by BobParty | Apr 24, 2025 | Player Profiles
Excited to have with us today Jerrod Chitwood!!!!
Instagram
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
I played with yoyos when I was a kid, but I didn’t know it was more than the basic responsive tricks until years later when I found a yoyo with a bearing in a toy store, bought it, and looked up tricks online.
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not?
Finish my tutorial series
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
Duncan Butterfly
What trick are you working on currently?
I’ve been playing around with Engineer’s Wind Up and string grind/slide/rolls, trying to find new or out of the box ways to move the yoyo around on the string and see where it takes me. I’m also working on T-Bird, Arm Slide, and Fingerboard stuff.
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
Buddha’s Return. It doesn’t look like it’s one of my harder tricks, but the Mystic Dump in that trick is tough, especially hitting it in rhythm three times for a repeater.
What’s your favorite trick?
Mystic/Mystic Dump. I think there’s still lot of unexplored potential there.
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
Duncan Butterfly
What’s the most meaningful throw you have??
A butterfly with the starburst work down from play.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
Continuing to use string that is way past its prime.
What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
Spending time with my family.
What song best fits your personality?
Probably something by The Aquabats.
Favorite restaurant and order?
An Italian restaurant called Tony’s in Chattanooga Tennessee, chicken parm, and then a short walk to the coffee shop next door for a cappuccino.
Favorite movie?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?
Depending on the moment, it can be self expression, a challenge, play, or meditation.
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby ?
There’s so many. The best ones involve connecting with others.
**What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing? **
The best yoyoer is the one having the most fun. But if you put in the time and effort in the areas you want progress, the skills will come. Follow the fun, follow your desires, and carve your own path.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
In a lot of ways it’s the same, which is awesome. 0A has blossomed and grown. I would love to see it continue to grow.
If you never picked up a yo-yo – what would things look like now?
I’d like to think I would have found another skill toy, like kendama. I used to skateboard and I was looking for a similar hobby when I found yoyo. They’re similar forms of artistic expression earned through perseverance and will.
Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?
There’s been times when I felt like something was impossible, but I just kept trying and found out it wasn’t. Also, putting in the effort to learn proper technique pays off down the road more often than not.
What do you want to tell the world?
Be kind
Player Profiles is a series of articles/interviews dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and diverse community of yo-yo enthusiasts. Each article delves into the unique stories of players from different backgrounds, showcasing their journeys, skills, and contributions to the yo-yo world. The series aims to highlight the passion and creativity that drive these individuals, offering readers an inside look at their personal experiences, favorite tricks, and the impact yo-yoing has had on their lives. Whether they’re seasoned competitors or inspiring newcomers, these profiles celebrate the people who make the yo-yo community so dynamic and inclusive.
by BobParty | Apr 22, 2025 | Player Profiles
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
Like many kids, I received a Green Duncan Butterfly when I was eight. This was not the start. I was a too cool high school kid during the late 90’s Boom. Pokemon was way cooler than Yoyos. This was not the start. The year was 2008. I was at the Mall of America in Minnesota while visiting family. Ran across a toy store, Air Traffic, in the Mall of America and saw an employee playing with a Yoyo in a way I had never seen before. Curiosity peaked, I stopped in and ended up buying a Yoyo Jam Lynn Furry. This was the start for the next 4 years until Life happened. The continuation of the Journey can be found here: https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginners-journey/367145?u=pun1sh3r
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
Quality time with the Family. Supporting my kids in their interests and efforts. Continue growing the Yoyo Boomer Club, helping them with events and fundraisers. Learning how to use a Lathe and making a Wood Fixie or two. Grow the business I run.
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
The Yoyo Boomer Club Workhorse. While I feel I may be obligated to say that, it was designed to be a true all-around throw. We wanted all the fun and capabilities from 0A style play, but the bearing and spin time to mess around with Responsive 1A. I really think the team nailed this on the head with this yoyo.
What trick are you working on currently?
I am currently working on two tricks; 1) Kick Flip – I have landed 6 in the last 14 months. Not that I am counting… My regens are pretty on point now from all the misses though. 2) Web Cartridge Reload – aka The Pun1sh3R. Mr. TryCatchThrow brought this trick into the Modern Responsive March line up. He renamed it The Pun1sh3R because I always use the “Rock and Roll” emoji on peoples comments in Discord. 🤘I am honored for the recognition, I need to be able to nail this trick. No luck yet. This one can be brutal on the knuckles.
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
Right now it is still the Kick Flip.
What’s your favorite trick?
Brain Fart – My Claim to Fame. This is a 0A Trick based on the Classic Brain Twister. You Stall the yoyo in a undermount, but you must also drop your throw hand on the stall. Making it so that your throw hand is under your non throw hand to enter the twister part. The rest of the trick is just like Brain Twister, 2 to 3 revolutions (Yoyo naturally unwinds giving you more string), Regen out and catch.
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
Short Answer – Spyy Flying V
Long Answer/Story- During my journey of learning my preferred playing style, I discovered “Modern Responsive”. This took me down a long rabbit hole. There were opinions on what some thought a Modern Responsive was and others would disagree. I made it my personal mission to research and document this idea. Yoyo Acquisition Disorder was a big part of this journey. Some of the controversy was that Older Yoyos “Can” Play this way. The Spyy Flying V was purposefully designed with Mr. Ed Haponik to play this way in 2010. We didn’t see purposeful Modern Responsive designs again till about 2017 when the Alley Cat was released. This design has been slowly growing in popularity since, and we have had a lot of options and great yoyos.
This post has more detail: https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/modern-responsive/350888/283?u=pun1sh3r Plus a lot of other useful information in the thread. But the Spyy Flying V was my Grail for the longest time. Being a custodian of this piece of history 15 years later is a huge honor.
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
I have been blessed with gift yoyos from a lot of amazing people in this community. All have sentimental value to me. But to answer this question, my kids each bought me a yoyo for Christmas 2022 when we got back into yoyo, they are;Throwback Arcade and Recess Snack.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
Spending more time buying yoyos and chatting on the forums/discord than actually playing with them.
What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
It may be easier to list what kind of things I am not into outside of yoyo…
I am a jack of all trades, master of none. I like to think of myself as a “Maker”. Woodworking, RC Cars/Helicopters, Cigar Box Guitars, Straight Razor Shaving, Bushcraft, 4 Wheeling, Arca Series NASCAR, Firearms, etc.
What song best fits your personality?
Bon Jovi – Wanted Dead or Alive – Slippery when Wet Album
Favorite restaurant and order?
TGI Fridays – Whiskey Steak and Shrimp
Favorite movie and/or Book?
Movie – The Punisher – 2004 with John Travolta and Thomas Jane
Book – Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?
Personal Enjoyment and Challenge.
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby?
I have several; Starting the Yoyo Boomer Club as a joke initially to quiet down some forum trolls and to disband the Derogatory meaning of the phrase at the time. The Yoyo Boomer Club has been an amazing adventure. In the 18 months we have been active;
Digital Club with 158 Members from all over the world. Hosted 8 Community Events; FAF24, MRM24, 2April 24, 5A May24, One July 24, Yovember, FAF25, MRM25. AYYC2 Sponsor. Toys for Tots Drive with Yoyo Expert 24 & 25.
Partnership with G2 Yoyos:
Two Workhorse Prototypes (Modern Responsive Yoyo), with Production Run landing now. Unresponsive Prototype – Operator Partnership with ThrowYo for Merchandise. My other big memory is meeting Mr. Mark McBride and the Yonomicon v.2. Crazy adventure that you can read about here. https://yoyoarchive.org/?s=Pun1sh3R
What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing?
Take your time. It is not a race. If frustrated, pause, come back. Don’t turn something of Joy into Work.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
I have seen a few changes in the last two and a half years. The community seems less argumentative and more outgoing now. While the basis of our meeting is around a Hobby, I am seeing a lot more conversations around life and supporting each other outside of the hobby. “How does that make you feel”, “Weight Loss Journey”, and various other topics around life. Life is like a yoyo; It has its ups, downs and even axle knots. The people of this community have seemed to elevate to beyond just the “Thing” we came here for. I would love to see this grow, and if people behave, seeing some of the difficult discussions in life addressed in a positive manner.
What are you most proud of from your time in the hobby?
The Yoyo Boomer Club. My part in it was fairly easy. I only had to create an organic environment for something to grow. The people that have chosen to be Club Members and take personal ownership of the Club are amazing. To say I am proud is an understatement of what these people have accomplished in a short time span. Also; Yoyo Boomer is no longer a derogatory term. We have lead by example and redefined the term.
If you never picked up a yo-yo – what would things look like now?
My wife would probably be happier without a wall of yoyos in the bedroom. I would probably get less eyerolls from her in public when I play and talk to people about yoyo.
As an All or Nothing type of guy, I would probably be feet first into something else.
Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?
Play your New Unresponsive till the bearing locks up. Thenlearn Responsive play. Your Welcome.
What do you want to tell the world?
Bringing back Joy with a simple toy.
Approach life with Grace and then Understanding. Try not to jump to judgement or conclusions first.
Player Profiles is a series of articles/interviews dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and diverse community of yo-yo enthusiasts. Each article delves into the unique stories of players from different backgrounds, showcasing their journeys, skills, and contributions to the yo-yo world. The series aims to highlight the passion and creativity that drive these individuals, offering readers an inside look at their personal experiences, favorite tricks, and the impact yo-yoing has had on their lives. Whether they’re seasoned competitors or inspiring newcomers, these profiles celebrate the people who make the yo-yo community so dynamic and inclusive.
by BobParty | Apr 18, 2025 | Player Profiles
Proud to present Betty Gallegos today – Enjoy!!!
Instagram
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
I saw a yo-yo contest in 2009 and asked my parents to buy me a yo-yo, but they got me the cheapest and not-so-great one. It wasn’t until 2010 that they bought me one with a bearing. Then I searched on youtube and I found Grant Jonson yoyo videos and I started to take yoyo classes.
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
One of my goals this year was to win Mexican National Yo-Yo Contest for the third time — and I did it! Now, my next goal is to make it to the finals at the World Yo-Yo Contest. I’ve been close before, so I feel like I have to keep trying.
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
Either Supernova or Space Cowboy. I could never get tired of them.
What trick are you working on currently?
I’m focusing on the presentation of my tricks.
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
Hooks. I don’t like that trick or any of its variations.
What’s your favorite trick?
Horizontal tricks are fun for me and easy to do.
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
The entire Supernova family is my favorite throw.
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
I think it’s the Meerkat—the one I used to win the Women’s Division in 2019. It was also my first signature yo-yo so it’s special for me.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
I get lazy about changing the string even when it’s clearly too old.
What kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
I have eight cats, so between playing with them and running my yo-yo store, that’s how I spend most of my afternoons, I also like watching series and painting sometimes.
What song best fits your personality?
I have no idea 😅 maybe Birds of a feather by Billie Eilish I listen to that song a lot!
Favorite restaurant and order?
I love tacos al pastor from street stands, haha But I also really enjoy sushi, takoyaki, and pizza.
Favorite movie and/or book?
My favorite movies are Mulan and Shrek 1 and 2. I’m not really a book person, but I love watching documentaries—National Geographic has the best ones.
What does yo-yoing mean to you?
For me, yo-yoing is a form of expression and a way to connect with others. It has its artistic side, but also a sporty side, since it takes hours of practice, and definitely a lot of consistency and perseverance.
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby?
I have many good memories with friends but If I should say a personal one I would say There was a moment during my 2015 routine in the Women’s Division when I realized I was on the other side of the world thanks to a yo-yo. I was completely aware of the moment, and I truly enjoyed those two minutes on stage.
What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing?
Practice is key to improving, and it’s important to keep learning all the time.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
I’ve been playing yo-yo for 14 years, and I’ve seen how the play style has changed over time. It’s amazing how it keeps evolving and will continue to do so.
Now I see kids who’ve only been playing for a short time doing really difficult tricks like it’s nothing—it’s crazy in the best way. I think after the pandemic, and thanks to everyone creating content on social media, we managed to bring in a lot of new kids and even adults who probably would’ve never picked up a yo-yo otherwise.
If you never picked up a yo-yo – what would things look like now?
it’s hard to imagine life without it. I’d probably have a “normal” life 😂 I would’ve finished college, gotten an office job, and never left Mexico.
Advice/words of wisdom to new players?
Don’t rush—enjoy the process. Everyone learns at their own pace, and consistency matters more than speed. Try to practice a little bit every day, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. The yo-yo community is full of people who were once beginners too. Most importantly, have fun and let your style grow naturally. It’s something I wish someone had told me when I started.
Player Profiles is a series of articles/interviews dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and diverse community of yo-yo enthusiasts. Each article delves into the unique stories of players from different backgrounds, showcasing their journeys, skills, and contributions to the yo-yo world. The series aims to highlight the passion and creativity that drive these individuals, offering readers an inside look at their personal experiences, favorite tricks, and the impact yo-yoing has had on their lives. Whether they’re seasoned competitors or inspiring newcomers, these profiles celebrate the people who make the yo-yo community so dynamic and inclusive.
by BobParty | Apr 11, 2025 | Player Profiles
Happy Friday everyone!!!
Very, VERY excited to have with us James Heder of YoYo Friends! An incredibly talented player – enjoy the read!!
Instagram
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
My story is probably pretty different from a lot of people haha. So I was at school and I won a math game, and I happened to pull out a yoyo from the prize bag! I started playing with it for the rest of the day, and the next day I saw Gentry Stein’s 2019 U.S. Nationals freestyle. After that I got hooked!
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
My main goals for myself this year are to get top ten at the U.S. National Yoyo Contest and to make finals at Worlds!
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
That yoyo is a secret for now. It won’t be coming out for a while but when it does, I think a lot of you will like it!
What trick are you working on currently?
I don’t have a specific trick I’m working on but I’ve mostly been working on making my own tricks!
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
Ayumu Kasuga behind the head arm hop.
What’s your favorite trick?
Anything techy/slack
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
Currently it’s gotta be the Yoyofriends sunwing. I love how the yoyo moves on the string and I love making tricks on it!
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
The most meaningful throw I have is probably the first yoyo Yoyofriends sent me, which is a Peregrine X. It always reminds me of their generosity and how amazing of a sponsor they are.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
Probably procrastinating when it comes to changing pads🤣
What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
Outside of yoyoing I like to cook sometimes, and thats basically it lol.
What song best fits your personality?
I’d probably say Thinking About You by Cody Fry
Favorite restaurant and order?
My favorite restaurant is probably Noodles and Co., and I usually order a normal bowl of mac n cheese and a lemonade!
Favorite movie and or Book?
I don’t really have a favorite movie, but My favorite book is probably Number The Stars, written by Lois Lowry.
What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?
Yoyoing to me is something that can be done anywhere, with infinite potential. It’s something that I love, and I’ll try to stay with this community for a long time to come!
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby?
My favorite memory in yoyoing so far was probably winning my first yoyo contest, which was the sport division at the Florida State Yoyo Contest in 2023.
What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing?
Don’t get discouraged if you’re not doing well with whatever you’re trying to do in yoyo, just keep at it and you’ll succeed.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
I’ve seen that more and more young throwers are entering the community, and tricks are just getting harder and harder. Contests aren’t everything, and I think yoyoing is something that is meant to be fun.
If you never picked up a yo-yo – what would things look like now?
If I wasn’t yoyoing, I’d probably end up fully being into cooking/cars.
Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?
If you’re just starting out, you shouldn’t worry about winning contests or having to get sponsored–just enjoy the sport and learn everything you can!
Whats you want to tell the world?
I want to thank the community for being so kind and supportive. I’m very glad I stuck with this hobby–the connections I’ve made are incredible!
Player Profiles is a series of articles/interviews dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and diverse community of yo-yo enthusiasts. Each article delves into the unique stories of players from different backgrounds, showcasing their journeys, skills, and contributions to the yo-yo world. The series aims to highlight the passion and creativity that drive these individuals, offering readers an inside look at their personal experiences, favorite tricks, and the impact yo-yoing has had on their lives. Whether they’re seasoned competitors or inspiring newcomers, these profiles celebrate the people who make the yo-yo community so dynamic and inclusive.
by BobParty | Apr 9, 2025 | Player Profiles
Instagram
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
I first got started during 90s yo-yo boom like most millennial throwers I know. I have no idea what got me into it at the time, but I have a ton of memories of yo-yoing in elementary school — performing at a talent show, competing at the mall near my house, making some rudimentary tutorials on VHS tapes using a camera my dad borrowed from work.
I got back into it twice. First in 2012 when I was at the Mall of America and passed the store I bought yo-yos at as a kid and decided to pick one up. It was a plastic whip, I loved it, and used it as a way to keep my hands occupied on conference calls. It didn’t stick because work became chaos and once it calmed down I was no longer throwing.
The second time was in 2022, two years after I bought a sage during the height of lockdown to see if I wanted to pick it back up. I don’t exactly know why it stuck this time, but I’m really glad it did.
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
I have so many goals! But I think the biggest one is to feel good about how I use my phone. It’s easy to get sucked into scrolling and I just don’t want to do that anymore. I’m starting with just one rule for now — when my daughter is around, my phone goes in a box — and giving myself a pass on how I use it the rest of the time, because if I’m doing that one thing I’m doing better. I’ll probably add some other elements soon, we’ll see.
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
Probably a gtr-js. I just love it a whole lot, and I feel like I think about how other yo-yos play based on how they’re different from it. Honestly I’ll probably get a second if there’s another run so I can keep one in my office.
What trick are you working on currently?
Rancid milk. I really like it, and it’s been a great trick to push myself with on responsive yo-yos.
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
I absolutely suck at slackcides. Something about them just does not click. I can do basic ones, but anything complex I struggle with — and if I do them at speed I feel like I land them based on luck rather than skill.
What’s your favorite trick?
All things beefhook. I first started landing them at the hospital after my daughter was born. I needed something to do while she was sleeping besides just staring at her to make sure she was still breathing, and just doing lots of reps on a single element felt right.
A few months later I did ante, and totally botched landing a beefhook — which made me decide to record a beefhook video everyday, and that pushed me to get better more than anything else.
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
I don’t know about favorite, but I’ve probably used my Thesis Paladin more than anything else. It’s silly, but because the pouch it came in is really nice it became the yo-yo I felt comfortable just leaving in my fanny pack. So anytime I’m walking around or have some time to kill outside the house, it’s right there with me. I have a lot more yo-yos now, so I could put something else in there, but it’s served me nicely and if I carried anything else I’d worry about hitting it on the pavement (whereas the thesis has already made that sacrifice).
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
I have an old Terminator Tornado that way back in 4th grade I swapped halves with the friend I threw with the most growing up. It was the first yo-yo I brought with me from my mom’s house after I started throwing again and it has a special spot on my desk.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
I use my arms to move the yo-yo way too much instead of my hands/fingers. It takes so much mental focus to not do it that way.
What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
I love walking. Going places on foot just makes me relaxed and happy. Going to the store, taking my daughter to the park, backpacking for a few days, whatever. I just love going for walks. I had a shirt in high school that said, “It is a great art to saunter” and I feel that in my bones. I had one day in London after a work trip last year and I took a 30 mile stroll across the city organized around a series of radical history tours from a book my friend lent me and a string of espresso shops. Great day.
What song best fits your personality?
I only know one song right now and it’s Here Comes the Fire Truck by Super Simple Songs
I’m making a run on #1 listener worldwide, and I would like to thank my daughter and her cousin for requesting it on repeat during carpool every morning.
Favorite restaurant and order?
Having a vegan breakfast sandwich and sunshine espresso at Catalog Coffee is probably my favorite way to spend a meal.
Favorite movie and or Book?
I’m going to answer a different question. If I could only have one streaming service right now, I’d happily just watch Dropout.tv. Game Changer is easily the best game show airing right now with an honorable mention to its spinoffs, especially Make Some Noise. It’s just a bunch of smart, funny, caring people making each other laugh and finding a way to make money while doing it.
What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?
The California Lottery sums it up pretty nicely: A little play can make your day.
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby ?
The Baltimore yo-yo club just started up, and at the first meeting I made it to I got to teach some kids the basics, reintroduce a few parents to it (and see their eyes light up probably more than the kids), and learn a bunch of stuff from Coffin that I would never have thought about otherwise. I’ve barely thrown in person with other people as an adult, and that made me so hungry for more.
What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing?
It’s okay to not always be learning new tricks. Ride the wave of inspiration when it strikes, and when it doesn’t, just be consistent with your throwing. Plateaus happen when you’re learning anything, and there’s plenty of value in just getting a little smoother, a little more consistent, or just having more repetitions under your belt. The two most important things are
- to not get discouraged and
- to keep having fun.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
Not particularly, because it’s only been a couple of years. But in general I want more diversity in the throwing community.
If you never picked up a yo-yo – what would things look like now?
I’d probably be using begleri or juggling. I like skill toys in general, partially because I’m just a fidgety person.
Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?
There are so many yo-yos and there will always be another drop. Don’t get caught up in the hype.
Whats you want to tell the world?
Build your community, fill it with people who are different from you, and love them as fiercely as you can. Life’s richer with more people to share your joys and pains with. Also, venn diagrams are a really great way of expressing conflicting feelings.
Player Profiles is a series of articles/interviews dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and diverse community of yo-yo enthusiasts. Each article delves into the unique stories of players from different backgrounds, showcasing their journeys, skills, and contributions to the yo-yo world. The series aims to highlight the passion and creativity that drive these individuals, offering readers an inside look at their personal experiences, favorite tricks, and the impact yo-yoing has had on their lives. Whether they’re seasoned competitors or inspiring newcomers, these profiles celebrate the people who make the yo-yo community so dynamic and inclusive.
