Rink Chicago

Dear Skate family, as promised, here are the arrangements for Ricky’s home going celebration. Please feel free to share this post. We want to celebrate Ricky right! Much love!🙏🏾❤️

It’s the first Saturday of the Month! 🎉🎉Let’s get Rollin’ at The Rink! 7pm-11pm, 30 yrs and older, DJ DMC,$10 if you have skates, $14 if you don’t. See ya’ there!❤️

Dear skate family, with a heavy heart, we say rest in heaven to a truly special friend, Ricky Williams. He was a phenomenal skater and stepper, and a man whose presence could light up any room. His life was filled with joy, laughter, friendship, and countless memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He faced every challenge with remarkable strength and determination, often confounding doctors and proving that his spirit was stronger than anyone could have imagined. He fought a courageous battle with grace, dignity, and an unwavering love for life until the very end.

We will remember his smile, his kindness, his love of skating and stepping, and the happiness he brought wherever he went. Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we are grateful for the time we shared and the memories that can never be taken away.

Rest peacefully, our dear friend. Although your skating and stepping has ended here, your legacy rolls on in every laugh, every song, every step, and every lap around the floor. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire skating community.
Ramona and Curtis- The Rink💜🛼🙏🏾

First Saturday of the Month 7pm-11pm, Saturday May 2, 2026, 30 yrs. and older, $10 if you have skates, $14 if you don’t have skates or you need rentals. Only at The Rink!

Join Holistic Nutritionist Ramona Pouncy for The Rink Elite Metabolic Reset Event! Learn how to Reset Cortisol stress levels, support liver function, and improve lymphatic flow to restore metabolism.
The event includes a fun filled nutrition class, food samples, and skating!
SPACE IS LIMITED! April 18, 2026, 3:30pm-7:30pm.

Just a reminder! Old School night is tomorrow night Saturday April 11, 8pm-12am. ( postponed from last week)

This Saturday’s April 4th OLD SCHOOL SESSION has been rescheduled for
April 11, 2026 7pm-11pm.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVRN8MGDoGk/?igsh=bzgyMHRmZDQ0Yzlv

As Black History Month draws to a close, we’d like to highlight a business that is contributing to Black Heritage today, Chicago’s very own, @therinkchicago. A cornerstone in its local community for over 50 years, The Rink was the first Black-owned roller rink in Chicago and remains the only Black-owned roller rink in the state of Illinois today.⁠ ⁠ In 1975, avid skaters Carmen Clark and Nate Simpson repurposed an old car dealership at 8920 South Ashland Avenue and turned it into The Rink. Eight years later, they relocated to a former electrical warehouse at 1122 East 87th Street, where it still operates today.⁠ ⁠ While many rinks at the time relied on organists playing foxtrots and waltzes on a Wurlitzer, The Rink broke from tradition. Instead, a DJ played rhythm and blues 45s, bringing new energy. The shift in sound sparked an fresh style of movement, drawing inspiration from James Brown’s dynamic dance steps. That emerging style became known as “JB skating.”⁠ Today The Rink’s talented DJ’s spin a groove-fueled fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, remixed for the floor with beats made to inspire every step and spin. ⁠ ⁠ The Rink is now owned by south side natives Curtis and Ramona Pouncy. The Pouncys met and grew up skating at The Rink at its original location as teens. In 2018, when they heard it might be closing, they took the leap to take over ownership to save this community hub. In 2025 they took it one step further and purchased @glenwoodskatingrink, now known as Glenwood Nation, another local beloved rink that was at risk of demolishment. ⁠ ⁠ For Ramona and Curtis, roller rinks are more than just places to skate, they are spaces filled with opportunity for community care, connection, and outreach. As dedicated leaders, they play an important role in uplifting and preserving Black Roller Skating Heritage. If you find yourself in the Chicago area, be sure to stop by their rinks and experience it for yourself!⁠ ⁠ #rollerskating #rollerskate #skatinghistory #therinkchicago #blackhistorymonth

Congratulations to The Rink’s Gospel session giveaway winners! Join us every Sunday 1pm-3:30pm. If you have your skates it’s FREE! Donations accepted and skate rental $3!💕🙏🏾

Super Bowl Sunday at The Rink! Big screen TV’s and free snacks!
2/8/26
5pm-9pm
regular session