The Second City

"A Chicago institution for comedians and audiences alike." - Kake

"The Second City is a Chicago staple for sketch comedy and improv. It has bred some of comedy's most premier talent and continues to deliver best of the best on a nightly basis. Before the show, stop in to 1959, the in-house Second City kitchen & speakeasy bar that pays homage to the year the venue opened. Head upstairs to the Main Stage for a top notch comedy show with a local cast of talent guaranteed to leave you in stitches. Second City is also the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world welcoming amateurs looking to try something new, and advanced players looking to hone their craft." - Stephen Merlo

"Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Chris Farley all grew out of the scene at Second City and it continues to nurture some of the country's best comedy talent. Over three stages and four intimate studio theaters, there's plenty to see. The Mainstage show, featuring that season's top billed act, features long-form improv sketch, and is often packed on marquee nights. The same can be said for the e.t.c. Theater, which showcases up-and-comers, and the Up Comedy Club, for stand-up comic acts. The shows tend to be full, and ticketed for general admission, so come early to snag a prime seat. (Pro-tip: Avoid front row if you don't want to crane your neck all night.)" - Nicole Schnitzler

"Fans of Saturday Night Live are probably familiar with The Second City, the improv comedy school and venue that’s been churning out cast members for decades, among them John Belushi, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey. The list of comedic geniuses to have graced the stage at The Second City extends far beyond the SNL family, however, with celebrities like Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert also featuring, so there’s a good chance you’ll see a future-famous performer if you drop by for a show (or, if you’re lucky, a famous alumni). There’s at least one show most nights of the week and often many to choose from, be it a headline or guest performance, student show or training-center performance, sketch-comedy show or stand-up session. Browse the calendar to see what’s on during your next Chicago trip." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"This legendary sketch and improv comedy troupe has churned out some of the country’s best comedians (Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert—and that’s barely skimming the surface). The group now has a permanent presence in Toronto and Hollywood, but its roots have been firmly planted in Chicago since 1959. You can catch one of their shows any night of the week, but you’ll want to pick up tickets well in advance as shows tend to sell out."