Wrestling and Roller Derby with Rion Skillz

I guess you can call Rion Skillz a two-sport athlete. A longtime friend from the wrestling scene, I was surprised to see Rion involved in roller derby.

I have known Rion for more than a decade, but he has been on the independent wrestling scene longer than that. He is one of Chicago's favorites for many good reasons.

When I went to my first Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby bouts, I was surprised to see Rion there. It really shouldn't have been a surprise though. I have often compared roller derby to wrestling. Both have colorful characters, fast action, incredible athletes and fast-paced matches. Both also unfairly get criticized for being fake.

While some of what you see is storyline-based, the action is still real. The bumps they take and moves they make prove their athletic ability. While neither may be true sports, both are athletic events.

For more info on Rion, and his sporting endeavors, go to RocketProWrestling.com and ChicagoKnockouts.com. If you want a real treat, go see him and the rest of the athletes at either or both!

Rion Skillz and me in Homewood, IL-November 2024.

Marley Quinn of Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby

Saturday, November 16, the Chicago Knockouts roller derby returns with a playoff game between the Horrific Haunters and the Retro Rumblers. I will be back "On the Beat" enjoying the action.

Calling the the south suburbs of Chicago their home, CKO was started by The Crimson Vixen (who still skates with the league). The skaters (shouldn't they be called rollers?) all have similarly fun names, such as Marley Quinn pictured below.

Rules are enforced and scores are kept, but I am not sure how much is planned versus legit action. It doesn't really matter though. Either way, it is great fun.

These women fly around that track at ridiculous speeds. Crashing into the walls or tumbling onto the hard track cannot be pleasant, but these ladies bounce right back. They are as tough and as athletic as any athlete.

Go to chicagoknockouts.com for more info on the league. I hope to see you out there sometime.

Marley Quinn and me in Homewood, IL-January 2023.

Joker of Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby

In my efforts to experience all forms of roller derby, I attended a Chicago Knockouts bout a few years ago. While different from the Windy City Rollers, whom I covered for years, I was highly entertained 

Like most roller derby leagues, the Knockouts use fun character names. Their twist is they also dress and use makeup to accent the concept. Such is the case with The Joker.

Don't let the costume fool you though. Joke is a solid skater and gets in the middle of the action every bout.

I still don't know where the reality line is drawn. I am pretty sure, there is some scripted stuff, but I think the outcomes are not pre-determined. Maybe I don't even want to know. Sometimes it is better to not peel back the curtain and simply enjoy the show. I just know I enjoy their show every time.

For more info, you can follow Chicago Knockouts on Facebook or go to Chicago Knockouts site.

Tammy Elitzer and me in Homewood, IL-January 2023.

Penny Riot and the Chicago Knockouts

Everyone who has attended any roller derby events with me has loved the action. Whether it's Chicago Style Roller Derby, the Windy City Rollers, the Chicago Knockouts or even the smaller leagues, it is always fun.

I started going to the CKO events a few years back. Then the pandemic hit and the world stopped. of course, when things re-opened and the Knockouts restarted, I was right back there. Since then, I have seen several events with different friends.

While it is stated it is legit competition, I have doubts it is completely such. There certainly are theatrics. There is also fantastic action. Is some of it planned (either during or before the event)? My best guess is there i a bit of scripting. How much is beyond me. 

Like wrestling before all the secrets were revealed, it is more fun this way. I like not quite knowing which way it is. It doesn't really matter anyway. I love the action. I appreciate the ladies. I will keep going back.

Back in my earlier days at CKO, Penny Riot was one of my favorites. As tough as could be on the track, she was all smiles after the action. 

Check out ChicagoKnockouts.com for more info. Also follow the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun stuff.

Penny Riot and me in Summit, IL-February 2020.

Friend Encounters: Beat-Her Juice and Tony Feddeler

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Beat-Her Juice is one of the skaters of the Chicago Knockouts, a roller derby league based in the Chicago area. Her ability and enthusiasm quickly made her one of our favorites.

Tommy Else and I interviewed her on The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 61: Beat-Her Juice. The interview showed a new and fascinating side to Juice. She explained how she changing her name from Pamdemic (for obvious reasons) and moving back from Seattle. She also talked about using her science background on the track. She explained how science relates to speed and how she figures it all. It really was interesting hearing her talk about that aspect of her game.

Juice is one of the most enthusiastic skaters out there. She plays to the crowd, without missing a beat on the track. My buddy Tony and I love watching her in action. The Knockouts play at the Homewood-Flossmore Auditorium, which is too small for a regulation track. We would love to see what Juice could do on such a track. Her speed would really come into play on the straightaways.

The Knockouts return to action Saturday, May 13. For more info, check out the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook.

Tony Feddeler and Beat-Her Juice in Homewood, IL-April 2023.

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 60: Beat-Her Juice

On the latest episode of The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast, Tommy Else and I interviewed Beat-Her juice, of the Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby League. That interview can be found at The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep: 61 Beat-Her Juice.

Juice changed her name and gimmick for this season. Previously, Pamdemic, she felt she needed to change it this season and Beat--Her Juice has proven to be super popular with the fans. Of course, that si because she puts her spirit (no pun intended) into the character. Juice is one of the most interactive skaters. She is awesome on the track and very animated.

Juice talks about all of this in our interview. She also discussed how her science background comes into play on the track.

This was another great look into the women behind Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby. CKO is such a fun event. I think it will be even better when league founder Crimson Vixen, who we previously interviewed, finds a bigger home and implements the full track.

Follow the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook for more info and updates. Check out the rest of our episodes on The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast YouTube channel.

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt of the Chicago Knocklouts

I have interviewed Steve Ahrendt a few times in the past, but those interviews were about wrestling. Today, I feature an interview with Steve all about Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby.

Earlier this week, my podcast partner Tommy Else and I interviewed Crimson Vixen, the founder and still active skater for the Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby league. Yesterday, I talked to announcer Steve Ahrendt to get another view on the CKO. That interview is at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt.

Ahrendt has been the subject of several of my other interviews, but those were about his various roles on the Chicago-area wrestling scene. Perhaps best known as a longtime, well-respected broadcaster, Ahrendt has been a GM, manager and more. 

Chicago Knockouts roller derby has been described as legitimate sport with a little wrestling theatrics. With that in mind, Ahrendt would be the perfect choice to broadcast bouts.

The interview started with Ahrendt discussing how he got involved and hooked on CKO. Worlds merged as CKO skater Cactus Rack and Ahrendt met at a wrestling event.

While there are similarities between wrestling and derby, obviously the action is vastly different. Ahrendt explained the differences in preparing to broadcast and the actual act of announcing during the bouts. Ever humble, he also admitted, after just a few bouts behind the mic, he is still learning. Having heard him call the action, I was very impressed with how he relayed the action, while revving up the crowd. 

Knowing everyone involved in roller derby has interesting names, I asked why he still uses his given name. I admitted, I was struggling trying to think of a good moniker to play off his name. I also revealed my name of “Beltin' John” given to me years ago from another derby league.

This Saturday, the CKO season comes down to one highly-anticipated bout for the title. The Comic Book Crushers take on the Horrific Haunters for the Golden Skate trophy and bragging rights. Ahrendt took the middle ground by not picking a winner, but he promised it would be a tremendous night of action.

Finally, we had a little fun bantering about Crimson Vixen, Marley Quinn or other skaters possibly getting Ahrendt involved in some of the physicality. Perhaps relying on his wrestling background, Ahrendt proclaimed himself ready for anything that came his way.

I will be “On the Beat” for the championship bout and report back here. Check back on TheEveryDayFan.com for my recap and other great sports coverage. Also, follow the Chicago Knockouts and Steve Ahrendt on social media to get all updates.

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 44: Crimson Vixen

Crimson Vixen of the Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby league was the latest guest on The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast. My podcast partner Tommy Else and I got to talk derby with her as the CKO prepares for its season-ending championship bout Saturday, November 19. Not only a skater, Crimson Vixen is the league founder.

CKO is a Chicago area-based roller derby league. This version of roller derby combines the theatrics of old school televised roller derby, while having a legit set of rules and real competition. It really is the best of both worlds and it was set in motion by Crimson Vixen.

Falling in love with roller derby in the early 2000s and skating on other teams, she set out to create a league in her vision. Thus, CKO was born. This was not simple labor of love, nor hobby, though. Armed with her passion and bolstered with a keen business sense, Crimson Vixen built CKO into a thriving roller derby league.

Like many other businesses, the pandemic forced CKO on hiatus, but earlier this year the league came back strong. Now based in Homewood, about 30 minutes south of Chicago, CKO is packing the Homewood-Flossmor Auditorium with rabid derby fans.

Crimson Vixen discussed her start and the formation of the league. She explained developing the league, the differences between CKO and other leagues, her name and derby names in general and more. She talked about story-telling, building anticipation and excitement and drawing in the audience, within the confines of true competition.

Looking beyond this season, Crimson Vixen gave us a little info on events in 2023. She also invited us to derby lessons. Might Tommy and I don the skates and learn a little first hand? Stay tuned to see what develops.

We finished with talk of the championship bout this Saturday, November 19. The culmination of the great season will see the Comic Book Crushers facing the Horrific Hunters. This promises to be a smash-mouth, exciting finish to the season with one team hoisting the trophy at night's end.

We will be “On the Beat” to see the action unfold. I will also have more coverage later this week when I interview CKO broadcaster Steve Ahrendt to get his insight.

You can watch the podcast at The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 44: Crimson Vixen. You can also listen to it on Spotify.

Marley Quinn and the Chicago Knockouts

Prior to the pandemic, I attended a Chicago Knockouts roller derby bout. It was a blast and I planned on returning. Then the pandemic hit and everything went on hiatus. Fortunately now, the Chicago Knockouts are back in action!

After a couple schedule conflicts prevented me from seeing CKO, I finally got to attend a bout with my buddy Tony Feddeler. My recap is at A Night With the Chicago Knockouts on The Every Day Fan.

CKO combines the best of old school theatrical roller derby with more modern legit sport roller derby. They are extremely fan-friendly and very inclusive. The crowd of a few hundred is really into the action.

The next bout is Saturday, November 19 for the CKO championship. I expect that night to be even crazier.

One of the skaters is Marley Quinn, who I interviewed earlier this year. That interview is at On the Beat With Marley Quinn. I learned how talented she is on and off the track.

Check out ChicagoKnockouts.com for more info. Also follow the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun stuff.

Marley Quinn and me in Summit, IL-February 2020.

On the Beat With Marley Quinn.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing veteran roller derby skater Marley Quinn. A long-time skater, Marley has played, coached and taught roller derby and skating, as well as owning and running a roller derby league. We talked about all of this and her other business and passionate endeavors. That interview is at On the Beat With Marley Quinn.

I first met Marley several years ago, when she was skating for the Chicago Knockouts. Like many of the other skaters, Marley had a distinctive look relating to her unique skater name. Marley explains all of that in our interview.

I grew up watching roller derby on television, but that roller derby was considered much more theatrical and far less sport. The roller derby of the Chicago Knockouts (and many other leagues) is legitimate sport, complete with rules, scoring and standings. The league maintains much of the entertainment factor, like creative names and colorful costumes, but it takes the competition seriously. Marley and I agree it is the best of both worlds.

Marley's creativity in her roller derby persona and career isn't happenstance. Away from the track, she is a trained and very talented artist. Marley's talents include photography, fine art and design, t-shirts and merchandise and other artistic endeavors. Whether your needs are personal, business or a combination, Marley has you covered.

We discussed all of this and more, including the upcoming return of the Chicago Knockouts. Founded in 2018 by The Crimson Vixen, the Chicago Knockouts League is one of more than 1,200 roller derby leagues in the country.

Marley talked about the bonds, family feeling and inclusivity of the Chicago Knockouts and roller derby n general. Much like comic cons, it is a place where everyone is welcome to be yourself and enjoy the fun. From the first match roller derby I attended many years ago, I felt a tremendous sense of community. In addition to being a sport and performance, it is also like a big friend reunion every time.

Go to MQCreates.com and MQSkates.com to learn more about Marley and all of her work. If you're in the Chicago area, look for the return of the Chicago Knockouts soon. If you are elsewhere, look for your nearest roller derby league and get in on the fun.

Joker and the Chicago Knockouts

Last month, I took in my first night of Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby action. My recap can be found at A Night With the Chicago Knockouts on Patch.com.
This Saturday, the Knockouts will have the Season II title bout. The Punk-Rock Punishers will face the Retro Rumblers for the championship. This promises to be a great battle and a lot of fun.
If I wasn't in Florida, I would be at this match. I had a lot of fun at the February event. The Punk-Rock Punishers beat the Horrific Haunters 14-13 in a game that came down to the very last seconds. The crowd was on their feet as the seconds ticked off.
Because this was my first time with the CKO, I did not have a rooting interest. I was simply hoping for a close game and I got one!
After the game, I met skater-owner The Crimson Vixen and thanked her for the hospitality, while expressing my appreciation for the contest I just witnessed. I told her I would be back and I will be at future events. We have since communicated and there are plans for some interviews and other fun stuff before and during the next season.
I also took pictures and talked to a few other skaters. The Joker was one who clearly stood out. She was gracious and fan-friendly. She even signed Joker cards for fans. Now that was a cool concept and a nice way to be remembered. I applaud that type of marketing. Stuff like that will get Joker remembered and will grow her fanbase.
This Saturday, I will once again be "On the Beat" with the Chicago Knockouts ass I continue my coverage. I will definitely be getting pictures and Joker is on my "must" list.
Check out ChicagoKnockouts.com for more info. Also follow the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun stuff.

Joker and me in Summit, IL-February 2019.

The Chicago Knockouts

Last Saturday, I took in a night of Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby. The Punk-Rock Punishers narrowly defeated the Horrific Hunters 14-13 in a hotly contested battle. My recap is at My Night With the Chicago Knockouts on Patch.com. The Chicago Knockouts is billed as "Hard hits. Big Personalities." and they deliver as billed and more.

I have seen other roller derby leagues over the years, but it has been a couple years since I last attended a bout. My schedule finally allowed me to catch the Chicago Knockouts in action and I was anxious to see what they had to offer.

When I knew I could make last Saturday night, I reached out to the Knockouts, via their Facebook page. Owner-skater The Crimson Vixen patiently and eagerly answered my questions.

The Fleetwood Rink in Summit provided an intimate setting, where fans sat (or stood) very near the track. Colored lights and lively music created a fun ambiance.

We talked to a few fans to learn about the Knockouts. The biggest difference form other derby I have seen is the scoring. This score would be a lot lower than in other leagues. The reason lies in points earned by the "jammer" as she circles the track. While the Knockouts bouts have much lower scores, the intensity is amazing. In fact, the lower scores create a tense situation all night, as each point is really crucial.

The night of action literally came down to the last second. The crowd was hot as the skaters fought to the very end.

After the bout, the skaters took a lap around the track, slapping hands with the fans. Afterwards, they mingled and took pictures for a short period, before departing for the after-party, which was open to all.

The Punishers will now face the Retro Rumblers on March 14 for the Season II title. It promises to be another exciting evening.

According to Crimson Vixen, Season III should start later this year, although plans are not finalized. Vixen and I do have some plans for interviews and other fun stuff along the way. I'll be updating things as announcements are made. Stay tuned.

Thank you to the Chicago Knockouts and especially the Crimson Vixen for the hospitality and for being very patient with my questions. We will definitely return for more action and we encourage all to check out the Chicago Knockouts.

Go to ChicagoKnockouts.com for more info. Also follow the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun stuff.

Crimson Vixen and me in Summit, IL-February 2020.