Stampede their way to state championship

BENDIGO’S Chiko Rollers have taken on and beaten Victoria’s best roller derby teams to be crowned Statewide Stampede champions for the first time.

The Chiko Rollers – a foundation member of the Statewide Stampede tournament – clinched the title with a 170-99 grand final win over Ballarat’s The Ratpack last weekend in Geelong.

A feature on the Victorian roller derby events schedule since 2015, the Statewide Stampede provides opportunities skaters from the furthest points of the state to play this niche sport and helps foster the strong sense of community within roller derby in Victoria.

This year 10 teams competed across two division pools.

They included representative teams from Dragon City Roller Derby (Bendigo), Ballarat Roller Derby, Pivot City Ranges (Geelong), North East Roller Derby (Wangaratta), Witches of East Vic (Dandenong), Westside Roller Derby (West Footscray), Kingston City Rollers (Keysborough), South Sea Roller Derby (Carrum Downs), Diamond Valley Roller Derby Club (Eltham) and Team Regional Victoria (a combined team of skaters from regional cities and towns).

The Chiko Rollers captain, skating under the derby name Calamity June, said the girls were beyond proud at their teamwork.

The team comprises skaters ranging in age from early 20s to women in their 50s, all brought together by the love of the fringe sport and its community.

Already eager to defend their title in 2026, the Chiko Rollers will first turn their attention to a friendly exhibition match the Victorian Roller Derby League’s All-Star team in Melbourne.

The All-Stars are currently ranked fourth in the world.

A fast-paced full contact team sport played on quad roller skates, roller derby requires athleticism, speed and strategy.

Since it’s resurrection in its current form in Texas in 2001, roller derby has been growing in popularity, with the first Australian teams forming in 2007.

The Chiko Rollers are one of three teams representing Dragon City Roller Derby, participating in exhibition and tournament games across the country.

The open gender team goes by the name of the Steam Rollers, while a junior team (ages 10 to 17) competes as the Spring Rollers.

Formed in 2008, the club takes its name from the city’s celebrated imperial dragon, Sun Loong.

For more information on the Chiko Rollers, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/dragoncityrollerderby or email [email protected].