The comedy institution that launched SNL, SCTV, and every significant American comedian of the last 50 years — Second City in Old Town, which has been running improvised and scripted comedy since 1959. Alumni: Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Gilda Radner, John Belushi. The main stage shows are polished and expensive; the more interesting experience is the late-night free-form improv sets (Fridays and Saturdays after 10:30pm, significantly cheaper). The training center classes are open to visitors.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The comedy institution that launched SNL and every significant American comedian of the last 60 years. The mainstage revue is the must-see; the improv sets in the smaller rooms are where the next generation is being built.
What Stands Out
- Second City: the most important comedy institution in American history — this building matters
- Friday/Saturday late improv sets (10:30pm+): cheaper, rawer, more thrilling than the main stage
- The iO Theater (Wrigleyville) and The Annoyance Theater (Uptown) offer complementary Chicago improv scenes
- If visiting in summer: the Chicago Improv Festival (spring) and broader comedy scene are citywide
- Tip: book Second City main stage in advance online; late improv shows walk-up with room
- Old Town neighborhood: Wells Street restaurants and bars make a full evening of it