The circuit's most legendary basements and theaters.
"Located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, The Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark with a legacy dating back to 1889. Originally designed by the famed architectural duo Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, the venue is celebrated for its stunning gold-leafed arches and world-class acoustics. For comedy fans, the room offers a grand yet surprisingly intimate atmosphere, where the city’s architectural soul meets the energy of modern performance. The venue serves as a premier destination for major comedy tours and high-profile stand-up specials. It has hosted a diverse range of comedic talent, from the sharp wit of David Sedaris and Daniel Sloss to modern icons like John Mulaney and Jerry Seinfeld. The stage has even welcomed national broadcasts like *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*. Whether you are catching a veteran of the craft or a touring headliner, The Auditorium provides a sophisticated and historic backdrop for some of the most significant comedy events in the city."
"Located in the heart of the Loop, The Chicago Theatre is a legendary landmark that has defined the city’s entertainment scene since 1921. Originally built as the nation's first lavish movie palace, the venue is instantly recognizable by its iconic six-story vertical marquee and terra-cotta arch modeled after the Arc de Triomphe. Inside, the French Baroque-inspired room offers a majestic atmosphere, featuring a grand lobby modeled after the Palace of Versailles and an auditorium adorned with intricate murals and gold-leaf details. As a premier destination for world-class comedy, the theatre regularly hosts the industry's biggest names for high-profile tours and televised specials. The stage has welcomed a long list of comedy icons, including John Mulaney, Bill Burr, and Chris Distefano. Whether you are catching a national headliner or a popular podcast taping, the venue’s historic charm and superb acoustics provide an unforgettable setting for a night of laughter in downtown Chicago."
"Located in the heart of River North within the iconic Marina City complex, House of Blues Chicago has been a cornerstone of the city’s entertainment scene since 1996. Founded by Isaac Tigrett and Dan Aykroyd, the venue is celebrated for its unique aesthetic, modeled after the historic Estavovski Opera House in Prague. For comedy fans, the multi-level Music Hall offers a grand yet intimate atmosphere, decorated with an extensive collection of "Visual Blues" folk art and a signature "Crazy Quilt" stage curtain. While famous for its musical roots, the venue is a premier destination for world-class stand-up. It regularly hosts high-profile tours and the weekly "Chicago Comedy Club" inside the upscale Foundation Room. Renowned performers like Dave Chappelle have headlined here, and the stage continues to draw international talent. Whether catching a touring headliner or a local showcase, the House of Blues delivers an electric experience in one of Chicago's most soulful settings."
"Located in the heart of River North, the Chicago Comedy Club offers a sophisticated stand-up experience within the historic House of Blues. Shows are held in the Foundation Room, an intimate and upscale VIP lounge known for its luxurious atmosphere and unique, members-only aesthetic. This downtown venue provides a cozy yet high-energy setting, making it a standout destination for fans looking to enjoy world-class comedy in one of the city’s most iconic music landmarks. Produced by comedians Chris Trani and Danny Hein, the club hosts regular showcases featuring a rotating lineup of top-tier talent. The stage welcomes a mix of rising local stars and national headliners who have appeared on major platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. With its commitment to showcasing diverse, high-caliber acts, the Chicago Comedy Club has become a premier staple for those seeking the best of the city's vibrant stand-up scene."
"Tucked within the iconic Marina City complex in River North, the Foundation Room at House of Blues Chicago offers a sophisticated and intimate escape. The venue is celebrated for its lush, eclectic decor, featuring rich tapestries and intricate wood carvings that create a world-class lounge atmosphere. Originally established as a private sanctuary, the space now serves as a premier destination for those seeking high-end entertainment in a uniquely soulful setting. The room has become a staple of the Chicago comedy scene, hosting curated showcases that highlight rising stars and established touring professionals. Its cozy, speakeasy-style layout provides a rare opportunity to experience stand-up in an up-close-and-personal environment. Over the years, the venue has welcomed a diverse array of talent, including notable performers like Deon Cole and Lil Rel Howery. For fans seeking a premium comedy experience in the heart of the city, the Foundation Room offers an unmatched blend of luxury and laughter."
"Located on the East Campus of the University of Illinois Chicago, the Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum has served as a versatile cultural hub for the University Village neighborhood since opening in 2008. Originally known as the UIC Forum, the venue was renamed in 2018 to honor its namesake benefactors. Its flexible main hall is designed for a variety of large-scale events, ranging from historic political rallies and legislative signings to high-energy concerts and touring comedy productions. The venue is particularly known among comedy fans for hosting the annual "LOL@UIC" series, which brings premier stand-up talent to the campus community. Notable performers who have graced the stage include Leslie Jones, Mo’Nique, and B.J. Novak, alongside variety showcases featuring comics like Nephew Tommy and Luenell. Whether attending a major headlining set or a diverse comedy festival, visitors can expect a professional atmosphere that blends university spirit with Chicago’s rich comedic tradition."
Chicago
"Located in Chicago’s South Loop, Bananna’s Shack is an intimate performance space situated on the second floor of the iconic Reggies complex. Since the venue’s opening in 2007, this room—formerly a record store space—has served as a raw, underground destination for the city’s independent arts scene. Its cozy, no-frills atmosphere provides a uniquely personal connection between the audience and the stage, making it a staple for those who appreciate the grit and energy of the Near South Side. The Shack is well-regarded for eclectic programming, ranging from high-energy open mics to curated stand-up showcases like "Ha/Ha to Hell." It has long been a home for both burgeoning local talent and established national acts, with notable comedians such as Hannibal Buress, T.J. Miller, and Kyle Kinane having performed there. For fans seeking bold, unfiltered comedy in an authentic setting, Bananna’s Shack remains one of the city’s essential hidden gems."
"Located in Chicago’s vibrant South Loop near the McCormick Place campus, Wintrust Arena has established itself as a premier destination for large-scale entertainment since its 2017 debut. Situated within the historic Motor Row District, the venue offers a sleek, modern atmosphere with sightlines designed to keep every seat feeling connected to the performance. Its central location makes it an accessible and exciting anchor for fans exploring the city's evolving Near South Side. The arena is a preferred stop for major national comedy tours, hosting high-energy sets from the industry’s biggest icons. Legends such as Kevin Hart, Katt Williams, and Jo Koy have headlined the venue, utilizing its state-of-the-art production to deliver unforgettable nights of laughter. For comedy enthusiasts, Wintrust Arena provides a professional yet electric environment, making it the ideal setting to experience world-class stand-up in one of Chicago’s most contemporary landmarks."
"Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, Thalia Hall is a historic landmark with a storied legacy. Originally founded in 1892 by John Dusek as a public hall and opera house modeled after the Prague Opera House, the venue has been meticulously restored to preserve its original character. The room offers an intimate yet grand atmosphere, featuring ornate architectural details and wrap-around balconies that provide excellent sightlines for every guest. While it hosts a wide array of performing arts, Thalia Hall has become a premier destination for world-class stand-up comedy. The venue frequently welcomes both established icons and rising stars, offering a stage for unique sets and special tapings. Notable comedians who have performed here include John Mulaney, Marc Maron, and Tig Notaro. For those seeking a blend of historic charm and top-tier talent, Thalia Hall provides one of the most distinctive comedy-watching experiences in the city."
"Located within the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place on Chicago’s Near South Side, the Arie Crown Theater has been a staple of the city’s cultural landscape since 1960. Named in honor of philanthropist Arie Crown, the venue is situated along the scenic Lake Shore Drive, offering a professional and welcoming atmosphere for fans. Following significant renovations to its proscenium arch design, the theater is celebrated for its improved acoustics and historic charm, making it a premier destination for large-scale entertainment near the lakefront. The theater hosts a diverse array of performances, ranging from Broadway tours and major concerts to high-profile comedy specials. It boasts a storied legacy in the world of stand-up, having welcomed legendary icons like Richard Pryor to its stage. In more recent years, the venue has continued this tradition by hosting modern comedy heavyweights such as Katt Williams and DeRay Davis, solidifying its reputation as a key stop for top-tier comedic talent in Chicago."
"Long-running comedy club hosting local & national acts."
Chicago
"The United Center stands as a landmark of Chicago’s Near West Side, having opened in 1994 to replace the historic Chicago Stadium. Primarily known as the home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, this massive indoor arena has evolved into a premier destination for world-class entertainment. Located on West Madison Street, it sits at the heart of a vibrant district, offering a grand scale and high-energy atmosphere that few other venues in the region can match. For comedy fans, the United Center is the definitive stage for the industry’s largest arena tours. The venue specializes in hosting global superstars, including record-breaking performances by Sebastian Maniscalco—the highest-grossing comedian in the venue’s history—and major shows from acts like Katt Williams and Shane Gillis. Having also welcomed icons such as Dave Chappelle and "Weird Al" Yankovic, the arena provides a professional, large-scale environment for experiencing the most significant names in stand-up comedy today."
Chicago
Chicago
"World-famous improv and sketch comedy theater."
Chicago
Chicago
Chicago
"Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Park West is a historic venue that has anchored the city’s entertainment scene since its debut as a cinema in the 1920s. Reimagined in 1977 as a performance space, it retains its classic architectural charm while offering an intimate, tiered layout. This versatile setting provides comedy fans with clear sightlines and a close-up experience, making it one of the most inviting rooms for live performance in the city. The venue is a premier destination for national comedy tours, live podcasts, and musical acts. Over the years, its stage has hosted acclaimed comedians such as John Mulaney, Mike Birbiglia, and Marc Maron. Known for its excellent acoustics and professional atmosphere, Park West offers a polished yet warm environment. For those looking to see top-tier talent in a legendary Chicago setting, it remains a quintessential choice for a night of laughs."
Chicago
"Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, the Athenaeum Theatre is the city’s oldest continuously operating off-Loop theater. Opened in 1911, this historic landmark offers an intimate yet grand atmosphere defined by its classic proscenium stage and ornate architectural details. Situated near the Southport Corridor, it serves as a cornerstone of the local arts community, providing a storied setting that bridges Chicago’s rich theatrical history with contemporary live performance. The venue is a premier destination for comedy, hosting touring stand-up headliners, sketch groups, and improv. It is widely recognized for filming comedy specials, famously hosting John Mulaney for his special "New in Town." Other notable performers who have graced its stage include Maria Bamford, Hannibal Buress, and Marc Maron, and the theater recently served as a taping site for *The Daily Show*. For comedy fans, the Athenaeum offers a professional and inviting environment to experience world-class talent in a truly timeless Chicago space."
Chicago
"Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, the Vic Theatre is a historic landmark that has anchored the city’s entertainment scene since 1912. Originally a vaudeville house, the venue retains its classic charm with an Italian marble lobby and ornate wall sculptures. Its tiered layout ensures excellent sightlines, while its location near the Belmont CTA station makes it a centerpiece of the North Side. The Vic blends grand theater elegance with the energy of a premier comedy destination. The Vic is a premier stop for national touring acts and high-profile specials. Its stage has hosted icons like Jerry Seinfeld and served as the filming location for John Pinette’s "Still Hungry." Other notable performers include Demetri Martin and the duo Tim & Eric. Whether catching an established headliner or a cult favorite, the Vic’s historic setting and exceptional acoustics provide an immersive experience that celebrates the best of Chicago’s comedy culture."