Chicago, IL Comics
Andrew Santino
Andrew Santino was born and raised in the Chicago area, where he developed a love for comedy at a young age. He began performing stand-up wh... Show more
The Chicago, IL Comedy Scene
Stand-up comedy has a storied past in Chicago, with many of the biggest names in comedy having gotten their start in the Windy City. From a laundry list of comedy clubs to festivals, there is no shortage of opportunities for both aspiring and established comedians to perform and hone their craft in front of comedy-hungry fans.
One of the most notable establishments in Chicago is The Second City, which has been a staple of the city's comedy scene since 1959. The Second City is known for its improvisational comedy performances and has launched the careers of many famous comedians such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell.
Another popular stand-up comedy club in Chicago is Zanies Comedy Club, which has been in operation since 1978. Zanies regularly features both local and national comedians and has served as a launching pad for many comedians' careers.
In addition to comedy clubs, Chicago also hosts a number of comedy festivals happening throughout the year. One of the most notable is the Chicago Comedy Festival, which takes place annually in the fall. The festival features a wide variety of performances, including stand-up comedy, improv, sketch comedy, and more.
Another popular comedy festival in Chicago is the TBS Just for Laughs Chicago Festival, which takes place in the summer and features performances by some of the biggest names in comedy.
Chicago is the ideal city for stand-up comedy, with a thriving comedy scene that offers plenty of opportunities for both established and aspiring comedians.