Windy City Rollers

What Windy City Rollers does

Windy City Rollers (WCR) is a Chicago-based, skater-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit flat-track roller derby league founded in September 2004 by Elizabeth 'Juanna Rumbel' Gomez and Kelly 'Sister Sledgehammer' Simmons. The organization fields four documented travel teams — All-Stars (the flagship, WFTDA Championship qualifiers every year from 2006-2014), Second Wind (added 2009), Third Coast (added 2013), and Haymarket Rioters — alongside home teams (Double Crossers, The Fury, Hell's Bells, Attackers), a Learn to Skate beginner program, and a skating/non-skating officiating program. Home bouts have been held at UIC Pavilion in downtown Chicago since July 2008, after earlier use of Congress Theater and Cicero Stadium; the league is currently searching for new dedicated Chicago venue space of 7,000-12,000 sq ft.

The product surface is community and event-based rather than technology-based: WCR runs competitive bouts, regional travel-team competition, an annual Chicago Beef Tournament, a Learn to Skate pipeline, and an officiating program, with distribution through ticketed bouts at UIC Pavilion, an online merchandise storefront (shop.windycityrollers.com), an Instagram-led social channel, and an email newsletter. Operating technology is minimal — a Squarespace website, PayPal and Zeffy donation processing, and Instagram — with no API, SDK, app, or disclosed AI capability.

WCR funds operations through three revenue streams: tax-deductible donations collected via PayPal and Zeffy, corporate sponsorships across a roster that includes equipment providers Triple 8 and 187 Killer Pads alongside roughly a dozen other local small-business sponsors, and merchandise sales through its owned e-commerce storefront. Distribution is regional (Chicago plus Midwest travel-team opponents in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri), customer segments span fans/spectators, skaters, officials, and corporate sponsors, and ticket pricing and total revenue are not publicly disclosed. The league has 11-50 employees (skater-volunteer model) and is governed by its members rather than outside shareholders, with no venture capital, private equity, or parent-company ownership indicated.

Name

Windy City Rollers

Legal name

Windy City Rollers

Website

https://windycityrollers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Windy City Rollers is a Chicago-based, skater-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit flat-track roller derby league founded in 2004, fielding multiple travel and home teams and funding operations through donations, corporate sponsorships, bout ticket sales, and merchandise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit accepting tax-deductible donations from supporters. Donations collected via PayPal and Zeffy platforms.
2. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors support the league to offset operating expenses and community activation opportunities. Multiple sponsor tiers including equipment providers like Triple 8 and 187 Killer Pads.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online shop selling merchandise. Shop URL: shop.windycityrollers.com

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Windy City Rollers is a skater-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit flat track roller derby league based in Chicago. It sells bout tickets for home games and tournaments, runs a Learn to Skate beginner clinic and officiating program, operates an online merchandise shop, and raises operating funds through tax-deductible donations and multi-tier corporate sponsorship packages.

Product overview

Windy City Rollers (WCR) is Chicago's premier flat track roller derby league, operating as a skater-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization offers a portfolio of roller derby programs including two travel teams (All-Stars and Second Wind, added in 2009) and multiple home teams (The Fury, Double Crossers, Hell's Bells, Attackers), an officiating program, and a Learn to Skate beginner program. The All-Stars serve as the flagship competitive team, having qualified for WFTDA Championships annually from 2006-2014. The organization hosts events and tournaments including the Chicago Beef Tournament and participates in away games against other WFTDA leagues. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses seeking to partner with the league.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Learn to Skate Clinic Beginner program teaching fundamental skating skills and introducing new participants to roller derby, delivered through recurring clinics advertised on Instagram and the WCR website.
• Events and Tournaments (Bouts) Recurring ticketed bouts, hosted tournaments such as the Chicago Beef Tournament, and away games against other WFTDA leagues, held primarily at the UIC Pavilion in downtown Chicago.
• Sponsorship Program Multi-tier corporate sponsorship packages sold via direct outreach, enabling businesses to support league operations and gain brand visibility through Chicago's premier roller derby community, including exclusive protective-gear provider tiers.
• Officiating Program Skating and non-skating officials program supporting WCR bouts, practices, and scrimmages; officials represent Windy City Rollers at WFTDA bouts and tournaments including playoffs.
• Online Merchandise Shop Online merchandise store at shop.windycityrollers.com selling Windy City Rollers apparel and gear to supporters and fans.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WFTDAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWindy City Rollers has been a proud member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association since its inception in 2005. WCR All-Stars represent the league in WFTDA bouts, tournaments, and playoffs.
• AdobeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital experiences and content creation software provider. Adobe changes the world through digital experiences helping customers create, deliver and optimize content.
• Anderson Financial Group, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerReal estate financing services. Proud sponsor of Windy City Rollers, helping skaters with home lending needs.
• Aztec Dave'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-run neighborhood bar and cantina in Humboldt Park offering traditional Mexican food with a modern twist.
• Bruised BoutiqueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDerby community-focused retailer heavily involved in the derby community with vast knowledge and experience concerning derby and gear.
• Urban ApothecaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSkater-owned herbalist offering small-batch teas, tinctures, salves, and self-care products blending traditional herbal wisdom with modern practices.
• F.A. Edelman Ltd.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen-owned property tax appeal firm specializing exclusively in property tax reduction for half a century with no fee unless they win.
• Fat Sam's For PetsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSkater-owned pet wellness brand specializing in premium organic CBD products designed to manage stress, pain, and anxiety in dogs and cats.
• GenesisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance and reinsurance solutions provider.
• HomeSmart RealtyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReal estate brokerage with Julie Torres serving as the go-to broker for WCR in the Chicagoland area.
• Interra GlobalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business in Chicago suburbs supplying equipment and media to the renewable natural gas industry and producing process adsorbents.
• Rambo Inspection ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHome inspection services providing detailed reports to help protect investments in real estate transactions.
• Triple 8 Helmets & 187 Killer PadscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe exclusive protective gear provider for Windy City Rollers. Protects skaters on the track and new skaters in learn to skate classes.
• University of Chicago MedicineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare provider at the forefront of healthcare with convenient locations throughout Chicagoland delivering world-class patient care.
• Wrigleyville Therapeutic MassageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTherapeutic massage provider located in Chicago's Lakeview/Wrigleyville neighborhood offering deep tissue, sports massage, cupping therapy, and mobility treatments.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Atlanta Rollergirls: Atlanta-based WFTDA roller derby league. Comparable to WCR as a Southeast urban WFTDA league with travel and home team structure and a community-driven nonprofit operating model.
• Rose City Rollers: Portland-based WFTDA-member flat track roller derby league operating multiple travel and home teams. Highly comparable to WCR as a multi-team WFTDA league with a strong competitive record and community-driven operating model.
• Texas Roller Derby: One of the founding flat track roller derby leagues based in Austin, Texas, and a long-standing WFTDA member. Comparable to WCR in operating multi-team competitive derby, hosting tournaments, and operating a 501(c)(3)-style community organization.
• Boston Derby Dames: Boston-based WFTDA roller derby league with home and travel teams. Comparable to WCR as a long-standing WFTDA league with community-based programming and competitive national participation.
• Gotham Girls Roller Derby: New York City-based WFTDA roller derby league, a pioneering modern flat track derby organization. Comparable to WCR as a long-established urban WFTDA league with multiple competitive teams.
• Angel City Derby: Los Angeles-based WFTDA roller derby league operating travel and home teams. Comparable to WCR as a multi-tier competitive derby organization with a strong community and sponsorship base.
• Arch Rival Roller Derby: St. Louis-based WFTDA roller derby league. Direct Midwest regional peer to WCR, competing in the same geographic footprint and tournament circuits (e.g., North Central Region).
• Rat City Roller Derby: Seattle-based WFTDA roller derby league, named after the origin location of modern flat track derby. Comparable to WCR in multi-team competitive structure, WFTDA membership, and community-led nonprofit governance.
• Detroit Roller Derby: Detroit-based WFTDA roller derby league. Midwest competitor to WCR, fielding travel and home teams and participating in regional WFTDA play. Directly comparable league structure and audience profile.
• Denver Roller Derby: Denver-based WFTDA roller derby league operating multiple travel and home teams. Comparable to WCR as a WFTDA competitor with active tournament participation and a membership-driven operating model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/windycityrollers
• Xx.com/windycityroller
• Facebookfacebook.com/windycityrollers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/windy-city-rollers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Windy City Rollers