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iO Chicago

Comedy Club and Bar

Chicago

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iO Chicago

8.8^/10

380

ratings

The folks at Explore Chicago and Time Out Chicago like this place. Would you agree?
"Improv Shakespeare looks as hard as it sounds, but somehow it works."(7 Tips)
"It's all great, but TJ & Dave and a great Harold get us everytime."(6 Tips)
"... night shows rock! Cook County Social Club @ 8pm then The Reckoning @ 10:30pm a must..."(4 Tips)
"wrong with The Improvised Shakespeare Company"(2 Tips)

88 Tips and reviews

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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
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
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 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 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 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!
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
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 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!
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!
Neil CJune 14, 2017
One of the homes of improv. Can't go wrong! Improv is life!
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
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 McNeilJanuary 7, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed the show! Would go back next time I'm in Chicago.
Leland BrewsterJune 25, 2015
Been here 5+ times
The mid-week shows are cheap (free, $5, or $10) and still a great time!
Kellen TerrettAugust 8, 2014
See the team American Standard. They're stacked with talent. Especially the tall handsome guy with glasses.
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!!!
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.
Matt PlockApril 10, 2018
It's just a overall fun atmosphere, good bar food and great people!
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. 😏
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!
Rozell AlainaAugust 6, 2017
The classes, the clean environment, the new friends and the laughs!
Cayla EcholsApril 4, 2015
I enjoyed the superhuman show. It features a really fun all female cast.
Amy RobertsonMay 15, 2016
Shakespeare was funny and impressively in character. (Not just for theater geeks)
Alma RhodenOctober 6, 2012
Awesome! I highly recommend the Fancy Lady shows at midnight on the first Friday of each month.
Joanna FlammJuly 8, 2013
TJ & Dave on Wednesday nights for some of the best improv in the country.
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
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!
Stephanie SimonApril 5, 2015
Affordable tickets make for a fun night out for visitors and locals.
Philly Improv TheaterSeptember 23, 2014
You can never go wrong with The Improvised Shakespeare Company, or TJ & Dave.
drew tarvinMay 25, 2015
Incredible longform improv shows every night of the week.
ShannonJune 25, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Sit front row. Give a suggestion when they ask. Tip the waitresses well (Sarah is awesome!).
Kevin DulinApril 24, 2015
The Old Fashioned cocktail is delicious!
Mats SchwiegerApril 15, 2016
THE place to go for improv comedy in Chicago!
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
Adam HickeyNovember 5, 2011
Free improv every Monday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Get there early so that you have a good seat.
SalJuly 11, 2019
Been here 10+ times
hey one of the best places in the DAMN CITY
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.
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.
Leach E. E.September 14, 2015
Hilarious longform improv using house method (the Harold).
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!
Ross GuthrieDecember 13, 2010
Both times I have been amazed At the great comedy for the $10! See Felt & be amazed at the Naughty Puppet Behavior.
David SmithApril 11, 2015
Table service (drinks and food) in the theaters.
Drew HackneyJanuary 30, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Tuesday nights: Welcome to Your 30s Boys, Stubbs 2: Electric Boogaloo, and Ginger Snaps. Best $5 you ever spent.
JesFebruary 27, 2011
Cupid with a Heart On was amazing! Great cast that commits to each and every character!
Katie HardimanMarch 22, 2010
Go see Felt on Wednesdays at 8 or Improvised Shakespeare on Fridays at 8. Naughty puppets and Elizabethan sex jokes for under 20 bucks? SCORE!
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.
Jerry BiagMay 26, 2013
Henrietta Pussycat was the awesome! Mike Berg is the bomb.
Time Out ChicagoOctober 20, 2011
There's no doubt about it, the house that improv legend Del Close and founding partner Charna Halpern built rules.
Mike CarothersJanuary 22, 2011
Been here 100+ times
Tuesday night shows rock! Cook County Social Club @ 8pm then The Reckoning @ 10:30pm a must see!
Chulses MacSJune 15, 2014
Been here 50+ times
TJ & Dave and Improvised Shakespeare are the only shows that don't disappoint.

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