You can call it the Windy City, you can call it the Second City; just don't call it unfunny. Chicago has become ground zero for American comdey. A significant number of America's greatest comedians started in the comedy scene of Chicago, some with the renown Second City comedy troupe. But Chicago isn't the only city in Illinois that offers excellent comedy clubs. Chicago's funnybone extends through the entire state.
Second City
Second City isn't so much a club as it is a Chicago institution. Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Dan Aykroyd, Chris Farley, Steve Carrell, Catherine O'Hara, Joan Rivers, Amy Sedaris, Fred Willard and Mike Meyers are a few examples of the great talent that has emerged from Second City. You can catch a show any night of the week at Second City, where you'll catch the funniest up and comers in the country.
Second City
1616 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-3992
secondcity.com
Zanies
Zanies has three locations in Chicagoland: the downtown location (just down the street from Second City), Vernon Hills and St Charles. Most of the performers at Zanies are touring comedians who have often been on Comedy Central (Norm MacDonald, Gilbert Gottfried, David Alan Grier, Jeff Garlin, Richard Lewis and Bill Bellamy among others). The shows start at 8:30 on weekdays, and 9 or later on weekends.
Zanies Chicago
1548 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 337-4027
chicago.zanies.com
Zanies St. Charles
Pheasant Run Resort
4051 E. Main St.
St. Charles, IL
630-584-6342
stcharles.zanies.com
Zanies Vernon Hills
230 Hawthorn Village Commons
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 549-6030
vernonhills.zanies.com
Jukebox
Although the central Illinois city of Peoria may not be well known for its comedy scene, it is the birthplace of one of the greatest comedians of all time: Richard Pryor. The Jukebox Comedy Club regularly attracts nationally renowned stand up comedians. Juxebox is on the western outskirts of Peoria, where the landscape turns to a vast countryside.
Jukebox Comedy Club
3527 West Farmington Road
Peoria, IL 61604
(309) 673-5853
jukeboxcomedy.com
Funny Bone
American comedians love to make fun of their politicians, so what better place to laugh at the Illinois government than the state's capital? Donnie B's Comedy Club (Funny Bone of Springfield) regularly features touring comedians, and also has an open mic night every third Wednesday of the month.
Funny Bone
2937 West White Oaks Dr.
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 391-5653
funnybonecomedyclub.com
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