Top Picks

Best Comedy Clubs in Chicago, IL

The top stand-up comedy venues in Chicago, Illinois. Find shows, tickets, and venue details for the best comedy clubs in the city.

Top Picks in Chicago

#1

iO Theater

1501 N Kingsbury St

iO Theater Chicago's home of long-form improv since 1981. Nightly comedy shows, world-class improv classes, and venue for private events.

$18.15-$39.16All ages, but shows are typically rated PG-13 and up.Open Mic
#2

The Lincoln Lodge

2040 N Milwaukee Ave

The Lincoln Lodge is the nation's longest-running independent comedy showcase, offering live comedy shows, stand-up classes, and a creative community in Chicago.

$6-$19All ages
#3

Annoyance Theatre & Bar

851 W. Belmont Ave, Floor 2

For over 35 years, The Annoyance Theatre has created some of Chicago’s finest comedy. Home of such iconic shows as, Co-ed Prison Sluts, That Darned Antichrist, and Splatter Theater, The Annoyance uses improvisation to create new and original plays, musicals, sketch-comedy, and more in a vibrant, creative atmosphere.

$15–$35Open Mic

All Comedy Clubs in Chicago

#1

iO Theater Chicago's home of long-form improv since 1981. Nightly comedy shows, world-class improv classes, and venue for private events.

(312) 300-3350All ages, but shows are typically rated PG-13 and up.$18.15-$39.16
#2

The Lincoln Lodge is the nation's longest-running independent comedy showcase, offering live comedy shows, stand-up classes, and a creative community in Chicago.

(773) 251-1539All ages$6-$19
#3

For over 35 years, The Annoyance Theatre has created some of Chicago’s finest comedy. Home of such iconic shows as, Co-ed Prison Sluts, That Darned Antichrist, and Splatter Theater, The Annoyance uses improvisation to create new and original plays, musicals, sketch-comedy, and more in a vibrant, creative atmosphere.

Under the Gun Theater was a sketch and improvisational comedy theater in Chicago, known for creating original works that combined various theatrical mediums.

Zanies Comedy Club is the premiere comedy club located in Downtown Chicago. Zanies features some of the best comedic talent in the country.

(312) 337-402721+$20-$30

Malarkey Comedy is a new comedy company who's only mission is to make you laugh...hard. Not smirk. Not chuckle. Full-on, full-body, oh-no-are-people-looking-at-me laugh. No matter what.

(708) 441-4834All ages$5-$20

The Second City has been the first name in laughter for over sixty years! From the stages that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more comes the next generation of comedy superstars.

(800) 896-812013+$25-$80

The Comedy Bar’s main stage venue is housed on the spacious third floor at 162 E Superior St which features a performance stage and outdoor rooftop patio, as well as a full bar and dinner menu from Gino’s East featuring their famous deep dish pizza.

Chicago's Best Standup Comedy is back better than ever. We've compiled the absolute best standup comedy lineup that you will see in the city.

(773) 327-317518+$18–$35

About Chicago's Comedy Scene

Chicago's comedy scene is legendary, a true incubator for comedic talent that has shaped the landscape of American humor for decades. When you visit, you'll discover a vibrant tapestry of laughter, from the improvisational brilliance honed at institutions like iO Theater and Under the Gun Theater, to the sharp stand-up acts gracing stages at Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago and The Comedy Bar Chicago. This city boasts a rich history, famously giving birth to modern improv and fostering a unique, grounded style of comedy often characterized by its intelligence and wit. You can expect a diverse array of shows, including cutting-edge improv, hilarious stand-up, energetic open mics where new talent emerges, and touring headliners who frequently stop at iconic venues like Laugh Factory. To make the most of your experience, consider booking tickets in advance, especially for weekend shows at popular clubs, as they tend to sell out quickly. You'll find that many venues offer earlier shows for a more intimate setting and later shows for a high-energy crowd, ensuring there's a perfect comedic fit for every preference in the Windy City.