
Chicago-Style's New Crew Program

Chicago-Style Roller Derby believes that roller derby is for everybody! That is why we have carefully cultivated a program for new skaters looking to get rolling in the high intensity sport of roller derby. Our recruitment team has worked alongside our National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer to bring you a comprehensive class that's based around the WFTDA Minimum Skills Requirements. New Crew isn't just for aspiring skaters. We also encourage people to enroll in New Crew who are interested in becoming referees, officials or volunteers.
New Crew Level One | Basic Skating Skills
Enrollment for New Crew Level One opens once per year beginning in March. Skaters meet twice weekly over the course of 9 weeks to build the skills necessary to pass the WFTDA Minimum Skills Test at the end of the program. Level One New Crew is no contact. Contact is a skill that we safely build up to in New Crew Level Two. Those who are interested in learning to referee are encouraged to participate in New Crew Level One.
New Crew Level One Skills:
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Skater Stance
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Safe Falls
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Stops
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Edges + Crossovers
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Lateral Movement
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Starts + Laps
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Transitions
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Hops + Jumps
New Crew Level Two | Pack Skating + Contact
New Crew Level Two is focused on working within a pack scenario, building up to safe and legal contact and the foundational skills of blocking and jamming. The end of New Crew Level Two has an additional assessment compliant with the rule set provided by, WFTDA.
New Crew Level Two Skills:
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Pack Skating
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Avoiding Obstacles
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Tripod Blocking
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Pushes + Whips
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Giving and Receiving Blocks
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Positional Blocking
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Pack Definition
New Crew Level Three | Mentorship + Scrimmage
Once a skater reaches New Crew Level Three they are eligible to become a full fledged member of Chicago-Style Roller Derby and will be expected to pay dues and adhere to the Chicago-Style Roller Derby Code of Conduct. New Crew Level Three skaters are assigned a mentor by the training committee to enhance their growth & development and deepen their connections to veteran skaters in the league. Additionally, the skater will become eligible for scrimmage but with a guided approach from coaches and mentors. This is the level where skaters are integrated into regular practices with veteran skaters and participate in league drills with a coach to give guidance in real-time. Level Three New Crew focus:
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Mentorship
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Learning game play
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Advanced Skills
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Building Endurance
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Guided Scrimmage
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Strategy
New Crew Level Three is also eligible to participate in our annual MeowMixer, a game we host for roller derby newbies from many other local leagues. The aim is to help our new skaters to gain game play experience, build teamwork and make connections with other newbies from surrounding teams. It's also a great event to invite your friends and families to so they can see how far you've progressed and cheer you on.

Sign Me Up
Right MEOW!
Venus ThighTrap, New Crew 2023
"New crew was the perfect introduction into the roller derby world for me because it was a supportive atmosphere with really cool people who don’t take themselves too seriously. No question was a dumb question and there was an emphasis on safety and fun in a super supportive atmosphere. I remember taking a hard fall in my first few months of new crew and feeling really taken care of by the safety team."
Kitty Magic, New Crew 2023
"I never thought I would be good enough to play roller derby, but New Crew taught me everything I needed to know. My New Crew people are friends for life and it taught me cool skills and the value of persistence! It was challenging yet rewarding and I looked forward to practice every week. New Crew allowed me to play roller derby which is one of the greatest joys in my life."
Sky, New Crew 2024
“New Crew with Chicago-Style Roller Derby was an amazing experience. Everyone was so supportive and uplifting and made the process smooth and manageable. Whether you had skated before or not, they took the time to thoroughly teach each skill and use it to build onto the next. I’m so excited to be a part of this league and play roller derby!”
Meet Your Coaches
Meet the trainers who are working hard to help you meet your goals. New Crew is overseen by our Director of Recruitment with the support of our Director of Training and rounded out with our coaching staff. These skaters have decades of experience between them and they can't wait to help you get your bearings at Chicago-Style Roller Derby.