Comedy Clubs

Barrel of Monkeys is a company of actor-educators that teach creative writing workshops in Chicago Public Schools. We adapt the stories and poems written by the students into an hour-long variety show which we perform for their school. That’s Weird, Grandma is our weekly public showcase of some of our favorite stories.
 

Founded in 1981, iO (Formerly ImprovOlympic) is the world famous flashpoint of comic creativity that spawned an entire generation of America’s best and brightest entertainers. Over 5000 people have trained and performed at iO’s Chicago and Los Angeles theaters, including some of the most recognizable names in show business; Mike Myers, Chris Farley, David Koechner, Adam McKay, Tina Fey and many, many more.

Charna Halpern held a belief that improv was capable of more than the short games and competition-style shows that dominated the scene through the 1970s. It was then that she met legendary director and improv luminary Del Close. Their shared vision for a deeper, more robust form of improvisation based on trust and agreement would be rounded into shape and set in motion when they developed the Harold at iO (then ImprovOlympic). With Del serving as the mentor and Charna the guide, longform was born and the two would change the face of improvisational comedy.

Located in Chicago’s upbeat River North District, right in the heart of downtown, The Comedy Bar sets the bar for stand-up in the city. Offering $10.00 tickets with no drink minimums, it boasts one of the most affordable nights on the town!

Having been named “Chicago’s best kept secret,” The Comedy Bar is committed to providing the funniest comedians at the best venue for the lowest prices in Chicago. We aim to establish a new standard for nightlife entertainment.

Opening its doors in 1979, the World Famous Laugh Factory has been recognized as "the #1 comedy club in the country" by such high-profile media as USA Today. With southern California locations in Hollywood (its original Sunset Boulevard locale) and Long Beach (opened in 2008), comedy's top stars, as well as today's brightest emerging talent, shine on its legendary stage.

Founder Jamie Masada, the driving force behind the Laugh Factory, is revered as a pioneer and innovator and is an iconic name on the comedy scene. He was and continues to be instrumental in launching the careers of many of today's biggest comics. The New York Daily News called him the "Real King of Comedy." His knowledge and expertise have made him the leading authority on all things comedy and his advice is highly regarded by the entertainment industry's top power brokers.

Age restriction: 18 years and over
2 drink minimum per person (can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage)
 

UP Comedy Club presents an eclectic mix of comedy seven days a week featuring the best in Chicago stand-up, sketch and improv comedy.

This exciting new club is located on the third floor of Pipers Alley in the heart of a rich comedy community, adjacent to the legendary Second City.

This custom designed, new cabaret-style club has:

State of the art audiovisual capabilities in an inviting room wrapped with intimate booth seating and two levels of cabaret-style seating on the third floor of Piper's Alley.
5000 sq. ft. of space designed by Ryan Nestor of Barker Nestor
This warm and intimate space seats 285 people
Full service kitchen and bar with a no drink minimum
Make a dinner reservation and receive priority seating

Since 1990, our Wisecrackers Comedy Club has soared in popularity thanks to its side-clutching comedy and talented acts from all over the country. Our up-and-coming featured comedians include some of the best of the Midwest and beyond. With two headliners every show night and a standing emcee – who amuses with new material weekly – you’ll be laughing ’til the tears come.

Whether it’s breaking the ice on a first date, celebrating a birthday, or living it up with friends for a bachelor or bachelorette party, Wisecrackers Comedy Club is the undeniable go-to Merrillville, Indiana hotspot!

The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres in Chicago and Toronto, Training Centers in those cites as well as Hollywood, 11 full time touring ensembles, thriving corporate communications and theatricals divisions as well as television and film operations, The Second City has been called "A Comedy Empire" by the New York Times.