As you already know, I’ve been interested in JB skating for a few years now. There’s just something about the funky smooth energy of Chicago JB style that drew me in. You'll also know that I've been doing what I can to learn JB Skating from London.
But honestly? It was pretty clear to me that if I truly wanted to understand the ins and outs of authentic JB flow well, I would need to go to it's source — Chicago, USA.
So… after six months of planning, booking flights, arranging accommodation, and setting up lessons with a seasoned JB skater — my trip finally became a reality.
So here I am, writing up this post [having just left Chicago] during my 5.5 hour train journey from Chicago to Detroit… but that, my friends, is a whole other story!
Touching Down In Chicago
Landing in Chicago felt surreal. I'd never taken a trip to the USA before, let alone the place where the JB style, music and culture originated.
I arrived around 3pm, before taking an Uber directly to my hotel, checking in, then heading to Dalton Park for my first double lesson with Malik.
Yep, I went straight to work to maximise my time in Chicago. And honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
➡️ Watch Video: Dolton Park, Chicago with Malik [& a Random Cat]
Lessons With Seasoned JB Skaters
Let's be real, prioritiy number one for this trip was learning JB skating directly from those who had grown up inside the culture.
This was more than just about learning the steps, it was really about better understanding the nuances, feeling the rhythm, the music, the timing, the attitude, the subtle details that don’t always translate well in online videos.
My first lesson was with one of Chicago’s best internationally known JB skaters Malik Thomas. A few days later, I was also able to join in with the daily group JB lessons at The Rink. There a few teachers in rotation sharing their knowledge, and I was also fortunate enough to spend some time with Calvin — one of the originators of the JB style.
What struck me immediately was:
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the precision — especially in relation to where you push to generate moment and which skate edges came where in each sequence
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the musical timing on the downbeat and how the flow changes when cornering
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the emphasis on the old school JB groove [rather than the new school tricks] to set a foundation
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how much individuality exists within JB itself [once your foundation was set]
Even the most basic of movements needed attention to detail in order to nail that certain soul funk. And those big moves — like the Big Wheel and rapid 180 or 360 transitions — trust me when I tell you it takes a whole lot of skill to make them flow with that effortless finish [especially when skating at the speed these middle and younger new school skaters skate] words cannot even express!
But hey, this was what I can for.
Hitting Up The Rinks
Of course, no JB quest would be complete without spending some time inside it's rinks.
This was something I’d been looking forward to for some years.
I wanted to:
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hear the music selections firsthand,
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watch the pace and flow of the sessions,
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see the OGs skate in person'
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learn more about the differences between old school, middle school, and new generation of new school JB skaters.
And let me tell you…
Seeing this JB community first hand hits very differently from watching it online. What I was able to learn just through observing the scope, range and skill execution of these skaters was everything!
I hate to tell you, but there’s a fully charged energy in the rink that video on socials just cannot fully capture.
And then there’s the floor etiquette [or lack of!] with new schoolers skating fast straight through the middle of diagonally across the rink floor [while pivoting, spinning or jumping 360], the interaction within the skating troops, cat calls as skaters come up fast behind you, the reactions to certain tracks, the call-and-response energy between DJ's and skaters — its an experience.
Chicago's long standing skating culture is visible to any eye.
Skate Parties — Chicago Style
I was fully committed to getting the complete JB experience while I was in town.
And as luck would have it, my trip just so happened to be lined up with not one… but two major skating events spread across the 5 nights.
The timing for my trip could not have been any more perfect.
🇺🇸 The First Annual “Meet On The Wood” Old School Skate Jam
This event immediately caught my attention because it was the old school JB style that originally drew me in, and has held my gaze ever since.
A chance to witness the old schoolers in the flesh, hell yeah— I was all the way in.
There was absolutely no question of me missing it, the very first “Meet Us On The Wood JB Skate Jam”, at Lynnwood Roller Rink. This pioneering over 30s event took place on May 21st — my fourth night in Chicago — and the atmosphere felt special from the moment I walked through the doors [topped by a surprise visit from my friend Laverne. I could not have been more shocked to turn around and see her standing behind me with a huge smile on her face].
A real celebration of JB history and culture.
It was great to see some of the OGs — skaters I’d only ever seen on socials — in the flesh.
➡️ Watch Video: Legends of JB - Meet Us on the Wood Annual Event
➡️ Watch Video: Legends of JB Event [Part 2] The Showcase
➡️ Watch Video: Me Tryna Blend in at the Legends of the Wood Event: Chicago
Although some of the JB originators are no longer with us, the event proved to be an amazing night, put together by so many of JB skatings international influencers, core community leaders, JB supporters and lovers alike.
It was truly a great experience all around.
🇺🇸 JB Money Mike Skate Jam
This event was a a whole different vibe from “Meet On The Wood” — but [as expected] equally memorable.
DJ Money Mike is an internationally renowed DJ, and when it comes to JB music, he's top tier. He throws down a nice mix of old school through to new school bangers. Essentially, he's one of Chicago’s best known JB DJs, and so there were a fair few skaters who'd travelled in from a few other states to make this event.
Held on a Saturday night [with a pre-birthday party on the Friday, and large numbers of skaters showing up to his resident set at The Rink on the Sunday] the energy was party oriented, with roll calls showcasing some of Chicago's core skating styles, cyphers through the night and a JB moving cypher towards the finish.
It was pure vibes! One thing Chicago definitely knows how to do is throw a memorable skate party!
➡️ Watch Video: DJ Money Mikes Birthday Bash
➡️ Watch Video: DJ Money Mikes Birthday [Day 2] Roll Calls
➡️ Watch Video: DJ Money Mike's Birthday [Day 3] Moving JB Cypher
Has My Preconceived Idea Of JB Changed?
Before coming here, most of my understanding of JB skating came from watching videos online and following JB style skaters on socials.
But actually being here in person filled in many of the blanks for me. I now understand more about the differences between the old, middle and new school Jb skaters [and the musical differences assicated with those styles], I appreciate much more of the details that go into the footwork [and how that correlates to the upper body movement, speed generation and swerve]. I've learned about the origins of key moves, the evolution of the style and more.
It's been an amazing experience.
A Vibrant Generation of Skating Boomers
If there was one thing that surprised me about Chicago, it was this
— I did not expect to encounter such a large vibrant community of mature skaters making big moves on the rink through their 60's, 70's and beyond. It was such a beautiful sight to see.
These skaters had for the most part being doing their thing on wheels for decades upon decades they knew how to skate. They frequented the over 25's sessions at The Rink and Lynnwood Roller Rink each and every week. I met so many skaters in their 70's and above [like George and Emma] — it was wonderful.
They have a very close knit community of retired skaters, as well as a small number of people that no longer skate come along to participate [see the intro video at the top of the page].
The music was soulful and slow, so everybody could catch a more mellow skate flow, solo or as a pair.
I can honestly say that even though I was travelling solo [for the most part], I never once felt alone. You can literally feel the love in the room when you enter these spaces, and they sure were forthcoming in lavishing their love on me.
It was so touching.
➡️ Watch Video: Lynnwood Roller Rink [Chicago] Over 25's Session [Big People Style]
➡️ Watch Video: Meet Emma [Retire Police Officer]
A Day for Tourism
Although this trip was heavily focused on skating, I couldn’t come all the way to Chicago without exploring Chicago beyond the rinks and Dalton Park.
So between open sessions, lessons, and late skate nights, I made time to experience more of the city.
After morning skate with my travel companian Laverne, we decided on a trip downtown Chicago to see a few of the tourist attractions. It was actually nice to slow down for a few hours and take the amazing architecture, and atmosphere of the city by lake Mitchigan.
Millenium Park is a beautifully lanscaped green space within the hub of the city. There's some lovely modern art sculptures, and multitude of stores to browse. You can also find many more tourist attractions down by the waters edge.
Final Thoughts
Coming to Chicago wasn’t just another skate trip.
For me, it felt more like stepping into another realty, a scene that I’d admired from afar for years.
JB skating has always carried a certain mystique online — but experiencing it in person has given me a much deeper appreciation for the culture, the music, the history, and the people who continue to keep it alive.
And honestly,I really came to appreciate the wider culture in Chicago. They have amazing of rinks filled with a beautiful community of skaters.
I already know this won’t be my last Chicago skate trip.
Kelly
Cranial Osteopath | Wellbeing Coach | Roller Skate Instructor
🗯️ Have you had any experience of JB skaters from Chicago? Tell us in the comments below or, leave us a lil emoji response.
