The exhibit is based on a recently-published book by self-professed rink rat Tom Russo. Russo served as exhibit content writer and shared his personal photos and memorabilia with the museum for the exhibit. The Elmhurst History Museum tapped into its collection and received numerous loaned artifacts from the roller skating community to share in the exhibit. Visitors will explore "Chicago Rink Rats" through engaging first-person video accounts and archival footage from skaters, rare photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. Museum patrons will encounter an eclectic array of items from skating jackets and gear to competition medals, rink decals, posters, memorabilia, and more.

To launch "Chicago Rink Rats" in style, the Elmhurst History Museum is hosting a free Public Exhibit Opening event on Friday, July 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The evening will feature a recreation of The Elm Roller skating rink on the museum grounds (with a limited number of roller skates available for guests) plus live music by School of Rock. The opening event will also include members of area roller derby teams, and hot dogs and ice cream will be available for purchase.