“The human race has only one really affective weapon and that is laughter.”- Mark Twain
The advantages of living in Chicago are just like those in any other big city: there are comedy clubs in every neighborhood.
In Chicago, people turn to Second City when they think of comedy clubs. The list of famous actors that started or made their way through SC is endless. Among those actors are: Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Fred Willard, Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt, Tina Fey, ETC! The list really could go on forever.
I have been to Second City twice. The two shows I've seen were really funny and always had underlying political innuendos (some not so subtle). There is a little improv to some of the main shows, as well as singing. Unlike improv shows, which are generally cheaper, Second City puts on a long show by actors that have been in the business for awhile. They even have Comedy COURSES, but I'm not sure how hard they are to get in to or how hard it is to excel. But, just imagine if you tried out and someday found yourself on SNL taking direction from Lorne Michaels and finding yourself in a Digital Short with Justin Timberlake?!
In addition to Second City, Zanies is also a popular club located close by. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's only about 2 blocks south in Old Town. Zanies is not native to Chicago only, there are Zanies in the suburbs of Illinois and also in Nashville, TN. Zanies brings in stand-up comics like: Emo Phillips, Dwayne Kennedy (The Late Show), Heather McDonald and Whitney Cummings (Chelsea Lately). There are also Comedy CLASSES available (4 class for $250 OR if you're really funny, advanced classes for $400).
There are also frequent Groupons for the IO Theatre. The informal and goofy setting poses for a great group event such as a bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday, or even a first date. Break the ice with some humor and good beer and you're good to go!
Here are some additional comedic locations in the city:
ComedySportz on Belmont
Improv Olympics (IO Theatre) in Wrigleyville
Chemically Imbalanced Theater on Irving Park
Annoyance Theatre in Uptown