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iO Chicago

iO Chicago

Comedy Club and Bar
Chicago
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8.8/10
381
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Explore Chicago and Time Out Chicago recommend this place
    • Explore Chicago
    • Time Out Chicago
  • Tips
    P K.
    "Improv Shakespeare looks as hard as it sounds, but somehow it works."(7 Tips)
    Leach E.
    "Hilarious longform improv using house method (the Harold)."(6 Tips)
    Zach W.
    "Big fan of Cook County Social Club."(4 Tips)
    Philly Improv Theater
    "wrong with The Improvised Shakespeare Company"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon88 Tips and reviews
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  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoMay 25, 2012
    Not only has iO churned out legendary folk like Mike Meyers and Amy Poehler, but it consistently puts the art of improv first. The shows are cheap and the classes a must for budding improvisers. -JJ Read more
  • Ashley Marie L.heart icon on user image
    Ashley Marie LewisJanuary 31, 2016
    The talent is phenomenal (You'll laugh so hard, you'll cry!), and the staff is very friendly, patient, & helpful. It was my first time at iO- Went to see LaRoyce Hawkins perform. Can't wait to return!
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
    Not only has iO churned out legendary folk like Mike Meyers and Amy Poehler, but it consistently puts the art of improv first. The shows are cheap and the classes a must for budding improvisers.
  • Explore Chicago
    Explore ChicagoSeptember 20, 2011
    Famous for training some of the sharpest minds in comedy today, iO Theater is a leader in improv comedy and hosts shows 7 nights a week. Plan on a fun–and surprising!–night out in Wrigleyville.
  • Tim P.
    Tim PJuly 6, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    All shows and classes here are fantastic! Top performances include TJ and Dave, The Reckoning, and Chaos Theory. Great place to bring a date or hang out with a group of friends any night of the week!
  • Meg F.
    Meg FarmerOctober 11, 2014
    Friday night: saw improve Shakespeare show. These guys are not only hilarious but brilliant- super clever and witty, had me laughing the whole time. You won't regret it.
  • Neil C.heart icon on user image
    Neil CDecember 4, 2012
    One of the best spots in Chicago. A must see. Check out Whirled News Tonight; Armando Diaz Experience and TJ & Dave, to name but a few!
  • Neil C.heart icon on user image
    Neil CJune 14, 2017
    One of the homes of improv. Can't go wrong! Improv is life!
  • Abigail E.heart icon on user image
    Abigail EvansJune 21, 2013
    One of Chicago's best kept comedy secrets. They act everyday next week. Each of the three different improv teams will keep you laughing all night
  • Abhishek K.heart icon on user image
    Abhishek KarJuly 4, 2015
    Saw the improvised Shakespeare company. My first improv and according to my experienced friends one of the best they have seen!
  • Crystal G.
    Crystal G.June 6, 2011
    Shakespeare Improvised is SO FUNNY. The actors are immensely talented. I've been to this show 3 times and it is consistently well worth the ticket price.
  • Adam M.
    Adam McNeilJanuary 7, 2016
    Thoroughly enjoyed the show! Would go back next time I'm in Chicago.
  • Lucille F.
    Lucille FisherJanuary 7, 2018
    Maybe we came on an off night, but the show (The Quitting Contest, Cherry Street) was not funny at all. It was painful to watch & we paid good money for it too. 😏
  • Alma R.
    Alma RhodenOctober 6, 2012
    Awesome! I highly recommend the Fancy Lady shows at midnight on the first Friday of each month.
  • Veronica C.
    Veronica ChaidezSeptember 28, 2014
    Awesome church services with EmpowerChicago.org Sundays. Grand opening October 5, 2014. Check it out. Good messages to carry you through your week.
  • Stephanie S.
    Stephanie SimonApril 5, 2015
    Affordable tickets make for a fun night out for visitors and locals.
  • Joanna F.
    Joanna FlammJuly 8, 2013
    TJ & Dave on Wednesday nights for some of the best improv in the country.
  • Leland B.heart icon on user image
    Leland BrewsterJune 25, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    The mid-week shows are cheap (free, $5, or $10) and still a great time!
  • Cayla E.
    Cayla EcholsApril 4, 2015
    I enjoyed the superhuman show. It features a really fun all female cast.
  • Shannonheart icon on user image
    ShannonJune 25, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Sit front row. Give a suggestion when they ask. Tip the waitresses well (Sarah is awesome!).
  • drew t.heart icon on user image
    drew tarvinMay 25, 2015
    Incredible longform improv shows every night of the week.
  • Matt P.heart icon on user image
    Matt PlockApril 10, 2018
    It's just a overall fun atmosphere, good bar food and great people!
  • Rozell A.heart icon on user image
    Rozell AlainaAugust 6, 2017
    The classes, the clean environment, the new friends and the laughs!
  • TicketWeb
    TicketWebFebruary 19, 2011
    iO is the home to some legendary improv performers, see the future of comedy today. It's all great, but TJ & Dave and a great Harold get us everytime. TW ♥'s iO Chicago & Charna, Mike, and Jill! Read more
  • Kellen T.heart icon on user image
    Kellen TerrettAugust 8, 2014
    See the team American Standard. They're stacked with talent. Especially the tall handsome guy with glasses.
  • Zach W.
    Zach WestAugust 13, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Tuesday night's 8pm show is awesome, I highly suggest it. Big fan of Cook County Social Club.
  • Amy R.heart icon on user image
    Amy RobertsonMay 15, 2016
    Shakespeare was funny and impressively in character. (Not just for theater geeks)
  • tara d.heart icon on user image
    tara defranciscoSeptember 6, 2014
    Been here 100+ times
    Chaos Theory, Deltones (the improvised musical harold), Dummy, TJ&Dave, defrancisCo, Improvised Shakespeare... see 'em all, and more!
  • kirsten G.
    kirsten GerbatschAugust 13, 2011
    so much fun! go to improv Shakespeare this weekend! good bar service too but the glasses of wine are overpriced for the pour.
  • Bruce P.
    Bruce PhillipsAugust 22, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    See Hitchcocktails. These guys are the best thing since sliced bacon. Seriously. I'd eat them. Alive. Thursday's at 8PM!!!
  • Lilchelpz
    LilchelpzAugust 6, 2012
    Go on a night where you can see Stacey Smith. The girl is too funny! She's going to be the next big thing! You can say you saw her first!
  • Mats S.heart icon on user image
    Mats SchwiegerApril 15, 2016
    THE place to go for improv comedy in Chicago!
  • Philly Improv Theater
    Philly Improv TheaterSeptember 23, 2014
    You can never go wrong with The Improvised Shakespeare Company, or TJ & Dave.
  • The History Press
    The History PressApril 15, 2011
    iO was originally called ImprovOlympic, but the founders had to change the name because of complaints from the International Olympic Committee. Read more in CHICAGO COMEDY: A FAIRLY SERIOUS HISTORY. Read more
  • Bill C.
    Bill ChisholmSeptember 10, 2011
    Shakespeare is the funniest thing I've ever seen. So much better than any movie or other improv group. Can't lose with Shakespeare
  • JTheart icon on user image
    JTDecember 16, 2017
    Went to improvised Shakespeare which was hilarious. I’ve heard that they refuse to hire women onto this team though which seems like an unnecessary rule
  • Jes
    JesFebruary 27, 2011
    Cupid with a Heart On was amazing! Great cast that commits to each and every character!
  • Salheart icon on user image
    SalJuly 11, 2019
    Been here 10+ times
    hey one of the best places in the DAMN CITY
  • Adam H.
    Adam HickeyNovember 5, 2011
    Free improv every Monday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Get there early so that you have a good seat.
  • David S.
    David SmithApril 11, 2015
    Table service (drinks and food) in the theaters.
  • Leach E.heart icon on user image
    Leach E. E.September 14, 2015
    Hilarious longform improv using house method (the Harold).
  • Jerry B.
    Jerry BiagMay 26, 2013
    Henrietta Pussycat was the awesome! Mike Berg is the bomb.
  • Kevin D.heart icon on user image
    Kevin DulinApril 24, 2015
    The Old Fashioned cocktail is delicious!
  • Jenna P.heart icon on user image
    Jenna PavlikJanuary 25, 2015
    Good night out & a fun comedy club.
  • they all call her a.
    Absolutely hilarious. Totally recommend!!
  • Melissa S.
    Melissa SustaitaJuly 21, 2010
    we enjoyed this week's monday night show - armando diaz experience. purchase tickets early to ensure entry - no cost to purchase by phone!
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoOctober 31, 2011
    There's no doubt about it, the house that improv legend Del Close and founding partner Charna Halpern built rules.
  • Chulses M.heart icon on user image
    Chulses MacSJune 15, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    TJ & Dave and Improvised Shakespeare are the only shows that don't disappoint.
  • Emily N.
    Great show Sunday nights from the 5b graduates!
  • Anita W.heart icon on user image
    Anita WangDecember 29, 2013
    The Harold is always lots of fun.
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