Chicago is famous for its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza and a comedy scene that is the best. From the champions of improv to the legendary Second City, Chicago is the destination if you’re looking for some sidesplitting action.
Photo by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar
ComedySportz Theatre
If you enjoy comedy improvisation, you'll want to visit the ComedySportz Theatre. ComedySportz is the longest running improv show in Chicago. Just so you know, the show isn't about sports at all. It's literally improv comedy played as a sport!
Two comedy teams, one wearing red and another wearing blue, compete for laughs. A referee hosting each show calls out to you, the audience, to shout back your suggestions. The comics feed off this audience participation. The teams have to come up with whole scenes and make up songs on the spot, all based on suggestions from the audience. The audience gets to choose the winner at the end. The act prides itself on keeping the language clean, so this is the perfect comic act to bring the family to.
If you staying at one of the Chicago hotels downtown, you can get on the Red, Brown or Purples lines and get off at the Belmont El stop. Turn right on leaving station. The ComedySportz Theater is just a short walk from the station at 929 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets start at $22 and can be booked online.
The Second City
The Second City has been entertaining audiences since 1959. It has become something of a hotbed for comedic talent. Famous alums have included Alan Arkin, Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert. All sharpened up their comedic skills on this stage. Visit The Second City and you could be watching tomorrow’s comic stars today.
The Second City holds comedy shows seven nights a week that consist of short scenes, improvised comedy and singing. Seating is cabaret-style, which means you'll be sharing a table with other fun-loving patrons. Make some new friends while you all laugh your way through the night. Food and cocktails can be served throughout the show.
If you’ve got a car rental in Chicago start on Lake Shore Drive and then take the North Ave/LaSalle exit. Follow LaSalle around until you connect with North Ave. Turn right onto North and then turn right onto Wells. The Second City is located at 1616 N. Wells St. Tickets starts at $22 and can be booked online.
The Show Below @ The Crocodile Lounge
If you are looking for some free comedy in Chicago to brighten your evening, check out the Show Below. Every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. comedians from all over Chicago and from around the U.S. come together to put on a free comedy show at the Crocodile Lounge. It is a bar in Wicker Park. In addition to the free laughs on offer, the bar gives out free pizza when you also purchase a drink. This must be one of the most delightful deals in the windy City. The Crocodile Lounge is located at 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave.
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