The 10 Best Comedy Clubs in North Side, Illinois (IL)

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 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.

The hilarious musical mash-up Spamilton has arrived in Chicago to celebrate, roast and eviscerate Hamilton and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Spamilton, created by the mastermind behind Forbidden Broadway, has been hailed as “The next best thing to seeing Hamilton” by the New York Post. A must-see for Hamilton fans, Spamilton received RAVE reviews from the Chicago press!

Verified Laughs is a weekly show where Chicago's top comics go head to head for YOUR VOTE. The winners compete in a showdown at the end of the month to win the ultimate, most verified title. Come see what makes Chicago the funniest city on the planet! Age restriction: 18 years and over 2 drink minimum per person-can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage Featuring: Daryll Schmitz, Tok Moffat, A

The Lincoln Lodge is Chicago’s favorite stand up comedy show, now in its 19th year. Each week, the Lincoln Lodge features the best stand up comedy in Chicago, a hilarious variety act, and a Man on the Street segment.