The 10 Best Comedy Clubs in Illinois, United States

"The best thing to ever happen to the theater" Slate Magazine "A live action Drunk History" TimeOut Magazine "Zany, rowdy and debaucherous" New York Times. One actor has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform in a Shakespeare play. There is a hidden library at 182 N Wabash Ave with over 10,000 books. Running Time: 90 minutes. Food & drink available. 21+ only. Photo ID required.

The Second City is the world's premiere comedy theatre offering the best in Chicago-style sketch and improv comedy every night of the week and has launched the careers of Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and many, many others. First, let’s define a few terms so we’re all on the same page. Sketch comedy is scripted, well-rehearsed scenes that we never, ever call “skits.” (And most of us are mighty touchy about that one. Improv is the unscripted, spontaneous, collaborative art form Second City is famous for. Stand-Up is the classic one-comic-on-stage-with-a-mic-telling-jokes routine. Think Jerry Seinfeld against a brick wall. Typically, any stand-up performances at Second City happen in the UP Comedy Club. A classic Second City revue is made up of original sketches and songs sprinkled with a healthy dose of our world-famous improv. Second City productions are fully written and rehearsed, but no two shows are ever the same.

The ComedySportz Theatre hosts our main stage show 'ComedySportz' every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 'ComedySportz' is improv comedy with performers split up into two teams who perform short scenes, song and games based on audience suggestions. It's not ABOUT sports, it IS a sport - the players compete for the audience's approval. It's hilarious improv comedy that is appropriate for all ages and has been making people laugh for 25 years.The ComedySportz Theatre also hosts late night shows and other comedy shows throughout the week. These additional shows include stand-up and sketch comedy as well as improv, and some are recommended for audiences 18 and over.

It's also a theater production as much as a comedy act. A 100% improvised musical based on a suggestion from the audience. One hour long. All the lyrics, melodies, harmonies, choreography are made up right on the spot. Live band makes up all the music. The comedy is hysterical, only to be surpassed by the level of talent. I've lived in Chicago for 30 years and it's easily my favorite entertainment option. Language and content can go anywhere since it's all improvised.

UP Comedy Club is a new hybrid performance venue with an eclectic blend of comedy seven nights a week. In addition to a diverse slate of original programming, UP Comedy Club also features a full service restaurant and bar with Chicago favorites and a no drink minimum.

The Legendary iO Theater has helped train and develop the talents of an entire generation of America's best and brightest comedic entertainers for over 35 years. Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, the iO Theater features 4 theaters (with shows 7 nights a week), 2 bars, a kitchen, beer garden, and Event space.

Chicago's original home for stand up comedy. National headliners 7 nights a week. Celebrating 41 years of laughter. EST. 1978

The Annoyance is a popular theatre and bar that provides year round entertaiment, mostly in comedy and improvisation. Known for their edgy, sometimes outrageous humor, Annoyance provides a safe bet for those seeking off-the-beaten-track entertainment fair. The bar provides a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with board games and great contemporary music.