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  • 0

    Decent comedy club
    Big venue with plenty of space, big bar, and they serve food.

    I saw some cat show and the Revolver group, both were ok.

    Since the venue is so big, I had a hard time hearing what they were saying over everyone's cheering and laughter.

  • 0

    A small theater with a large, full service bar!  What's not to love?

    So my traveling companion is big into improv and on a few teams of her own in North Carolina.  Given her enthusiasm for improv, we agreed we should go see a show while in the Second City, a city famous for improv.  I liked that the iO theater was small so most seats were good seats.  And I liked how attentive the wait staff was.  We went to see the Deltones who sing their improv but also enjoyed their opening act, The Hague. Most of the scenes turned out really well.  There was only one that was a bit odd to me and just needed to end - that is improv for ya. I was most definitely impressed with the wit and voices of The Deltones.  This was a very entertaining night for $14.

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  • 0

    I've gone here on every day of the week, for every occasion. Friends are in town, birthday, celebrate an engagement, its perfect for everything.

    The groups are spot on. My friends and I always try to make the Wednesday shop. Virgin Daquiris, Carl and the Passions, Attica, and Classy D are just a few groups we love to see. They always have something new to try. One week was a gameshow on Thursday, sometimes theres some kind of celebrity, there's new groups, seasoned ones, it's all a joy. There's also a bar and they always have a drink special, including an extensive beer list.

    If you have a job where you go in from 9-5 everyday, and you're trying your best to not burn yourself out, this is just the ticket! Laughs and drinks!

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  • 0

    This was such a fun Saturday night activity!

    Went last night for the Whirled News. It was my first improv show and I had such a blast. Haven't laughed that hard in so long!

    At $14, it was definitely worth it. We got there as doors opened so we could get a seat and it immediately filled up.

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  • 0

    I had a last minute invite to join friends at an 8:00 show here last weekend. I called a couple hours ahead of time and purchased a couple of the last remaining tickets. The show was sold out when we arrived.

    In the basement of this establishment, there is a long bar. They direct the seats toward the stage and waiters serve you at the table during the show.

    I was thoroughly entertained by the various acts. The performers take suggestions from the audience, like you expect, and play off of the idea for quite some time. Our whole group had fun. The performances were sort of tame, for what I expected. They ateered clear of some topics that could be offensive (to people that probably don't go to improv comedy anyway). I am curious to see if the later show is more daring.

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  • 0

    I've only been to the iO Theater twice, but both times I have had a great experience.  There are shows every night of the week, most of them pretty affordable and some are free!  The main theater is small and cozy, with a serving staff waiting on tables during the show.  The groups featured have all gone through iO's training program, so they have plenty of experience at making with the funny.  It's a great environment, affordable drinks and lots of laughs.  Give it a shot next time you're in Wrigleyville!

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  • 0

    I am always up for going to the iO because, no matter the day, it is always worth going. The atmosphere is great, the drinks are cheap, and I know that I'm going to laugh! I even enjoyed the Saturday morning kid's shows I took my niece (5 years old) to see.

    My favorite days are Fridays with The Improvised Shakespeare Co.

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  • 0

    I love everything about BYOT, but I'm not sure what Matt Higbee is writing when he's coaching.

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  • 0

    Nothing beats free improv. Specifically when it's as good as it is at iO. And all of their priced shows are more than reasonable...but get there early to guarantee your admission. Some of the shows sell out super fast. Drinks are tasty, service downstairs is prompt, and nice selection of beers on tap.

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  • 0

    You are in chicago, you have to come here. It's where comedy was born!

    This place will make you laugh all over, and feel good inside. The weekly line up of shows is always changing and shocasing new imporv teams who have just trained within the school, and also features greats like TJ and Dave (wed nights)

    Coming to a place like this is great. Chicago comedy lovers and tourists sit down and share in an experience of comedy with no snobs or todos about nothing. The drinks are great and what you should expect from a comedy bar, but what you come here for is the comedy. Regular performers who will make you laugh are : Tara DeFransisco, Maria Randazzo, Rich Prouty, Joey Bland, Jason Shotts, and Coleen Doyle. Try to see these performers, because they are the next generation of improv comedy.

    One really cool thing is that if you make it a habit to come here often for the Armando on Monday or any weekend show you can see people like Paul Britan, or Vanessa Bayer sometimes do a pop in and perform. (They trained here before SNL) There is no expectation of who may come either, there network is really big, and they love surprising the audience with a special guest.

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  • 0

    The iO is an incredible Chicago establishment. The shows are fairly priced (sometimes even free!) and the performers are always bound to be hilarious. Plus there's a bar!!  A few of my favorite teams: Felt, Dummy, and Trolley. Check 'em out. You wont be sorry you did!

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  • 0

    iO is always good for a laugh (or twenty). First improv place I went to in Chicago and it is still my favorite. It's cheap, the drinks are...actually I can't remember if they're good, bad, strong, or not because I'm usually laughing too much to notice. And the atmosphere is comfortable.

    I've gone here on many a date as well as with friends. Whether you go upstairs or stay downstairs, you're going to laugh. It's a perfectly Chicago venue and an absolute must for residents and visitors alike.

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  • 0

    The improvised Shakespeare on Friday nights is perfect for date night or a girls night out! This is one of the first dates my now long term boyfriend took me on, and it definitely helped win me over. The Shakespeare performances are brilliant, crass, and hilarious. I've also heard nothing but marvelous reviews about performances by TJ & Dave on Wednesday Nights. I went to another random performance by students, and no one in my party was impressed.

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  • 0

    We went to a 10:30 show of Junebug and Dummy... Extremely funny! It's a pretty small theater, but that adds to the charm of the venue. The improv comedians were hilarious, as expected and we had a great time... Definitely make a show if you can!

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  • 0

    Staff is really attentive on the phone and at the ticket window.

    Space is intimate without feeling claustrophobic.

    And the prices are beyond fair for the level of talent and length of the shows.

    That being said the quality of the show is highly dependant on which troupe is performing.  I have had outstanding experiences with the Cupid Players, Sears Tower, and Revolver.

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  • 0

    I think I went on a bad night. I hope that was the case.
    I went between Christmas and New Year's, so they didn't have their full set of improv-ers. There were only 2 groups. The first group was terrible. Made up of only 2 males. The second group was way better, but it's relative. I laughed maybe 5 times. The name of the show was "The Delicate Men".
    I wouldn't spend $$ on this again. So go to the Wednesday night Harold for FREE!

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  • 0

    It's tough to separate the show from the venue... I'm going to try to review just the venue and not the performance I saw here.

    This is a cool, casual venue with two stages and two bars.  It's casual enough to have fun but classy enough to stay awhile.  I'd come back for the right show.

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  • 0

    During my trip to Chicago, I stopped by twice to iO Theater.  Once for "Saturday Saturday" and the Monday night's Harold.

    "Saturday Saturday" is a fun show as it is a mix of improv based sketches, scripted sketches, comedic song and dance, and loads of audience participation.  Keep in mind, it is on the shorter end of improv shows.  Tickets for us were about $10.

    Monday night's Harold Show is a free show.  It is easy to tell that this is a student show because one of them kept trying to go for the cheap laugh (quickly making it dirty, every other word was a curse word) and it always fell flat.  Overall, it was still a great night -- I did get my laughing in for FREE.  

    I would love to stop by again next time in Chicago for the main stage show.

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  • 0

    Sue and I went to the IO Theater to see a friend (Ford) who works for us at the deli. The way it works is the audience picks the subject and the group improv.  The subject was flairs and fellowship hall, but that did not stop them not one bit. From flame breathing mountain tops to ear wax spiders and even Harry Potter, this group was hilarious. If Hogwarts was the school of improv  this was the house of Gryffindor.
    Plus this place has a small bar with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, one of my favs! I'll be seeing you.
    GREAT SHOW!

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  • 0

    I was only visiting Chicago for a few days so unfortunately I just got to see one show, the armando diaz experience. What a great show performed by seasoned professionals Simple and hilarious without a weak link in the 9 person cast. This place restored my faith in comedy after seeing a show at second city. Thanks IO!

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  • 0

    My friend's friend was doing his graduation improv so we went to watch him and the other levels do their funny thing. This place reminded me of New York City's UCB Theaters.  $5 to watch them? Love it.

    iO Theater, located around the corner from Wrigley Field, is spacious. Stages on two levels. Bars on both levels, offering cocktails, beers and even Original Cider for fiends like me. I loved the laid back vibe of this place.

    Cheap booze while laughing on a Sunday night is a great combo.

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  • 0

    Went last night (Wednesday) with my fiancé and this show was great, not only because it s free (I would have gladly paid) but because everyone on stage had so much enthusiasm  that is was contagious. It was our first time to th theatre (my first time to any comedy club) and we'll certainly be back.  Only note, as an audience member, please enjoy the show and do not participate unless asked to do so, there was one lady (platinum blonde, early 40's) tha felt it was okay to pipe up and it was so uncouth (word of the day).

    GREAT SHOW, BRAVO!!!

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  • 0

    I don't really think I need to review this place as it's so famous, but I have the day off so what the hell.

    I just recently returned from a five-week summer intensive and the training I received there was amazing. Every teacher has at least 10 years of experience and the most experienced teachers have been at it for 25-30+ years. Over Second City, as well, they care about improv as performance rather than business. Second City will teach you how to make money, iO will help you make art.

    The shows are fantastic as well. TJ and Dave is obviously some of the best improvisation that's ever existed, but there's also Dummy, Improvised Shakespeare, Cook County Social Club, Whirled News Tonight, Felt, The Armando Diaz Experience (which varies in quality depending on who shows up but is still entertaining), Delicate Men, Michael Pizza, TIM, The Deltones, Jet and Susan, Family Tree House Boat Accident, and so many more.

    The one star is ticked off, though, because I was largely unimpressed by the Harold offerings they give up. From what I hear these are the least experienced people who play on Harold teams (the median experience age is three years) so it's good to see and support their improvement and process. However, you can only play to the height of your own intelligence at any given moment so there are just some moves that don't get picked up or get denied. That said, there are a few exceptions. Fiction for the Poor is hands-down the best Harold team I saw there and they were fantastic. They had me pumping my fist in the air going "Hell yeah!" Berserker is top-notch as well and Revolver and Chaos Theory are totally worth seeing.

    The bar has solid prices (three bucks will get you PBR in a mason jar) and friendly waitstaff. I wouldn't get the pizza, though, unless you like to put ketchup on Ritz crackers for some reason.

    All in all, this place is a can't miss when you're in Chicago. It's a theater with history dripping off the walls and awesome exploding on the stage. Take a lady friend (or guy friend) and they'll think you're the coolest, 'cause you are.

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  • 0

    Monday nights = free improv!!!!

    My friend and I were looking for something to fill our monday night and found iO. No cover charge for a great show?! I'm there. We definitely put that money saved into good use at the bar and were plenty buzzin' for the show. Two groups performed, with the latter group getting a few more chuckles out of me. Both were very entertaining.

    The venue was packed by the time the show started. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I definitely recommend this spot for Mondays!

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  • 0

    Big venue with plenty of space, big bar, and they serve food.

    I saw some      cat show and the Revolver group, both were ok.

    Since the venue is so big, I had a hard time hearing what they were saying over everyone's cheering and laughter.

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  • 0

    WOW I was totally surprised by how entertaining the iO team was last week!  To see that show for $14 was a complete value in many ways.

    Not much else I can say.  That group is very talented, we laughed heartily, and I will return.

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  • 0

    Awesome place for a cheap laugh and a fun night out. As I always mention in my reviews, I am a pretty much unemployed college student who thrives on whatever cheap stuff in the city I can find. For those on a pretty tight budget like me, I would highly recommend finding a show that is 5$. They are just as funny and with the admission being so cheap-you have money to buy a drink there as well. FYI: In my experience the bartenders have always been great, and you can open up a tab with a credit car if you want, plus they have NEVER carded me, despite going there before I was 21.

    In addition, most of the shows are later on at night, so if you aren't taking the Red Line to Addison (and walking by the wonderful Wrigley Field!) you can usually find parking (for free, if its after 9!) nearby.

    Also, the IO website encourages, I believe, people to purchase their tickets online but does charge a few bucks service fee. My advice is to just go to the theatre and buy the tickets at the front door-no service charge and in all my experiences they have ALWAYS had plenty of tickets available.

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  • 0

    Came here for The Harold one night. It was my first improv show experience and I guess I expected more from a place with such pedigree but I didn't laugh as much as I thought I would. I'm sure improv is extremely difficult though so.. Good effort, guys! It was entertaining.

    The place has shows a couple times a night with varying prices, quite reasonable, and a couple free shows a week too. Very friendly and cozy little theatre.

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  • 0

    Second City may be iO's more famous older brother, but iO has definitely inherited the family's comedy gene. The longtime feeder for Second City (which, in turn, has been the longtime feeder of SNL) is IMO the country's best interpretation of free-form improv (think the spontaneity & creativity of  Whose Line vs the more structured sketches of SNL). iO's alumni include the likes of Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Meyers, and Chris Farley. I have to say, it was unbelievably cool to turn on SNL and recognize Vanessa Bayer and Paul Brittain who I've probably seen 5-10 times in the ~100 seat theater.

    They feature a variety of shows, though the most famous is the Harold format where a team of performers improvise a 30-40 minute show based on a single audience suggestion. And these guys are not only unbelievably talented, but also ridiculously funny. Expect to laugh uncontrollably almost the entire show. As in to the point of tears.

    The best/most experienced teams tend to get the prime Friday/Saturday night performances, so I'd recommend first timers starting here (expect to pay ~$15 vs closer to $40 at SC). My favorite team is Revolver, but all the teams are great. iO also does other shows like the musical Cupid has a Heart On and Improvised Shakespeare, as well as offering classes for those looking to learn the craft.

    All in all an amazing time. You won't be disappointed.

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  • 0

    It's one of the most famous comedy establishments in Chicago, next to Second Cituy, and a starting spot of so many big time comedy folks.
    So it's presenting some of the best improv in Chicago in the Harold format. Like really good stuff.
    Second City is SKETCH, iO is mostly IMPROV. Come to iO during it's popular eveing teams' show and see great improv, a billion caucasian hipster-ish guys in earthtone hoodies, cool bars, neat pics on the wall, fun.

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  • 0

    So, one of my friends came to visit me from Mattoon and really wanted to see a comedy show.  It was a little too last minute to get tickets to Second City and we really didn't want to spend too much money on the tickets.  So, I did a little research and found iO Theater, which had pretty reasonable tickets prices.  I easily bought the tickets online and we were off to my friends first improv show in Chicago.  We got there a little early (which you should do if you want a seat), and got a table seat on the far right center side of the stage in the front.  We got a couple beers and got ourselves ready to laugh.  The improv group took that stage and did there show.  It was pretty good.  We had a lot of laughs and a couple of beers and spent less than if we would have went to Second City.  I would defiantly take a friend to iO Theater again.

    And as always.... Have Fun!!!

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  • 0

    Double, triple, quadruple ha!  No matter what improv show I see here, I am laughing so hard, I almost pee in my pants.  The topics performed are always contemporary and fresh and the improvisors are hilarious!

    The wine list is nothing to laugh at either!  Sipping one or two glasses during the performance always adds to my giggling attacks.  

    No matter what night you may end up at iO, you will not be disappointed and will leave chuckling to yourself, recalling some of the funny lines.

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  • 0

    Caught the Saturday night "Cupid has a Heart On" show - it was fantastic!  We both laughed throughout the entire show...I don't think they had a miss all night.

    "Cupid" and the other scheduled shows are less of the improv style that iO is known for, but they still found ways to engage the crowd.  And at $24 a ticket (reserving online adds a $4 surcharge - meh) it's not that much more expensive than a movie ticket but substantially better entertainment.

    Go.  And bring someone awesome so you can laugh about the songs you heard all week :)

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  • 0

    A great Chicago spot, like Second City but not at all like Second City. Unlike SC, it's pretty easy to get tickets just hours before a show. Also, SC is more sketch comedy while iO goes down the improv route (especially the Harold shows, which is very long form improv). Like SC, it's a comedy landmark with an extensive list of legendary alumni.

    Like other small theaters, seating is general admission, so get there early if you want a good seat. Also make sure you leave yourself time to get a drink at the bar (both the upstairs and downstairs theaters have bars). Don't worry if you've never heard of the group performing; you're almost guaranteed a good time (and for under $20, it's a pretty great value either way).

    I love SC and iO both the same, but it took me a few years before I decided to go beyond SC's familiar confines. Don't make the same mistake!

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  • 0

    I am a FAN of iO!
    I've been to iO countless times and its a great way to break up the sometime monotonous going out weekend routine - plus its cheap!
    $5 - $15 dollars depending on what show you choose....(and side bar I've never scouted out the comedy talent prior to booking my ticket, and I've also NEVER been disappointed).

    A LOT of the greats started here. It's low maintenance entertainment and hilariousness.

    I've booked online or via phone before but also have showed up at the door ~15min prior without a problem. If you're going with a group, I'd book ahead just the be safe. Get there a bit early - the venue is cabaret seating, first come first serve so with the nature of improv its best to get a good seat so you don't miss the action.

    Laugh! It does a body good!

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  • 0

    I've taken four classes...met some amazing people, and just learned a lot about myself in the process. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FUNNY OR WANT TO PURSUE ACTING/IMPROV to participate. In fact, if you just want to feel more comfortable in your skin...and are seeking to "challenge" yourself and have some fun....you should totally consider taking a class. Such a great experience.

    ONLY COMPLAINT....some of the staff (one manager in particular) was very rude and short with me when I attended a show on a Friday night, (students can attend shows for FREE!! such a great part of taking classes at IO), he literally belittled me in front of a line of people and said that they don't want Students attending the weekend shows..because it's for paying customers....SUPER DUPER INSULTING,  I paid a tuition for the classes (which, from what I understand they make a bulk of their money from) and I brought a friend....who paid for their ticket....who wouldn't have come if I hadn't invited him.

    I was so mortified by the way he spoke to me.

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  • 0

    Awesome improv, decent prices, uncomfortable chairs.

    Go here.  All the time.  Take classes, watch shows, love improv.

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  • 0

    Pure improv. The best in Chicago.  If you're a local, if you're a tourist, if you have a funny bone in your goddamn BODY, you'll hit up this place.
    Upstairs, downstairs, in the ladies' chamber...funny is everywhere.  Go. Buy drinks.  I had a "cream soda," but I didn't need it to laugh like a drunken Bette Davis.

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  • 0

    Laughing is my favorite ab workout, and iO is the best gym. I have been to 2 shows here and both times, I was sore the next morning from laughing so hard.

    iO is a Chicago gem. Tons of big names (Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Mike Myers) got their start at iO, and it's still churning out quality comedians today. (Several recent iO alumni are SNL cast members right now.)

    iO is perfect for a date or a night out with friends or family. Tickets are cheap (under $20). There's a full bar, but you don't have to be 21 to come, which is great for when your kid sister comes to visit. (Just don't bring your kid. It's all-ages, but definitely R-rated at times.) Be sure to get there early because seating is tight. They offer several shows. I've been to "The Harold" both times. It's their signature show and gives you a feel for what long-form improv is all about. They also have a Shakespeare show and a musical.

    Next time you're looking for something to do, come to iO. It's cheap, fun, and totally counts as a workout. Trust me and my sore abs.

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  • 0

    Okay,

    If you haven't seen "improvised shakespeare" you are out of your mind. It is original, fresh, fun, and brilliant. All of the actors in it are brilliant and they work seamlessly together.

    Some of their cheap, late night $5 shows are really quite painful to watch. So, if you're thinking of going cheap on the tix, don't expect much. You get what you pay for. My advice? Spend the $15-$20. Then you're getting quality.

    These stages have had some top talent performing on them and are sure to produce more big stars.

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  • 0

    A group of four of us came here on a Friday night to see their show, The Harold. We had a groupon we bought for $12 that covered all four tickets, so we had a pretty nice deal. Actually, I would have given this place five stars, but we weren't allowed to use our groupon on the show we really wanted to see - their Shakespeare Improv show. I understand, with groupons, you don't always get what you want, and there are restrictions, but the Shakespeare show was not listed as a restriction on the groupon, so there shouldn't have been any reason for us not to see the show.

    In any case, we got there about fifteen minutes early since there isn't assigned seats and wanted to be close-ish to the stage.

    The show is two improve troupes, one first, a short act with both, then the second. They were all funny and it was really entertaining.

    It was a fun, reasonably priced night out. I would recommend heading there. I will be going back, next time, for the Shakespeare Improv show.

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