Undeterred by foul weather, the women of Derby Lite, an Oak Park-based recreational roller derby league, hosted a lively demonstration for prospective athletes Aug. 1. The event, designed to introduce women to roller derby, began at the Park District of Forest Park’s outdoor roller rink and moved to an indoor rink in Berwyn.

Despite the venue change, the women who ventured out to learn more about Derby Lite remained enthusiastic—although some, like Jen Hopkins of Forest Park, confessed that they weren’t quite so confident about their own skating prowess.

“I haven’t roller-skated in years,” Hopkins said as she pulled on protective gear. “I expect to fall on my ass.”

The event helped promote a new partnership between Derby Lite and the local park districts in Oak Park and Forest Park. This fall, both park districts will offer Derby Lite league classes for women.

Barbara “Queen B” Dolan, the founder of Derby Lite and a retired roller derby athlete, said new members of “less than intermediate skill” will start out with a 12-week park district session before graduating to become full Derby Lite members.

The sport itself is a step down from full-contact roller derby, typified by the Windy City Rollers league, and is intended for busy professionals and full-time mothers. Derby Lite, whose members range in age from 25 to 65, emphasizes vigorous exercise, camaraderie—and attitude. Members prize their derby names—the snarky, aggressive nicknames for each Derby Lite skater—as badges of honor.

“Prior to this, I hadn’t skated in 30 years,” said Corrine “Cocktail Chaser” Calice, who joined Derby Lite about eight weeks ago. “In two weeks, I’m going to try out for the Chicago Outfit [roller derby league].”

Newcomers quickly got into the spirit of the demonstration. The organization had extra pads and skates on hand, and prospective skaters were quickly outfitted with the necessary gear and given a firm shove out onto the rink. There they learned basic derby drills, as well as important skills like hitting the ground safely.

“It gives people a chance to have fun and get a workout—and not kill anyone,” said Gina Bojovic of North Riverside.

Bojovic had brought her two daughters to the event, and they spent the first half of the afternoon watching the skaters zoom around the indoor rink. Later, with encouragement from her 11-year-old daughter Victoria, Bojovic’s curiosity got the best of her. She suited up and hit the rink, pausing only long enough to shoot her daughters a determined grin.

To learn more about Derby Lite, go to www.derbylite.org.

—Story and photos by Patrick W. Rollens | Triblocal.com reporter