a great season so far, with the Syndicate enjoying a 3-1 season so far. Hometown games are always more amped up than usual, so it'll be exciting to see what the gals can deliver.
The bout will take place at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan), where you will find free parking. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the game starts at 7. Tickets start at $15; get yours online or at the door.
The Outfit's Valerie of the Dolls is coming for you. (photo by by Marc Lebryk)
Prepare for a summer full of roller derby magic! The Chicago Outfit have released their upcoming 2011 home schedule. All home games are held in the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 West Logan Blvd). Tickets can be snagged at their site or at the door.
• May 14: Chicago Outfit Syndicate (A squad) vs Tri-City Rollergirls (Kitchener, Ontario)
Chicago Outfit Shade Brigade (B squad) vs So Ill Roller Girls (Southern Illinois)
• July 9: Syndicate vs Arch Rival All Stars (St. Louis, Missouri)
Shade Brigade vs Arch Rival St Lunachix
• Aug. 13: Syndicate vs Burning River Roller Girls (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Sept. 10: Syndicate vs Brew City Bruisers (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Shade vs Roller Girls of Central Kentucky (R.O.C.K.)
• Oct. 1: Syndicate vs Paper Valley All Stars (Appleton/Green Bay, Wisconsin)
Shade vs Paper Valley Flyin' Squirrels
The Outfit was accepted into the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) last year, which means they can now rank nationally. Despite their late appearance in the organization's 2010 season, the Outfit still performed very well, coming in ninth for the North Central division in the last quarter. It should be fun to see what this ambitious league can pull off this year.
Lindiana Jones (front) blocks a Blocker in their Dec. 4 bout against Naptown. (photo by Marc Lebryk)
Ah, it's nearly springtime, or what I like to call Spaghetti Wrestling Season. Celebrate with the Chicago Outfit as they hold their 3rd Annual Spaghetti Wrestling event. Expect drink specials, merch for sale, and, of course, derby girls in pasta. The shenanigans take place on Friday, March 11 at Exit (1315 North Ave.). Doors open at 9 p.m. and the wrasslin' begins at 11. Partial proceeds will be donated toward fighting hunger in Chicago.
The Chicago Outfit said in an interview with the Windy City Times on Wednesday that they have decided to create an official policy allowing transwomen to skate with the derby league. The decision came after skater Bethany Johnson, aka Meg Gyver, joined the Outfit as a member of the Outfit's B team, the Shade Brigade. Although Johnson didn't initially disclose that she was transgender, she eventually came out to the league. The policy requires trans skaters to have completed certain lengths of time of hormone therapy, but gender reassignment surgery is not necessary.
You can never have too much roller derby, amiright? We here in Chicago are lucky enough to host two national-ranking derby leagues (Windy City Rollers and the Chicago Outfit) and a burgeoning junior league (the Chicago Riots). Perhaps a roller skate should be added to the Chicago flag instead of another red star. Just a thought.
Last year was an exciting season for the Outfit as they were accepted into WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association), which allows them to compete and rank on a national level. Unlike WCR, who plays both interleague games as well as competes with other teams across the nation, the Outfit only competes nationally.
While the Outfit are still working on their 2011 home schedule, they have announced their upcoming away game schedule.
The Chicago Outfit are sliding into their final home bout of the season on Saturday, Oct. 9, when they face off against the Killamazoo Derby Darlings from Portage, Michigan.
The Outfit's Shade Brigade will also play against the Lafayette Brawlin' Dolls from Lafayette, Ind.
The bout takes place at 7pm at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan Blvd). Tickets are $15 if you buy them presale online or $20 at the door.
It's that derby time of year, folks, when it seems there are more bouts than you can shake a stick at. Which is a very good thing indeed.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, get your derby on when the Chicago Outfit skate against visiting team the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz. This season, the Outfit has had an odd home-game pattern: When they lose their bouts, it's only by 10 points, but when they win, they absolutely slay the other team. Their game against Sioux Falls, who ranks 15th in the region, should be an interesting match.
The bout takes place at 8 p.m. at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 West Logan Blvd.), and tickets are $12 presale or $15 door. As always, the parking is free and the beer is cheap.
Our girls from Chicago's two roller derby leagues, Chicago Outfit and the Windy City Rollers, have suffered at the hands of their opponents in recent games.
On Saturday, Aug. 14, the Outfit took on Indianapolis' Naptown Tornado Sirens. Alas, the Sirens pulled ahead in what turned out to be a close game, beating the Outfit 94-89.
On Saturday, August 21, it was the Windy City Rollers All-Stars in a home game against Denver's Rocky Mountain Roller Girls' travel team, 5280 Fight Club. The Rocky Mountain gals immediately snagged a strong lead and didn't let up the rest of the game, walloping the All-Stars 151-56.
After securing a 172-34 win against the Ohio Roller Girls in June, the Chicago Outfit are at it again. On Saturday, August 14, the Outfit roll against The Naptown Tornado Sirens from Indianapolis, who currently rank ninth in the region. The shakedown takes place at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 West Logan Blvd.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 presale (check here for online sales) or $15 at the door. As always, there's free parking and $3 beers!
You know, younger girls like to kick ass, too. Tailgate gives a big ol' derby welcome to the all-new Chicago Riots, the city's only junior roller derby league, for girls ages 12-15. For their first bout, the Riots take on the Skee Town Skirtz (Muskegon, Mich.) on Saturday, June 5 at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan). The gals will play during the Chicago Outfit's halftime in the Outfit's doubleheader bout against the Ohio Rollergirls. That's like three derby games in one night!
Doors are at 6 p.m. with the bout starting at 7. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door. And, as always, there's free parking.
The Chicago Outfit lost their second home bout of the season on May 15 in a close game against the North Star Roller Girls from Minneapolis. In the end, North Star pulled ahead winning 96-85.
But never fear -- the Outfit plan to bounce back in their June 5 double header against the Ohio Roller Girls from Columbus. Check back here for ticket information and more details.
After an opening-season win against the Paper Valley Roller Girls, the Chicago Outfit are gearing up for their second bout, this time against the North Star Roller Girls from Minneapolis this Saturday, May 15 at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan). As always, there's $3 PBRs, free parking, and an after party at Cobra Lounge at 10 p.m.
The bout starts at 8 p.m. (doors 7 p.m.) and tickets are $12 presale or $15 at the door.
On April 24, the Chicago Outfit started their 2010 season on the right foot, er, skate with a win over the Paper Valley Roller Girls (Appleton, WI). The Outfit took a strong, 25-point lead early in the bout and never looked back, winning 134-74. The opening bout, a B-squad battle between the Paper Valley Flyin Squirrels and the Chicago Shade Brigade and ended with a hometown loss of 75-59.
The next bout for the Chicago Outfit is on Saturday, May 15 vs.
the North Star Roller Girls (Minneapolis, MN).
The Chicago Outfit roller derby league opens their 2010 season with a double header pitting the Outfit vs. the Paper Valley All Stars and the Outfit Shade Brigade vs. the Flyin Squirrels.
It happens Saturday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 West Logan Blvd.). With hot ladies, rough action, $3 beers, and free parking, you can't really go wrong. Tickets are $15 presale, $20 at the door.
It's natural that an upstart sports league to feel a bit, well, overshadowed by the older and more established leagues in town. Althea N. Hell, bench coach for the The Chicago Outfit, looks at being the newer and thus lesser-known roller derby league in Chicago from a more pragmatic point of view: "Frankly, I love being the underdog. It keeps the fire under your ass."
That keeper-of-the-flame (albeit under one's ass) attitude fairly sums up the Outfit, which started in 2007 after a previous roller derby league, the Chi-Town Sirens, imploded. Today the Outfit boasts about 30 skaters from Chicago and the surrounding area. The league is currently revving up for their third season, beginning with a double header home bout on Saturday, April 24 against the Paper Valley Roller Girls of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Jammer Queefer Sutherland (in the grey, starred helmet) speeds through the pack with some help from Daddy's Girl in a 2009 bout vs. the Killamazoo Derby Darlins.Photo courtesy of colin e. johnson.
Did you know that there's a whole 'nother roller derby league in Chicago? That, along with Hot Doug's and Puppet Bike, is what what makes this city so great.
The Chicago Outfit have announced their schedule of home games for the 2010 season. Times and location TBA.
Like pasta? Love roller girls? Then you're going to love this.
Local roller derby league The Outfit is having their Second Annual Spaghetti Wrestling event on Feburary 19 on the second floor of Exit (1315 W. North Ave). Enjoy drink specials, raffle prizes, and, of course, derby girls wrestling in spaghetti.
The whole shebang kicks off at 11 p.m. There's no cover charge, but the gals appreciate any donations -- proceeds will go toward league expenses for their upcoming 2010 season (which begins April 24) as well as the charity Action Against Hunger in Haiti.
Two of Chicago's hardest-hitting women's sports teams are giving you the change to test your mettle when they hold open tryouts in the coming weeks.
The Chicago Force women's tackle football team, who made it to the Western Conference Finals last season, will hold tryouts for female athietes 18 and over on Satuday, November 21 at Northeastern llinois University and Saturday, December 12 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. No football experience is necessary, just a willingness (presumably) to hit and be hit. Get complete details here.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Outfit is looking to add to their roster of roller derby girls with tryouts/practice sessions at the Fleetwood Roller Rink in Summit, Ill. The Outfit finished their recent season with a perfect 10-0 record. You can get more Outfit info here.
Will he or won't he? President Obama may go pitch Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics afterall (with Arne Duncan in tow). But, as everyone knows, Oprah has the last word.
Whither goest thou, White Sox? Kenny Williams is trying to figure that out.
Cubs fans disillusioned by the outcome of this season can take a look back at the 1984 team. Not that the outcome then was any better, but still...
Seattle's T.J. Houshmandzadeh says he has something to prove when the Seahawks meet the Bears this Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bears seek to establish the running game. But if wide receiver Johnny Knox continues his ascent, we can wait a little while.
Mixed martial arts star Fedor Emelianenko is coming to Chicago in November. Take appropriate action.
And you find yourself...riding a bike down Michigan Ave. Musician David Byrne talks about his cycling fixation and cruising around Chicago.
Boxer David Diaz brings it back home this Saturday.
If you're participating in the sixth annual Salmon Classic this Sunday at Northerly Island, use this as inspiration.
The Chicago Fire prepare to honor another Chicago soccer team who weren't too shabby themselves in their day.
Late Chicago Olympian Willye White has a new park named in her honor.
The Big Ten football season kicks off this Saturday and while other teams discuss strategy for their upcoming opponents, Northwestern's gridiron gang has different concerns on their mind.
The Chicago Outfit close out their 2009 season this Saturday at the Windy City Fieldhouse. Get pumped up for the contest by checking out the cool video below.
There may not be a casino in Chicago (yet), but there is definitely some gambling going on. The city is now on the hook for $500 million to host the Olympics, part of the state's $750 million guarantee.
The Cubs want a new spring training facility in Mesa, or else they're walking. And Cubs fans want to end 100 years of misery or...they'll be back next year.
They may have been so-so as a team last season, but as humanitarians, the Bears might belong in the Super Bowl.
Two coaches from the Chicago Force are probably glad the temperatures are going to be a bit warmer this weekend. They're getting their heads shaved for charity tomorrow. Meanwhile, the women'd pro full contact football team released their 2009 schedule.
The Windy City Rollers' home teams throw elbows in their next match this Saturday night at the UIC Pavillion.
Meanwhile, if you're up for a road trip, Chicago's other roller derby queens, The Outfit, have a bout-on-wheels near Grand Rapid, MIchigan.
First, there was Barack Obama in the White House. Now there's Pat Quinn in the State House. Politically speaking, White Sox Nation just keeps getting bigger.
Speaking of the Sox, as SoxFest kicks off this weekend, Ozzie Guillen says the team will try "small ball"... again. And will Joe Crede join former Sox teammate Juan Uribe in Frisco? His potential replacement, Josh Fields, is wasting no time just in case he does.
Detroit WR Mike Furrey...free agent QB Chris Simms (son of Phil)...Super Bowl starter Kurt Warner...all rumored to be on the Bears radar. Really?
Does Richard Dent REALLY need someone to go to the NFL Hall of Fame committee and plead his case?
This is THE weekend for the Windy City Rollers, as they make their UIC Pavilion debut.
But don't forget to show some love to the city's other roller derby queens, The Outfit, as they host a benefit party tonight.
You'd think getting punched in the face and crotch, sometimes at the same time, would be high on the pain scale for a UFC star. But for one Hammond, Ind., there's something more painful: being a Cubs fan.
Raise your hand if you like cool bars, lots of beer, arm-wrestling, and tough chicks. Now take that hand and head over to Reggie's on Monday, Jan. 12 for the All-Girl Rock 'n Roll Amateur Arm Wrestling competition hosted by The Chicago Outfit Derby Girls. While the wrasslin' is ladies-only, men are certainly more than welcome to support their favorite toughie and enjoy live music by Super Priest.
Sign up is at 7 p.m., and there's a $100 cash prize to be had. A measly $5 donation is all they ask in return.
And the Cubs post-season post-mortem examination continues, with Lou Pinella blaming that old standby, the media, while Ryan Dempster says the team flatout wasn't ready. Hey guys, sorry, no do-overs.
Meanwhile, the White Sox, who seems to have come to grips with their playoff loss, work on keeping Bobby Jenks around. But did Nick Swisher phone it in for much of the season?
Four area college soccer teams have made it to the NCAA tournament.
It was bound to happen after that embarrassing loss to the Packers: The "Fire Lovie" talks are heating up. Here is one blogs' 10 reasons why he deserves the ax. Meanwhile, Fanhouse questions Lovie's assessment that the Bears receivers are "pretty good".
The Bulls' Derrick Rose sits atop most Sports Illustrated NBA writers' list of early top rookies. Naturally.
It's not the major draw it used to be, but prep football is still a big deal in Chicago. The Catholic League is gearing up for its title game, pitting Loyola Academy against De La Salle.
A disabled cyclist bikes 1,064 miles from Jacksonville, Fla. to Chicago. His final destination? Where else: Oprah.
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation gets a new name.
The Chicago Outfit wants YOU... well, that is, if you're a female and don't mind getting knocked around a little. There's a recruitment Q&A tonight at 9:30
If you haven't had enough of cornhole, and really who has (OK, put your hands down), there's a Thanksgiving tournament coming up called the "Turkeyhole Classic" coming up here in Chicago. No, really.
Sure, they're involved in a heated playoff series. Doesn't mean that Derrek Lee and Mark DeRosa shouldn't think about their longterm future.
The Wrigley Field faithful aren't the only ones singing "Go, Cubs, Go". A "fan" in California wants them to win too, although for admittedly selfish reasons.
If the Twins had their way, it would have been double-or-nothing against the White Sox. (OK, not really, but...)
According to one writer, the Fire fans are some of the nicest around town.
Got an extra $90,000 or so lying around? You can sponsor your own triathlon.
Two more elite runners (PDF) announced for the Chicago Marathon field.
In roller derby, almost no lead is safe until the final whistle blows.
The Windy City Rollers' home season may be over, but that doesn't mean Chicago's lacking in derby bouts. What, you think they're the only derby league in town? Not by a long shot, friend. 
