The Chicagoland area has been a historical hub of comedy for decades. Numerous celebrity comedians started their careers performing and training at local venues—and it continues to be a bustling scene today.
Whether you want to catch a laugh or try your shot at an open mic for fun, here are the best comedy clubs in Chicago and around.
A Travel Guide to the 10 Best Comedy Clubs in Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs
Below is a list of the 10 best comedy clubs in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with public transit directions.
1. The Second City
Credit: Condé Nast Traveler
If you had to choose one Chicago comedy club to visit, The Second City should be your top pick. Originally opening in 1959, it’s the oldest improv theater troupe in Chicago, where many legendary comedic performers and writers got their start. Famous alumni include Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, and Stephen Colbert.
In addition to weekly daytime and nighttime shows, they have in-person and virtual classes with their training center for aspiring comedians. There are also open mic nights for anyone interested in performing live in front of an audience.
There are two stages at this venue: The Second City e.t.c. Theater and Chicago Mainstage, seating up to 196 and 290 people, respectively. Each stage features a piano with beverage and dinner menus, like popcorn shrimp, Korean fried chicken, and many cocktail options.
The Second City is located in Lincoln Park. The Sedgwick train station is only a seven-minute walk away via the Brown or Purple Line. The North Ave & Wells bus stop takes you right to the entrance via Bus 9 or 72.
2. Laugh Factory
Credit: Tripadvisor
Another historical Chicago comedy venue is the Laugh Factory. Originally opening in 1979 in their Hollywood flagship location, they expanded into major cities across the U.S. Many world-class comedians also started their careers here, including Adam Sandler, Tiffany Haddish, and Dave Chapelle.
There are weekly stand-up shows with open mic nights and even comedy camps where children across the country get eight weeks of onstage experience and instruction from professional comics. The venue can seat up to 400 people with VIP lounges on a balcony overlooking the stage. They serve drinks and food, like baked spinach pie, individual pizzas, and cocktails.
The Laugh Factory is located in Lakeview. The Belmont train station is a 10-minute walk to the venue via the Brown, Purple, or Red Line. The Broadway & Belmont bus stop is in front of the venue via Bus 36.
3. Annoyance Theatre
Credit: Annoyance Theatre
The Annoyance Theater is the longest-running performance space showcasing improv and sketch comedy since 1987. They even perform full-length plays, cabaret, and musicals. This venue was home to several notable alumni like Steve Carrell, Jane Lynch, and former Saturday Night Light Live cast member Aidy Bryant.
There are two stages: an intimate 40-seat stage and a 100-seat Mainstage. There’s also a full-service bar and snack menu on the weekends, like Nathan’s hotdogs and mozzarella sticks.
The Annoyance Theater is in Lakeview, down the street from The Laugh Factory. The Belmont train station is a two-minute walk away via the Brown, Purple, or Red Line. The Clark & Belmont bus stop is a one-minute walk via Bus 22.
4. Lincoln Lodge
Credit: TimeOut
The Lincoln Lodge is the longest-running independent comedy showcase in the U.S. They’re a non-profit venue featuring stand-up comedy shows six nights a week. Popular comedians who headlined here include Nicole Byer, Hannibal Buress, and Kumail Nanjiani.
They have three intimate stages with no drink minimum and food menu options, like empanadas, chili, and Cajun burgers. They also offer stand-up comedy courses ranging in various experiences and categories for those looking to kickstart their career or try something new for fun.
The Lincoln Lodge is located in the artistic neighborhood of Logan Square. The Western train station is a four-minute walk via the Blue Line. The Milwaukee & Armitage is a one-minute walk via Bus 73.
5. The Comedy Clubhouse
Credit: The Comedy Clubhouse
Another famous comedy club in Chicago is The Comedy Clubhouse. It’s an intimate venue with multiple stages featuring stand-up and group improv shows. Originally debuting in 1959, they trained many comedic stars like Tina Fey, John Candy, and Gilda Radner, who also performed here.
What makes The Comedy Clubhouse unique is they’re the only venue to offer immersive comedy events. They’ll bring improvisers and comedians to perform at your special occasion, where they’ll surprise your guests at your wedding reception, graduation party, the office, and more.
They have a food and drink menu, serving options like guacamole bites, cinnamon french toast sticks, and a self-serve beer wall.
The Comedy Clubhouse is located in Wicker Park. The Division train station is an eight-minute walk via the Blue Line. The Ashland & Blackhawk bus stop is a one-minute walk via Bus 9.
6. Zanies
Credit: Yelp
Bringing local laughter since 1978, Zanies is among Chicago’s premiere stand-up comedy clubs. Famous comedians who performed here include Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Eddie Murphy.
They have weekly shows, and seating is first come, first serve, so get there early if you want a good view, as it seats 100 people max in an intimate setting. There’s a full-service bar and food menu serving custom cocktails, hummus plates, super-sized pretzels, and more.
Zanies is located near The Second City in Lincoln Park. The Sedgwick train station is a six-minute walk via the Brown or Purple Line. The North Ave & Wells bus stop is across the street via Bus 9 or 72.
7. iO Theater
Credit: iO Theater
Opening in 1981, the iO Theater is Chicago’s longest-running short-form improv show. Notable alumni who were trained and performed here include Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, and Bob Odenkirk.
The medium-sized venue can seat up to 210 people with a maximum standing capacity of 400 people. They have two full-service bars with a long food menu, serving options like fried calamari, build-your-own pizzas, and cookie skillets.
The iO Theater is also located in Lincoln Park. The North/Clybourn train station is an eight-minute walk via the Red Line. The Halsted & Blackhawk bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
8. Chicago Improv
Credit: Chicago Improv
Searching for comedy clubs in the suburbs of Chicago? The Chicago Improv shows you don’t need to stay in the Windy City for a good laugh. They’re an improv sketch comedy club in Schaumburg with major acts like Bobby Lee, DeRay Davis, and Jay Pharoah.
It’s a medium-sized venue, seating up to 300 people with extensive food and beverage menu options, including cheeseburger eggrolls, street tacos, warm donut holes, and specialty cocktails.
Chicago Improv is located in Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall. The nearest public transit option is by bus, with multiple stops at different mall entrances. The closest is the Woodfield Rd & Mall Dr bus stop via Bus 208, 554, 606, or 697.
If you prefer the train and traveling from the city, the Arlington Park station is a 10-minute drive with ride-share via the Union Pacific North West (UP-NW) Line.
9. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Credit: Event Tickets Center
While technically not a comedy club, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a live performance venue that features comedic shows in the Northwest Chicago suburbs of Arlington Heights.
They’re a medium-sized venue seating up to 329 people with notable comedians who performed here, like Curb Your Enthuasiam’s Jen Kober and Def Comedy Jam’s Billy D. Washington.
Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre has close access to public transit for city travelers. The Arlington Heights train station is a three-minute walk via the UP-NW Line.
10. Riddles Comedy Club
Credit: FOX 32 Chicago
Another famous comedy club in the suburbs of Chicago is Riddles Comedy Club. Opening in 1990 in Alsip, it’s a highly-rated venue featuring weekly comedy shows, open mic nights, and karaoke.
Famous comedians who performed on their stage include George Lopez, Drew Carey, and Martin Lawrence. It’s an intimate setting, seating up to 210 guests with an impressive drink selection like martinis, craft cocktails, margaritas, and more.
The nearest public transit option is the 11th St & Lawler Ave/Lavergne Ave bus stop, a one-minute walk via Bus 385. For city travelers, the Worth train station is a seven-minute drive by ride-share via the SouthWest Service (SWS) Line.
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