Joke Around at These Chicago Comedy Clubs

Chicago has long been a hub for comedy. Up-and-coming comedians looking to break into the biz flock to the Windy City's vibrant scene, known for its improv theaters as well as its stand-up comedy clubs. That scene is still hopping, so don’t leave without checking out one of these clubs.

The Second City

The Second City is the granddaddy of Chicago comedy venues. It gets its name from the once mocking (but now proud) nickname for Chicago as America's second city behind NYC. The club made its debut in 1959. The number of now-famous comedians who got their start here is long and includes many "Saturday Night Live" cast members—it's where the show's producers scout new talent. Second City presents an ensemble cast of comedians a la SNL, performing improv-based sketch comedy. The company opened a cabaret-style venue called the UP Comedy Club near its main facility in 2012 that showcases stand-up acts.

iO Theater

iO Theater is like Second City, but newer—it was founded in 1981. Before his days of stardom, Chris Farley performed at both venues. Now, one of the performance spaces at iO is named after him. Originally called the ImprovOlympic, the iO troupe does what its name suggests—improvisational sketch comedy, much like the Second City crew. Even though both places are called theaters, they have club-like atmospheres so you can order drinks and food during the performances just as you would at a regular comedy club.

Zanies

There are actually three Zanies locations in the greater Chicago area, but the one in Old Town north of downtown is the original. Along with being one of the more renowned stand-up comedy clubs in the city, it's also the most intimate. The venue only holds about 100 people, so you're right there in the face of the jokes and you feel like you're a part of the action. The club opened in 1978 during a boom for stand-up comedy, and it became a regular stop for the likes of Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld in the 1980s, before they went on to greater fame.

The Comedy Bar

If you're in downtown Chicago and looking for laughs, The Comedy Bar is the place for you. Make your way inside Gino's East and try some of that famous Chicago deep dish pizza while you're there. The club is on the third floor and serves only munchies, but you can get deep dish pizza downstairs before or after the show.

The Laugh Factory

If you've heard of the Laugh Factory, it's likely because of its original location in Hollywood, which is an iconic club on the comedy circuit since the 1970s. The club opened a Chicago location in 2012. Like the original, this is a space where stand-up comics perform solo gigs, not ensemble sketch comedy. The calendar is heavy on local talent, but it also features some big-name touring comics.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Chicago.