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Chicago has long been a breeding ground for comedic talent and over the years, has produced some of the world’s most iconic comedians. The comedy clubs throughout the city entertain audiences with a diverse slate of hilarious presentations, offering everything from improv to stand-up, and tons more. If you’re looking to spend a night out laughing until your sides hurt, then here are eight of the best comedy clubs in Chicago that you shouldn’t miss.
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Address – 230 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood – Old Town
The Second City is arguably Chicago’s most famous comedy club and has been instrumental in the development of several famous comedians including John Belushi, Jordan Peele, Stephen Colbert, Tim Meadows and many more. Established in 1959, The Second City is known for its innovative approach to sketch comedy and improv. The club also offers classes for aspiring comedians and even summer programs for kids.
Address – 1548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Neighborhood – Old Town
The Original Zanies first opened in Old Town back in 1978, and since then, has built a reputation for showcasing both top-notch up and coming comedic talent and established acts. The club’s cozy atmosphere creates a prime environment for great stand-up by allowing performers to engage directly with the audience.
Zanies’ calendar is packed with nightly shows, and it’s not uncommon to see surprise drop-ins from big-name comedians who are in town. You can also check out their outposts in Rosemont and Nashville, TN if you happen to be in those areas.
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Address – 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood – River North
One of River North’s best spots for comedy is The Comedy Bar, a club that was founded in 2011 by the actor, writer, and comedian Jim Belushi. The club’s central location near the Magnificent Mile makes it a popular destination for tourists. They also pride themselves on their food offerings making it easy to have dinner and a show all in the same place.
Address – 3175 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood – Lake View
The Laugh Factory is a world famous comedy club brand with locations across the country, and its Chicago outpost promises to be one of the best. Located on the corner of Broadway and Belmont in Lakeview, the Laugh Factory Chicago opened its doors in 2012 and has quickly become one of the city’s most popular stand up venues.
The Laugh Factory’s lineup of comedians includes touring headliners, local favorites, and rising stars. They also have weekly open mic nights, if you’re looking to try your hand at stand up. In addition to its regular shows, the Laugh Factory also hosts a variety themed nights, such as “Chocolate Sundaes,” which features some of the best Black comedians in the industry, and “The Nasty Show”, which focuses on some spicier adult themes.
Address – 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood – Lake View
Founded in 1987 by Mick Napier, The Annoyance has created a reputation for producing unconventional, edgy, and often absurd comedy that challenges the many of improvs traditions.
The Annoyance Theatre is popular among comedic audiences for its creative shows, such as the long-running favorite Co-Ed Prison Sluts, which happens to hold the record for longest-running musical in Chicago history. Their programs also explore contemporary topics from pop culture to more taboo subjects.
The Annoyance also serves as a comedic training ground for those interested in learning the ropes of improv, and offers several classes and workshops that help would-be comedians develop their on stage skills.
Address – 230 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood – Old Town
Another Old Town comedy gem is Up Comedy Club, an extension of The Second City that provides a more traditional stand-up comedy experience. Since its opening in 2011, Up Comedy Club has made a name for itself by featuring a strong mix of stand-up comedy, improv, and sketch shows.
Address – 1501 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
Neighborhood – Old Town
Originally known as ImprovOlympic, the iO Theater is one of the cornerstones of Chicago’s improv scene. Founded in 1981 by Del Close and Charna Halpern, the iO is where many famous comedians like Tina Fey and Mike Myers, honed their craft.
iO is best known for its long-form improv, particularly the “Harold,” a format that has become a staple in the improv world. Many of today’s top comedians and writers have cut their teeth at the iO’s training center, which offers classes in improv, writing, and acting. After a brief closure in 2020, iO Theater has reopened and is back to being a staple of Chicago’s comedic landscape.
Address – 2040 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood – Wicker Park
The Lincoln Lodge is one of Chicago’s longest-running and most beloved independent comedy venues. Founded in 2000, the club’s alumni includes comedians such as Hannibal Buress, Kumail Nanjiani, and Cameron Esposito.
The Lincoln Lodge offers a variety of shows, from stand-up comedy to character work and variety acts, all in an intimate, cabaret-style setting.
One aspect that makes The Lincoln Lodge popular with audiences is its affordability. Ticket prices are mostly inexpensive so that they are more accessible to a wider audience. This practice also lends to the club’s ability to foster new talent, making it a great place for comedians to practice their act and for audiences to discover the next big thing in comedy.
Chicago’s comedy scene is one of the most well known in the world, and remains highly regarded because it offers something for everyone. Fans of improv, stand-up, or sketch comedy will find no shortage of legendary institutions like The Second City and Zanies that provide a perfect snapshot of what makes Chicago one of the best cities in the world for comedy. So whenever you’re ready to have a good laugh, do yourself a favor and experience one of Chicago’s great comedic venues.
