Rockin’ City Junior Roller Derby is a 501c3 nonprofit, born from the prior existence of the Rockin’ City Rebels (the “Rebels”), a junior roller derby team under the umbrella of the Rockin’ City Rollergirls adult league, based out of Round Rock, Texas.
The creation of the Rockin’ City Rebels transpired in 2016 when Heather Whilden (“Hot Mitts” on the track), a Canadian-born Texas, recognized the potential for a competitive youth team among her son and other children who began attending lessons at the same rink where Hot Mitts learned derby. She explains, “While I was serving on the board of directors for the adult roller derby league, I proposed a plan for a junior team. At the time, I was unsure of how it would turn out.” Ten years later, Whilden continues coaching young skaters during weekly practices and scrimmages, and as of 2023 has accompanied the charter team with her colleagues, Coach Sinner (Aimee Blase) and Coach $o$ (Joe Ternus), to national competitions in Denver, Colorado.
Due to the growing interest of the sport in our community, and the overall growth of the junior team, in October 2024, the Rebels made the decision to form their own league. Thus, the Rockin’ City Junior Roller Derby League was born. To become their own league, the team elected a Board of Directors and completed the formation of their corporation in Texas, applying for and receiving 501c3 status.
Because the team name Rockin’ City Rebels was so well-established, the newly formed league has continued to utilize the name, making it the league’s B-Team Charter name. As of 2026, The Rockin’ City Junior Roller Derby League consists of several teams, including The Rockin’ City Renegades, Rockin’ City Rebels, and Rockin’ City Rockstars. Learn more about these teams here.