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Comedy Clubs in the Chicago, Illinois Area

Throughout its history, Chicago has become renowned for both its theaters and comedy clubs, churning out comedians that appear on "Saturday Night Live" on a regular basis. The city continues to offer a wide array of comedy offerings, both stand-up and improve-based, in and around the windy city. Some of the more well-known clubs can offer a great night out.

  1. The Second City

    • The Second City has been the center of Chicago's comedy scene for decades. Notable alumni Bill Murray, John Belushi, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have performed here. Its improve-based sketch comedy has grown to 11 full-time touring ensembles.

      The Second City
      1616 N Wells St
      Chicago, IL 60614
      312-337-3992
      secondcity.com

    Chemically Imbalanced Theater

    • Chemically Imbalanced Theater, located in the heart of Wrigleyville, has been going strong for more than 10 years. It hosts open mic nights, sketch comedy, improv competitions and long-form comedy plays.

      Chemically Imbalanced Theater
      1420 W. Irving Park Road
      Chicago, IL 60613
      (800) 838-3006
      cicomedy.com

    Zanie's Comedy Club

    • With three locations in and around Chicago, Zanie's Comedy Club offers an ever-changing lineup of up-and-coming stand-up comics. They offer a "Lunch and a Laugh" package for businesses that combines a catered lunch with a stand-up comedy routine.

      Zanie's Comedy Club
      1548 North Wells Street
      Chicago, IL 60610-1308
      (312) 337-4027
      zanies.com

    iO Theater

    • Founded in 1981, over 5,000 comedians have performed at the iO Theater, including comedic stars Mike Myers, Chris Farley and David Koechner. It offers sketch shows, cabaret theater and even training sessions.

      iO Theater
      3541 N. Clark St.
      Chicago, IL 60657
      773-880-0199
      ioimprov.com

    The Lincoln Lodge

    • Located within The Lincoln Restaurant, The Lincoln Lodge offers underground stand-up comedy acts. It has a mixture of established and up-and-coming talent, plus a number of variety acts. Shows are every Thursday and Friday at 9 p.m.

      The Lincoln Lodge
      4008 N Lincoln Ave
      Chicago, IL 60618
      (773) 251-1539
      thelincolnlodge.com

    The Playground Improv Theater

    • Founded in 1997, The Playground Improv Theater claims to be the nation's first co-op theater dedicated to the performance and instruction of improvised comedy. Its shows include comedy showcases, improv sketches and comedy festivals.

      The Playground Theater
      3209 N Halsted
      Chicago, IL 60657
      (773) 871-3793
      the-playground.com

    Chicago Underground Comedy

    • Chicago Underground Comedy is a new, hip theater that caters to the rising stars of Chicago's comedy scene. It prides itself on its non-conformist manifesto of smart comedy that is different than traditional stand-up comedy.

      Chicago Underground Comedy
      2100 W Belmont Ave
      Chicago, IL 60618
      (312) 719-5476
      chicagoundergroundcomedy.com

    The ComedySportz Theatre

    • The ComedySportz Theatre is a unique venue that features both short-form improv and comedic competitions, called "ComedySportz," in which a red and blue team battle for the audience's laughter. This group is also known for corporate training and corporate entertainment.

      The ComedySportz Theatre
      929 W Belmont
      Chicago, IL 60657
      773-549-8080
      comedysportzchicago.com

    Annoyance Theatre and Bar

    • Annoyance Theatre and Bar is a combined theater and bar, where you can order a fancy cocktail and watch the troupe's uncensored brand of over-the-top comedy, which often feature special effects inspired by horror films. Annoyance features improvisation, sketches, full-length plays, cabaret and full-length musicals.

      Annoyance Theatre
      4830 N Broadway St
      Chicago, IL 60640
      (773) 561-4665
      theannoyance.com

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