Chicago, Illinois has 15 stand-up comedy clubs, including 7 venues that host open mic nights. Top venues include Under the Gun Theater, Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago, The Comedy Bar Chicago. ComedyClubFinder lists every comedy club in Chicago with addresses, ticket prices, show schedules, and venue details.
Discover 15 stand-up comedy clubs in Chicago, Illinois. 7 venues host open mic nights. Find shows, tickets, and venue details for every comedy club in Chicago.
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.
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.
iO Theater Chicago's home of long-form improv since 1981. Nightly comedy shows, world-class improv classes, and venue for private events.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UP Comedy Club is a stand-up comedy venue in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, located at 230 W North Ave. Situated in one of Chicago's most entertainment-dense corridors — just steps from Second City and iO Theater — UP holds its own as a dedicated stand-up room. The club books a mix of touring headliners and Chicago-based comedians, with a focus on polished stand-up in an intimate setting. The 21+ policy and full bar make it a popular date-night destination in Lincoln Park. With a 4.6-star rating across 177 Google reviews, UP Comedy Club has established itself as a reliable choice for Chicago stand-up comedy. Check the website for current show schedules and ticket prices.
The Comedy Clubhouse is a neighborhood stand-up comedy venue in Chicago's Wicker Park / Ukrainian Village area, located at 1462 N Ashland Ave. With 554 Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it ranks among the most-reviewed comedy clubs in Chicago, reflecting a large and loyal local following. The club hosts stand-up shows, open mic nights, and special events in a casual, neighborhood-bar atmosphere that distinguishes it from the more polished downtown comedy rooms. The Wicker Park location puts it in one of Chicago's most vibrant entertainment neighborhoods, within walking distance of bars, restaurants, and music venues. Check the website for current show schedules, ticket prices, and age policy.
RED ROOM Comedy Club is a stand-up comedy venue on Chicago's far north side, located at 7442 N Western Ave in the Rogers Park / West Ridge neighborhood. With a 4.9-star Google rating, RED ROOM is one of the highest-rated comedy clubs in the Chicago area, offering an intimate room with a strong focus on quality stand-up. The club hosts regular shows, open mic nights, and special events, serving a neighborhood that is underrepresented in Chicago's comedy scene relative to the downtown and Lincoln Park clusters. The Rogers Park location makes it a local institution for north side comedy fans. Check the website for current show schedules, ticket prices, and age policy.
Logan Square Improv is a dedicated improv comedy theater in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, located at 2825 W Diversey Ave. With a 4.9-star rating across 304 Google reviews, it is one of the most acclaimed comedy venues in Chicago. The theater offers improv shows, stand-up comedy, open mic nights, and improv classes, serving the Logan Square community with a strong emphasis on ensemble and long-form improv. Logan Square has become one of Chicago's most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, and Logan Square Improv is a cornerstone of its arts scene. The all-ages programming makes it accessible to a wide audience. Check the website for current show schedules, class offerings, and ticket prices.
The Den Theatre is a multi-stage performing arts venue in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, located at 1331 N Milwaukee Ave. With 787 Google reviews and a 4.7-star rating, The Den is one of the most-reviewed independent theaters in Chicago. The venue operates four stages of varying sizes, hosting comedy, theater, improv, and live performance across a packed weekly calendar. Comedy is a significant part of The Den's programming, with stand-up shows, improv performances, and sketch comedy regularly on the bill. The Wicker Park location in the heart of one of Chicago's most active nightlife corridors makes The Den a natural destination for comedy audiences. Check the website for current show schedules and ticket prices.
The Home Comedy Theater is a boutique comedy venue in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, located at 2843 N Halsted St. Despite being a newer venue with 20 Google reviews, it has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating — a testament to the quality of its programming and the experience it delivers. The theater focuses on stand-up comedy and sketch shows in an intimate setting, offering a neighborhood alternative to Chicago's larger comedy institutions. The Halsted St location in Lakeview puts it in one of Chicago's most entertainment-rich corridors, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and the Wrigleyville entertainment district. Check the website for current show schedules, ticket prices, and age policy.
Chicago stands as a true titan in the world of comedy, a city whose comedic legacy is as deep-dish as its pizza. For decades, it has been a fertile ground for groundbreaking talent, shaping the landscape of improv and sketch comedy in ways that continue to influence the entire industry. When seeking out comedy clubs in Chicago, you're not just looking for a night of laughs — you're tapping into a rich tradition that has launched countless stars. The city's distinctive style, rooted in the ensemble-driven, improvisational spirit pioneered by institutions in Old Town, emphasizes character work, sharp wit, and a collaborative energy that sets it apart from any other comedy city in America.
The heart of Chicago's comedy scene beats strongly in Old Town, where legendary venues have fostered generations of comedic genius. Other neighborhoods — including Belmont, Logan Square, and Wicker Park — boast a vibrant array of smaller theaters and independent shows, offering a diverse range of styles from experimental improv to raw stand-up. Weekends offer the widest selection of shows, often featuring both established acts and rising local stars. Weeknights are excellent for catching open mics or more intimate performances, providing a genuine glimpse into the city's burgeoning talent pool.
For those planning a night out, a few practical considerations will enhance the experience. Many venues are 18+ or 21+ after certain hours, so always check age policies in advance. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular weekend shows. Parking varies by neighborhood; public transportation or ride-sharing is often the most convenient option. Chicago's comedy scene is an ever-evolving tapestry of talent and tradition, promising an unforgettable night of entertainment. Explore the listings below to find your perfect show.
Chicago is widely recognized as the birthplace of modern improvisational comedy, with The Second City theater playing a pivotal role in developing the art form and launching the careers of countless comedic legends.
For the most concentrated comedy options, head to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, home to several iconic clubs. Parking can be a challenge, so consider public transportation or ride-sharing, and grab a deep-dish pizza nearby before the show.
Verified venue data
All 15 venues verified against official websites and Google Business Profiles. We check for closures, address changes, and policy updates quarterly.
Real ratings from Google
Star ratings and review counts are sourced directly from Google Places — not estimated or fabricated. Only venues with a Google Business Profile listing are shown.
Last reviewed: April 2026
ComedyClubFinder reviews and updates venue data quarterly. Closed venues are removed; new venues are added as they open. If you spot an error, use the "Report an issue" link on each venue page.
No paid placements
Venue rankings and listings are based entirely on data quality, Google ratings, and completeness — not advertising spend. No club has paid to appear on ComedyClubFinder.
Stay in the loop
Unsubscribe anytime.