The CVRG are now recruiting. You don’t need to have any sweet skating skills in order to join the Roller Girls, although potential members must go through a series of tests.

The Chippewa Valley Roller Girls’ first season may be over, but the team is excitedly gearing up for the next one beginning in this fall.

Chances are you may have cheered on the girls flying up and down the track at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center. For those of you haven’t yet experienced the magic that is roller derby, you’re missing out.

CVRG is a non-profit, skater-owned and -operated organization. The team plays other leagues around the region and averages about one bout, or game, a month.

Right now, recruitment is a top priority.

“The biggest highlight of the season – was that it actually happened. As a league just getting off the ground and getting our skates wet, we were really unsure of what was involved in putting on a great bout. We succeeded with flying colors, thanks to our fans.”
– Roller girl Kimm Schroeder

“There is a place in derby for every woman – regardless of age, body shape, speed, or strength,” said Kimm Schroeder, a CVRG team member. “If you have the dedication and determination and want to be part of something outside of mainstream sports, derby is it.”

You don’t need to have any sweet skating skills in order to join the Roller Girls, although potential members must go through a series of tests before being allowed to play in any actual bouts. 

Don’t be fooled by the cute skating outfits and the all-female roster – roller derby is seriously no joke. “It is a big commitment. It is life changing,” said Schroeder. “Derby is a full-contact sport where skill and strategy play significant roles. Injuries can and do happen. If they are significant enough, they might make their way onto the CVRG bruise board.”

The bruise board, which can be found on the CVRG website, displays some of the nastiest, most colorful injuries the girls have gotten while at play – lovingly termed “temporary tattoos.”

But a few bruises and breaks won’t deter any of the Roller Girls from playing their best and hardest. They know they have something special, for even creating the team was a challenge.

“The biggest highlight of the 2010-2011 season – was that it actually happened,” said Schroeder. “As a league just getting off the ground and getting our skates wet, we were really unsure of what was involved in putting on a great bout. We succeeded with flying colors, thanks to our fans.”

Every team member is christened with a new name upon joining. Team names are unique and reflect each woman’s derby persona. “A night of brainstorming [names] with your derby sisters always generates some colorful results,” said Schroeder.

So what lies ahead for the Chippewa Valley Roller Girls?

“CVRG is growing. We want to start developing a second team so we can have inter-league bouts throughout the season and offer even more derby action for our fans,” said Schroeder.

If skating isn’t your thing but you want to be a part of the roller derby camaraderie, a ton of other options are out there. You can be a volunteer and help out with ticket or merchandise sales, set-up and take-down, security, EMT assistance, or volunteer as a referee.

For Kimm Schroeder, a.k.a. Stunt Double, putting on a great show for the fans is paramount. “That is truly what this sport is about – the experience, stepping out of the mainstream, and enjoying organized chaos.”

Keep your eye out this summer for the CVRG hosting fundraisers and public appearances. Practices start in July, tryouts and skills testing begin in September.