If you're looking for cookie cutter comedy this isn't the place. Head on over to one of the big two. But, if you're looking for the great stuff, the laugh till you cry or cry till you laugh stuff, this IS THE place. Plus it's a well kept secret so far and the ticket/drink prices are a steal! read more

Came here for the first time a few years ago and loved the space. Now as a local I go to shows weekly. Everyone is so nice and the venue is just the right size! Bar has great prices too. I always take friends from out of town here. One of my favorites for Chicago comedy! read more

CIC theater is one of the best spots in town to see improv, sketch comedy and stand up, hands down. Of all the improv theaters in town, I've had my hardest laughs here. It's long since been the place where the funniest, most talented Chicago comedians go to hang out, put up great shows and make each other laugh. Consistently great, always funny. Glad it's open again. read more

CIC Theater - an open mouth with a lit candle in the foreground - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First and foremost, FREE STREET PARKING. Secondly, when you enter - no worries, you're in the right place. Yes, it's super "intimate" and has a maximum capacity of like 50. I came here on a Friday night, per the suggestion of a friend, to watch a Pimprov show. The opening act was a little awkward (mostly due to the audience), but when the pimps came out.. let me tell you, they are HILARIOUS. Please do not come here if you're the clutch your pearls type. Yes, they say some socially inappropriate things but if you drop your judgments and just enjoy the ride, you'll truly have a great time. At the end of the show, they also take donations for different domestic violence shelters and you can pick up a little Pimprov pin. I look forward to returning because no two shows are the same... it's improv! :) read more

CIC Theater - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great theater - I have seen a variety of shows here and enjoyed them quite a bit. Support your local arts while they're still here, people! Places like CIC made Chicago what it is today! read more

5 star review for Frankenstein in Love!!! What a talented bunch of men and women, such passion. Every single actor was so committed to the role, they even reacted when they didn't have lines. I was in aw, one of the best performances I have seen, it's the kind that leaves you with goosebumps during and after. What a great way to kick off October. The theater itself is tiny, like two car garage tiny. For this performance they had chairs set up all over and some in the middle of the room. The actors performed all around you, sometimes even bumping into you. At first it feels awkward but then you realize you get drawn in. I watched the crowds reactions, it was almost the same as the actors. I can't say enough or put into words how impressed I was with this play. Go see it!!! read more

CIC Theater - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been here a bunch and always have a good time ! The shows are really funny ! I definitely recommend checking it out .

BYOB + good comedy = an awesome time. Make sure you pick the right shows. I tried to like Pimprov, for me, a person who watches BET comedy showcase / Jam.. this show was a waste of money. It's perfect for those that have no idea what BET is or have never seen comedy on that channel. Pimprov had its funny parts, but not memorable for any reason. Actors do a great job of playing the part of a pimp, it just wasn't my kind of comedy. They pick on different people in the crowd, so be ready to take some comedic crap talking. The room is small and can probably accommodate 40 - 50 people at the most. Doesn't matter where you sit or if you try avoiding eye contact, they'll come and get you from your seat. Before this show started they gave a small taste of another improv group and that small tidbit was enough to bring me back for a different show. P.s. for late goers.. the room is small and everyone sees you walk in, you have to cross the stage area to sit down. FYI. read more

I've been to this theater a handful of times, all the time to see Pimprov. I can't say I remember any of the opening acts - because I don't, but Pimprov is absolutely hilarious. As a matter of fact, I chose this to the location of my 29 + 11th birthday party since it's BYOB and we had a fantabulous time that I will never ever forget!! We're talking coolers full of Jello shots! But I digress. Tickets are cheap (even cheaper on goldstar.com if you get lucky), it's BYOB, guaranteed great show, a different experience every time you go, you can't beat it! I will say this, however, please don't show up if you're a dud and mess it up for the rest of us... I mean if you're going to a comedy show, especially an improv show that asks for a lil' from the audience, is it too much to ask for a fun, upbeat attitude? Would it kill ya? Would it??? Just sayin'. read more

The Best improv theater anywhere ! Very cool cozy space and some great comedy. If you're interested in comedy definitely check it out! Best shows and classes I've ever experienced by far! read more

Wonderful theater! The shows I have seen here are hilarious. The ticket prices and bar are both very affordable. Everyone has always been very nice to interact with. It has street parking but is also easy to get to via public transit. If you are looking for something fun and different i would highly recommend checking out a show at CIC. read more

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to check out an improv show at a nearby theater that he had stumbled into once before. We showed up to CIC Theater about 10 minutes before their scheduled start time, purchased our tickets for $10 each at the box office, ordered some drinks, and easily found seats together in the small room with time to spare (they started about 15 minutes after the posted time). At the bar, the bartender was very friendly and apologetic when he explained they didn't have lemonade for my drink of choice, but offered sweet and sour as an alternative. I liked it even more than my vodka lemonade! Otherwise, their drink special on Saturday night was a PBR Tall Boy for $3.50. Not bad. In the theater itself, the chairs were comfy and easy to see the stage from any angle (except when I had a particularly tall person sit in front of me in the last performance). There were 3 different acting groups that performed for about 20-30 minutes each, with a brief intermission after the 2nd performance. It felt like a very intimate venue with how small it was, and how so many audience members seemed to know some of the actors, yet as an outsider, I still felt very comfortable and welcome. read more

CIC Theater - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great little theater that's BYOB!!! I purchased a Groupon for this place some time ago and have been to 2 shows (comedy showcase and pimp prov) both were a ton of fun and my party has been called out to participate in the show both times! Favorite things about this place are as follows: Cost: super affordable & you can even find discounted tickets online Location: all I have to say is free street parking! Drinks: BYOB people just be sure to bring your own cup, bottle opener, etc. PimpProv: if you make any size donation you get 1 free piece of swag and all 100% proceeds go to woman's shelters. also their sketches change week to week! My only negative thing to say about the place is unless you plan ahead of time and make reservations there is no real way to know if they are going to be full when you get here. I called the number noted on the site and no one answered. However we were still lucky enough to get in with out reservations but I highly recommend them since it is a tiny theater. I would love to give this place 5 stars and may do so in the future if they WOW me one more time. read more

CIC Theater - Pimp Prov - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was there for New Years Eve so it might be not a good representation of an average night. I went for NYE which included food, desert, drinks, and two performances. It was very cozy and the food seemed potluck like, but was pretty good. Desert was only made up of cookies so it was a bit disappointing. Drinks, on the other hand, were pretty good and a nice selection. As for the performances, they were ok. The first set in which Christmas Stories were told dragged on and, for the most part, was not very funny! They made it up in the second act with a "Whose Line is it Anyway" like improv set. It was much better and what I was looking for in the night! I did get some flyers for their other performances and they seemed to be a good deal at prices between $10-$20. The NYE party was a bit disappointing, but to go to a comedy club for $10 on a weekend and then hit up one of the nice bars on Irving Park Road might be a good night thats a bang for my buck. In closing, it wasn't the best Chicago comedy I have seen, but it wasn't horrible either! read more

Awkward? Yup. To be frank, it sucked. Let me over-explain: Every Single Joke, Every Line, Every Skit was "gay", gay-imitative or homophobic in nature. Gee, yet another "coming out" skit. Yawn. Another frat-boy homophobic behavior skit... It was cheap, it was stupid and worst of all for me watching- it was repetitive. I wasn't even offended, just profoundly bored. Maybe I happened in on a bad night but I'd rather been at home painting my toenails. Overly-gelled Fauxhawk Dudes: I get it, you are straight but you can squirm, hold your wrist bent and fake a nasal lisp... it stopped being funny in grade school... it is not fun to watch now. It's old: For the love of whatever God you believe in: DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING ELSE ALREADY! Reel it in. Set a limit: Two gay jokes a night, max. Better yet: Hire a real-life, gay male to be naturally witty, if that is what you are after: Because gay guys are funny, but straight guys cracking the same homophobic, pretending to be gay lines are not. If I wanted the Blue-Collar Comedy tour I'd move to a Red state and vote Republican for (equivalently immature) cheap laughs. Seating is uncomfortable: The space is small and cramped. The platform my seat was on would periodically sway and "give" with every movement. Freaked me out. Don't know how it passed city codes... but there you go. The platform is secondary. Seriously, I'll take bodily harm over another skit. The Jokes.... those seriously, SERIOUSLY need to be reeled in. Set a quota. Charge a penalty for going over # limits, I don't care... but please, god, please, not another gay joke. PLEASE. I beg you! read more

Went to "Pimprov" here last weekend...for $10, it's a FUN time. Even when I ignore the a-holes who brought three bottles of Veuve Clicquot WITH berries, proceeded to spill out of their bags...interrupt the show, play with their pimp barbies...yeah, they got pimp-slapped eventually, as we all breathed a sigh of relief. It's a teensy stage, but that makes everything a bit more intimate. Of course, even after strategic seating selection, my mother got called up on stage...and then the pimps proceeded to make fun of her very "white day"...but that made it funnier for me;) We had a blast, and again, $10...even if it's not the funniest thing you've seen, you know it'll be interesting! BYOB (and cups, etc) which is fun. I will probably be back to catch another show. read more

Okay, so you know you had a good time when you close the place down because you are trying to convince one of the members of the opening act that you really weren't destined to be an engineer, but it was comedy that was your true calling. My taking full advantage of Chemically Imbalanced Comedy's BYOB policy made this argument all the more convincing, I'm sure! I decided that this past Friday's performance of Pimprov had to be my go-to destination to celebrate my 24th birthday. It's a completely fresh performance every time. This group is some of the best talent you can find in Chicago. While the popular Second City has time to rehearse and refine their shows, the gentlemen of Pimprov are making everything up on the fly and they are damn good at it. Oh yeah, and they will stop and take pictures with you after the show; you know you had a great time on your birthday if you feel like a hoe, right? So, pack a cheap bottle of wine and some red Solo cups. Or don't. You will have a wonderful time either way. read more

I love to come here on my Saturday nights to watch the "Improv Saturday Nights" showcase. I personally think their house teams are performing some of the best improv shows in the city these days. When I'm not trying to catch a show, I also often like to stop by on Thursday nights just to have a couple of drinks with friends. The bartender, Bill, is one of the nicest guys around. As far as logistics are concerned: tickets are very inexpensive (come early to buy a ticket if you want to avoid the online ticket fees), street parking is readily available, and their bathrooms are some of the cleanest and most well maintained bathrooms I've ever seen. Suggestion for a fun night out: Get some Roost Chicken and then see a show at CIC. read more

Came here for the open mic-comedy. The folks were OK, not super friendly but not rude, just matter of fact and pretty cool. The theater part had a performance going on, I did peek in to see it is a very basic room with really no decor or style, just a functioning room. The main part is a bar and a basic stage that serves it's purpose. They run the comedy open mic pretty good and professionally I guess. Some of the others that did stand up were funny. I just think the place is a bit dirty and could use some sprucing up as well. Some more decorations, paintings etc.. should be also put in the theater room. They did not sell any food, just sold beer. Another thing that is weird is that they have no phone number listed anywhere. Overall an OK place, I hope to go back sometime. read more

I had a chance to check out the Friday night comedy showcase last weekend compliments of Angela M. (thanks again!). My friends and I had a great time and enjoyed the show - especially the third group. The stage is really small and what others have stated somewhat "intimate." I wish I would have known it was BYOB before I went - that would have made the night a bit more interesting! I think there are certainly some "kinks" that need to be worked out (hence the 4 stars), but overall this is a great gem in the neighborhood and I look forward to checking out the other shows. read more

I went here to see Pimp Prov comedy show this pass Friday. Major plus is there is street parking and it's FREE!! Also the theater is located really close to Lake Shore Drive and easy to get to from the downtown area. Once inside the theater was small and intimate. I liked the set up. I didn't have any drinks, but I heard they were cheap. There's a little bar outside of the auditorium, which is also really small. All in all it was a good time. read more

For Improv Students: The CIC quickly won my heart over, and became my favorite theater in Chicago. One of my instructors at iO frequently performs there and told me about CIC's philosophy on improvisation. There is no hierarchy system, and their focus is on creating honest ensemble based comedy. Every team has a different style and you walk away with a completely different experience each time. I think what I like the most is how beautifully crafted each team is. They just work--and for the most part you can tell that everyone really enjoys each other and has a blast on stage. This theater recently started offering classes, and I am currently in the first round. I absolutely love it. It's challenging, it's full of talent, and I feel like I walk away with something every week. I want to be involved with this theater for a long time, because I feel that I've experienced a ton of personal growth in my small time here. The instructors, and coaches are also wonderful people and that alone influences the community and feel of the theater. It is small, intimate, not intimidating at all, and after working with several of the people that perform here frequently--they are just cool as hell. They aren't improv vampires that want to suck your creativity and dreams away--instead they are motivators and make you feel like we are on the same page--just trying to work together to be better humans and create something larger than ourselves. So hell yeah to that! For people that just want to see shows: This place rocks, you'll see all emotions explored on stage, people taking risks in unique ways, and you're destined to have a wonderful time. read more

Do you love to laugh ? How about byob? Really the two are a winning combination. I made a awesome groupon purchase months ago (officially my favorite deal to date). 4 of us went. Many people were there early sippin' on their adult beverages. Next time, I'll remember that. We saw "My Life as Liz"....Honestly, it started out a little slow. I was wishing I had brought more drinks to ease the pain of having to sit there for the next hour. But hang in there! The story builds and becomes exceedingly funnier! The different characters bring different dynamics to the story line. By the end o the performance, I was pleased. I am planning on taking some friends back here for their birthdays. With the Long Room only a couple blocks away, really this place is perfect. read more

CIC is the home to the best Chicago Improv. You'll literally be blown away by shows you'll never see again. Their Saturday houseteam showcase is exactly what you'd expect from the America's mecca of improv -- longform, funny, fast and can only be produced by the Chicago comedy scene. Felt is also really fun for anyone that wished muppets would cuss. Anyone that's a student -- take their classes. Best in the city. I only made this account because I saw last Saturday's showcase and was reminded that damn, there's still funny shows in Chicago even if the old institutions have fallen. CIC is the theater for people that know comedy and what good longform improv is supposed to look like. read more

For my money, the best improvisational comedy in Chicago. Classes are top-notch too, for those interested in learning improv. Cheap drinks, friendly people, bizarre bathrooms. Love everything about this place. read more

What a fun night! On a whim I decided to get tickets for the Chicago Improv Festival Showcase at this venue & we ended up having a great time with lots of laughs. BYOB? That is great especially after an overpriced dinner. We kept it classy with a bottle of wine & plastic cups. CIC is a super tiny theater but I think that makes more a more interesting encounter. Definite props to all the performers - it really takes balls to get up and literally pull jokes out of your ass! Fun times all around! read more

Great improv and professional actors. They were taking suggestions from the crowd and not afraid to go ANYWHERE with them. They pushed the envelope for sure but got some great laughs out of our group. My stomach hurt from laughing, which is my favorite feeling. This is a tiny, teeny, theater! But it's BYOB which is wonderful. I would go here again; I didn't get to see Pimprov -- I saw the other one. Also, it only costs $12 - very Recession-friendly. Holla at the guy who looks like Harry Potter. read more

Saw "The Book of Liz" on Saturday and enjoyed it. It was well acted and had many funny parts. The theater only holds about 70 people and every seat was full. The theater is byob at least for now. They've added a bar since we were there in summer but it wasn't in operation yet. Probably a good idea to check their website to see if they're still byob before you go. Don't bother calling, though. I called them on Friday and never heard back even though the voicemail tells you that you'll get a call back within 24 hours. read more

Went to see Pimprov last Friday night. Had a two-for-one deal but even at $15.00 for one ticket it's a good entertainment value. I havent laughed so hard in..like...forever! The theater is bare bones. Black walls, scuffed up floor, bathroom past the "stage" area so if you have to go during the show, good luck with that. It's BYOB - bonus! I looked around when we got there and noticed the different boozing styles of the crowd; it will give you an idea of the different type of folks that come together to have a fun night out. A couple drinking from glass champagne glasses, one man drinking Mike's Hard Lemonade from a paperbag, and another couple drinking rum and coke from slurpee cups. Love it! The show was hysterical. My boyfriend had to buy a Pimprov t-shirt he loved it so much and I just purchased more tickets with a Groupon so we can go again! Pimprov is 4 dudes dressed like pimps with the vernacular to match. They do improv skits based on cues fromt he audience so it always changes. The comedy isnt really pimp-based so dont worry if you feel like you cant take an hour of ho and pimp talking comedy. read more

5 stars for WAFF's Frankenstein in Love Truly a remarkable adaptation of Clive Barker's work, and perfectly timely for the season, though I would see it @ any point in the year. The subtle and sometimes uncomfortable humor of the script was greatly conveyed, as was the drama and tragedy. The tiny "stage" didn't feel so small with the use of every corner and creative seating arrangements. If you have a taste for the morbid and poignant, please go! read more

I have attended two productions by the CIC group: Book of Liz and Barefoot in the Park. I loved both! The actors are really great. They make the tiny stage come alive so that you get lost in the show. (In fact, I even approached one of the actors who rides home from his day job on the same bus as me and thanked him for a great show!) Of particular note is Sarah Rose Graber, who played the main characters in both plays and was phenomenal. She's extremely expressive and brings a real spark to her characters. I loved Jane Fonda in the movie version of Barefoot in the Park and wondered how the live version would translate. She was excellent. The theater is really intimate (and kind of hot, dress appropriately). It's BYOB which is awesome. The fact that tickets are always on Goldstar is also a real plus. I will definitely be back for future productions by this great group of artists. read more

So my experience here is different than most because I didn't go for a show. I stopped in for a drink with a few friends after getting a tattoo down the street. The decor is nice, definitely a good, chill place to get a beer and hang out. The bar manager was super nice and we all chatted once everyone else went into the theatre area for the show. My friend had a bunch of beer from visiting a brewery earlier in the day and he even let her keep it in their fridge until we left. Notes: NOT BYOB. They have a full bar with good beers on tap. read more

NO BYOB but Great Bar! Great shows! Very affordable prices for both drinks and shows. Check out website for shows cictheater.com read more

CIC Theater - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I planned a night out here with family and friends to see Pimprov, not knowing what to expect. Well, let's see... 1. Tickets were very inexpensive. 2. There was ample street parking. 3. There's a bar as you walk in for before, and even during the show. (The apple martini is red!) 4. They let you take your drinks into the show. 5. The theater is very small, with chairs close together, yet my husband and cousin, who are both over 6", were not uncomfortable. 6. The ladies restroom is large, clean, and very nice. 7. Pimprov was hilarious! Some jokes were funnier than others, yet I give these guys credit because it's total improvisation and they kept it going...while keeping the audience engaged and laughing...and not offending anyone! Good adult humor across racial lines, with a culturally mixed crowd! 8. Our bartender was also in the opening act, where three white guys improvised, opening for a show with three black pimps! Only in Chicago!! 9. They had a photo op after, where the comedians socialized with everyone. 10. They were collecting donations for a local battered women's shelter in Chicago...they asked for as little as a dollar, in exchange for a Pimprov button or sticker. What a great thing, for a great cause! It's a perfect venue for a date night, entertaining out of town guests, or just friends hanging out. We had a fun night and I will definitely keep up with other shows at this theater! read more

We went on a whim while we were visiting Chicago, really having no idea what to expect. What an unexpected surprise! I absolutely loved this place. The theatre is tiny, apparently a converted living room, but that's part of what makes this place so great. You have to walk backstage to go down the hall to the bathroom. We quickly realized that people embrace the BYOB policy, some bringing beer and others even bringing wine. We saw Dummy, part of the imrov showcase that features 3 groups doing their own short shows. It was hilarious! The improv groups were great... I was laughing hard at all 3 of them. (Housekeeping, an all-girl group that I believe was called Scrunchie, and the featured group, Dummy.) I love everyone that performed for having the balls (yes, the girls too) to get up in front of a crowd and do this stuff. Dummy were quite obviously the most experienced, but I really enjoyed seeing the other groups as well. A bunch of really talented, funny people. I thought Scrunchie were especially funny out of the first two groups. I am so glad I found this place, and the next time I visit Chicago I'll be sure to come back. Show your support for this great little venue... they need it! read more

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy runs a wide variety of shows, so the quality of what you see depends a lot on which show you choose to see. The space itself is a well put together black box that doesn't feel cramped. The space's downfall, however, is that the seats are not very comfortable. After a half hour, my butt started to hurt, and no amount of shifting or fidgeting could remedy the problem. I recommend bringing a pillow to sit on. read more

I went here with a few girlfriends to see "Desperately Seeking". It was okay; not exactly what any of us were expecting, but still a decent way to spend an evening. I was anticipating several skits based on many different Reader Match ads, instead it was one long skit about one Match ad. And really, I had difficulty following the connection to the ad at all. There was one actor who was spot on- very funny in everything he did and said, however the others just seemed confused. It was opening night, so maybe they just hadn't hit their rhythm yet. I loved the small nature of the theater, and the BYOB policy. Maybe if I had actually partaken in the BYOB, I would have appreciated the acting more... The highlight of the evening was the opening act, Lola Balatro, a 'comedy rock" trio. They were hilarious, and offered a refreshing take on subjects ranging from spoiled (questionable) meat to Paris Hilton. And one the musicians was just plain hot. So, I would have rated this "3", but Lola Balatro knocked it up to a "4". The tickets were $10, I think, so I would definately go back. read more

We were celebrating a friend's birthday Saturday night and had a group of twelve and it was the first and last time for all of us! All of us were in agreement, this should not be called comedy, it was not funny. Three of our friends stayed out at the bar after the intermission because they couldn't take it anymore after the first two group acts. I would never recommend this to anyone. They asked for the audience's help to give a word to help give the topic for the improv act but they mentioned the word once during the first skit in the act and then that idea was done. And they went on to their rehearsed skits and inside jokes that they had with the other actors from the other groups who were all in the audience. The loudest laughs were the group members on the stage who weren't in the skit and were waiting to jump in. The only funny person the whole night was the bearded guy wearing flannel, "who couldn't give a "flank" about the bird" in the last skit who did the lighting for the other groups. read more

Pimpprov is very entertaining.... The opening acts were not the best but the guys made up for it when they came on stage. The audience participation made it even more fun. Grab a cocktail and be ready to laugh. Affordable and worth it. read more

CIC Theater - Pimp prov!! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I literally work a few doors down and I always walk past this venue on my lunches. A date and I went and checked it out last weekend for the first time and we both had a really good time. It's a small venue (maybe seats 20 people or so), and there were three separate groups that performed. Everyone was really friendly. It's BYOB but it's also BYOS --- bring your own supplies! Don't forget your glasses and a cork screw if you're bringing wine! read more