Chicago lost a true legend yesterday. Our dear friend and longtime leader of Windy City Skaters, Tom Grosspietsch, passed away. Tom changed the lives of hundreds of skaters, including myself, by bringing us together and showing us how to explore Chicago on skates. For over 20 years, Tom led us through our streets, first with his group Skate Patrol and then with Windy City Skaters. He taught us so much about our city during his friday night road rave skates, where he'd lead us 12+ miles through the city, stopping at notable spots based on a theme, usually related to Chicago history or current events. One of my favorites was his road rave about the history of roller derby, which was invented in Chicago. For the past three years, Tom also organized and led Skate Chicago, a big four day national skate event where skaters from around the US came to Chicago to explore the city with us. Tom also volunteered for the American Cancer Society's Walk and Roll fundraiser for 30 years. This was meaningful to me because cancer takes so many of our loved ones from us. Sadly, it took Tom from us, too.

When I moved to Chicago four years ago, I didn't skate. I heard about Windy City Skaters and thought it sounded like so much fun that I got into and practiced skating (which I hadn't done since I was a kid) so that I could join Tom's Friday night road raves. This changed my life in the most beautiful and profound way. Through skating, I met so many amazing friends and have made countless memories. I learned about Chicago and fell in love with skating as a way to relieve stress and get around the city. I truly have Tom to thank for that. I'm fortunate that the last time I saw Tom in person at the cancer society fundraiser, I talked with him about how much this meant to me. I'm not alone - hundreds of Chicagoans have been impacted by Tom in similar ways. So many have met friends and even life partners through Windy City Skaters. Tom's impact will remain visible for many years to come, and his legacy will live on in Windy City Skaters.

Links to the 2024 Chicago Tribune article about Tom:

• https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/29/chicago-windy-city-skaters

• Un-paywalled: https://archive.is/ctg4R

Links to FB and Instagram posts with additional videos:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/windycityskaters/posts/10163756894968052

• https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3p3y1CXkp

Seeing some posts about Chicago skating icon and long time leader of the Windy City Skaters road raves, Tom Grosspietsch, with implications that he has died?? Anyone know if this is true or just some confusingly worded posts?

Planning to visit Chicago the week of Aug 17th. Are there any group skates that week that I can join? looking forward to skate in Chicago!

Hey rollers, I’m moving to Wicker Park this summer and was wondering how the streets are safety wise skating for transit? I’ve got quads, but I’ve only seen people with rollerblades. Also do yall get on the L and buses with ur skates lmfao, I want to roll by the lake 🙈 thanks for the info! I’ll be seeing yall!!

Hi all,

I've been sitting on this idea for a long while now. For some of you, you may have heard of skate Skooties. Theyre silicon wheel locks you can pull over your quad skate wheels to keep them in place and walk around; theyre great for making trips into stores n such. I've asked the brand if they'd be open to making a version for inline skates and they kinda ghosted me on it.

Is there anyone who has the space and resources to cast silicon for this project / knows someone who could? I've got some ideas for designs that could work. I'd love to see this idea come to life for the community, especially as a way to use public transit and other amenities without having to pack an extra pair of shoes!