Best Open Mic Comedy Shows In Chicago
If you want to be a comedian, a good comedian, you have to practice. There is no better way to hone your craft than open mic clubs. Chicago has become the epicenter of comedy clubs with open mics. There are over 50 clubs in the city of Chicago where individuals can have access to an open mic. The reality is that great open mic clubs can be found every single night of the week in Chicago. Here are the top five best open mic comedy shows in Chicago.
Cole's Bar
2338 N. Milwaukee (Logan Square)
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-5802
www.coleschicago.blogspot.com
Cole's presents open mic on Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. Performers need to arrive at 7:30 p.m. to sign up. Cole's in Logan Square was named Chicago's Best Open Mic. Cole's caters to both professional comedians as well as new comedians. The comedians will perform between 9:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Cole's will have up to 50 comedians on stage every week. The comedy show is free to the public.
The Blarney Stone
3424 N. Sheffield (Lakeview/Wrigleyville)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-1078
www.facebook.com/chicagos-blarney-stone
The American Dream open mic at the Blarney Stone is held on Thursday nights at 9:30 p.m. Performers need to arrive at 8:30 p.m. to sign up. Each performer will get up to five minutes on stage. The Blarney Stone is in the heart of Wrigleyville (Clark & Sheffield). There is a separate room next to the restaurant for their comedy shows. If you're looking for an honest and non-pretentious bar, this is the place for you.
The Comedy Sportz Theater
929 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-8080
www.comedysportzchicago.com
The Chaser open mic at the Comedy Sportz Theater is held on Monday nights at 9:30 p.m. Performers need to arrive at 7:30 p.m. to sign up. The Comedy Sportz Theater is a fairly well-known comedy destination in the open mic circuit. This is a "real" theater with great lights and sound. This is one of the few open mic places that feels professional in every aspect.
Related: 6 Ways To Laugh In Chicago
iO Theater
1501 N. Kingsbury St.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2401
ioimprov.com
The Stand-Up open mic at the iO Theater is held on Monday nights at 9:30 p.m. Performers need to arrive at 7:45 p.m. to sign up. The iO is one of Chicago's best comedy clubs. Located a couple of blocks south of North Avenue, the iO Theater could easily be mistaken for a warehouse. In addition to entertainment, the iO Theater also has a full bar and kitchen. They do have a parking lot for your convenience. This is another great professional looking venue for comics who will get up to four minutes to work the crowd.
The Laugh Factory
3175 N. Broadway St. (Broadway & Belmont)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-3175
www.laughfactory.com
This is perhaps Chicago's most famous comedy club. If you are serious about a comedy career, the Laugh Factory has to be on your list of open mic stops. This is a great space that is frequented by industry agents looking for the next top-tier comedians. The Laugh Factory open mic is held on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. Performers need to arrive at 6:30 p.m. to sign up. This is a popular destination for open mic hopefuls, so individuals may have to wait in line.
Related: Best Improv Comedy In Chicago
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She is also proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com, MichelleGuilbeau.com and bestchicago.blogspot.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
