Chicago the Comedy Central

Chicago has a long history since its inception that when the labourers would get free from their tiring work all day they would gather around to lighten the mood by singing silly songs or share jokes until they felt light and cheery enough to go home and rest their tired soles for tomorrow was another day of hard work and labour at minimum wage. This gave rise to the concept of comedy clubs, which now over the years have gathered much fame and helped start the careers of many famed comedians in Hollywood today. Many people travel from all over to on cheap flights to Chicago to try and become a part of this famed tradition. The comic strip where the highest density of comedy clubs can be found is all near the outer harbour. Here is a list of some of the top rated ones:

Zanies Comedy Nightclub: Situated at 1548v North Wells Street this tiny club serves dinner and drinks and helps to showcase most of the new rising stars. This means that the regulars will always be awesome but the rising stars can sometimes stink. Give this intimate place a try and see if you are lucky enough to get all laughs all night long.

Second City: Also situated at 1616 North Wells Street this theatre show features acts similar to the famed SNL Saturday Night Live comedy antics that have so many people rolling about laughing. The building could have been an old architectural landmark due to its intricate carvings in the arches but in Chicago, you are bound to come across something similar ever so often. They are best known for their improv and sketch theatre and you can get lucky enough to come across some big celebrity guests as well. And unlike most theatres here you have a persistent wait staff that serves you with night vision so the show doesn’t get disrupted.

The Comedy Sportz Theatre: If you are a fan of stand-up comedy and improv then this is the place for you! The true genius of unscripted madness at its best and be warned this is no place for shy people as audience involvement is a part of their game which makes it even more funnier. The sad part is that it is only open on weekends and sometimes feature family nights where you can even bring children along. It is located at 929 W. Belmont.

Annoyance Theatre: Located at 4830 North Broadway, this theatre features great comedy acts such as musicals and original plays, sketch-comedy and a completely vibrant and uncensored atmosphere. The bar is open all night and the acts are kept simple but raw which is the essence of real comedy.

Jokes and Notes Inc.: Here at 4641 South King Drive anyone can participate on open mic night. Regular stand-up comedians like Nate Jackson make headlines every day but the highest attraction here is for the self-proclaimed critics and every person who feels that their inner comedian could be famous.

iO: Providing the funniest dance routines and other antics such as an improvised Shakespeare and scripted comedies like ‘Children of a Lesser God ‘and ‘Uncle’s Brother’. This trendy spot with their postmodern interior is situated at 3541 North Clark Street. They tend to rely mostly on scripted comedy sketches rather than the usual stand-up comedy which most people are used to seeing.

Here was your list of top rated comedy clubs and theatres in Chicago that are worth the visit if only to cry with laughter.