Chicago is known for a lot of things: deep dish pizza, great sports teams and corrupt politicians (we’re not proud of that one). But the city is also home to some of the best sketch comedy and improv groups in the country. The home of Second City, Chicago has produced many standout comedians that have gone on to incredible acclaim (read: Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, John Candy … to name a few).
The best part of the local scene is, on any given night, you can pop into a comedy club and catch someone who might be the next big thing. Shows happen at Second City, iO, Laugh Factory and more all the time. So where should you go? Here’s a select group of comedy clubs where you can (hopefully) laugh until it hurts.
The Second City: 1616 N. Wells
iO Theater: 1501 N. Kingsbury
Annoyance Theater: 851 W. Belmont
The Laugh Factory: 3175 N. Broadway
The Revival: 1160 E. 55th
Under the Gun: 956 W. Newport
Zanies: 1548 N. Wells
