From Riverwalk beer gardens to epic brunch options, the city has incredible opportunities galore even as the temps cool down this fall. One such activity intrinsic to Chicago is the comedy scene. With a bevy of historic places to choose from, there’s no shortage of comedy clubs to frequent, no matter your location in the city. We’ve rounded up a few of the best Chicago comedy clubs to check out below!
The Revival
The revival is well known for its improvisational theater and stand-up comedy nights. They also host workshops and offer classes for those looking to master the art of comedic timing. Existing on the city’s South Side, this classic comedy space “gives voice” to stories told.
The Laugh Factory
Known for hosting laugh-ready comedians, the club rotates between five to seven comedians every night. This list can include celebrity guests, established comedians, and new up-and-comers. The roster is a veritable who’s who of comedians
You might know Chop Shop as a restaurant, events space and much more, but did you know that it’s the venue for one of the city’s most innovative comedy shows? An Idiot’s Guide to Wine combines two of the best things in the world: standup comedy and wine! A comedian and wine expert guides you through six wines from across the world, making for a hilarious, totally non-stuffy tasting where you can learn while you laugh.
UP Comedy Club
Hosted by Second City, UP Comedy Club is one of the most well-known venues in the city. With a penchant for getting laughs and cultivating stars, the club has jump-started many now-famous comedians’ careers.
Annoyance Theater
The club has been around since 2014 but only became infamous after performing a classically distasteful play. Since then, they have become renowned for hosting unconventional comedians and bizarre, incredible stand-up acts alike. They also host workshops and classes for anyone looking to join the fun.
The Den Theatre
In 2010, Ryan Martin rented a second floor with one room and opened his theatre in Chicago’s Wicker Park. What was once a space without a name is now The Den Theatre, home to diverse and exciting theatre, events, and stand-up. Their mission is to bring artists and audiences together in the spirit of respect, empathy, and community—which everyone who attends a show can attest to.
Beyond comedy, The Den also hosts offbeat events like Big Questions, Cool Drinks: A Psychedelics Science Night, where a neuroscientist breaks down the science of psilocybin and MDMA over drinks, followed by a no-holds-barred Q&A. Click the link for more information on this laid-back, educational night out.
The Comedy Clubhouse
Choose scripted, stand-up, and improv comedy when booking a ticket at this BYOB-friendly venue. It is owned by One Mind Group, AKA the improvisers union, and charges members a fee.
They also extend their comedy skills to serve the community, hosting a kid’s summer comedy program and a high school and middle school immersive program.
The Playground Theater
Then we have the Playground Theater. Once located on Northalsted, The Playground has moved to virtual events since the pandemic. It’s known as the only non-profit co-op in the city and is dedicated to improv comedy. They also perform standup and sketch shows, too. With virtual and community-based shows available seven nights a week, they champion under-represented voices and offer a safe space for performers and audience members.
Zanies
One of the more intimate Chicago comedy clubs, Zanies is a decades-old comedy club for comedians starting out their careers. However, now it’s one of the most notable, with national headliners performing every week.
Zanies played an influential part in the careers of many comedians, including Jay Leno, Lewis Black, Annie Rauwerda, Emo Philips, Richard Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld, Frank Caliendo, and Kathy Griffin.
Second City
The Second City has been bringing comedy to Chicago for over 60 years. It began as a small comedy cabaret and has grown to become the first name in Chicago improv and comedy. Their Chicago alumni list is expansive, with some of the funniest names on the planet. Comedians include Bill Murray, Fred Willard, Amy Poehler, Martin Short, and Tim Meadows.
The Lincoln Lodge
Now in its 23rd year, The Lincoln Lodge remains one of the favorite Chicago comedy clubs for stand-up. Each week, the Lincoln Lodge features the best stand-up comedy in Chicago, a hilarious variety act, and a Man on the Street segment. Shows are every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Notable alumni include Hannibal Burress, Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen, and TJ Miller.
