Chicago's Best Improv

Shows five nights a week featuring Chicago's premier comedic talent.

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The Home of Longform Improv

Since 1981, iO Theater has inspired and trained generations of America’s greatest comedic talents.

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Premier Event Venue

Plan your next conference, celebration, or team-building event at the historic iO Theater. It's the perfect one-stop shop and a welcome break from your typical stuffy hotel conference room.

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Take An Improv Class

Learn more about why tens of thousands of performers have chosen to learn at iO!

Harold Night

Come see iO's signature longform style of improv, The Harold, performed nightly by one of our house teams.

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Featured Shows

We love all of our shows equally but here’s four we think you’ll really like

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Improvised Shakespeare Company

Inspired by one audience suggestion, these dazzling players create a brand-new Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes.

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Improvised Housewives of iO

Housewives, husbands & hairdressers improvise their way through the drama of love, sisterhood, & business launches. Drinks will be flying, so sit in the splash zone if you dare.

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Escandalo!

A weekly variety show that showcases Latine comedians, musicians, poets and much more!

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Whirled News Tonight

The audience provides inspiration by picking their top stories from the day’s news. From these journalistic suggestions, a team of experienced improvisers create a fast-paced, topical, intelligent, & hilarious show.

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Food & Drink

Grab a bite before, during or after the show

Bar and Kitchen open at 6 pm
Wed-Sun

No tickets required, all ages welcome

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Join the thousands who have trained with us!

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The skills we use to train talent on our stages are the same skills applied in collaborative settings across the entertainment and corporate world, in writer’s rooms, board rooms and beyond.

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