There’s tons of fun things to do in Chicago, so why do you find yourself at the same bar/restaurant/movie theater every time you got out? This week you should try something different and check out the free show on Wednesdays at the Improv Olympics in Wrigleyville. The show starts at 8pm and features three improv teams (this week it’s Hunter Family Crest, Virgin Daquiri and Carl & The Passions) who will have your rolling in the aisles.

Improv Olympics was founded in the 1981 by Del Close and Charna Halpern (Charna is still at iO. For Chicago comedy virgins, you may also recognize her from Season 20 of The Real World). Unlike many comedy theaters in the city who focus on improv games and short form improv, iO focuses on “long form” improv also known as a Harold. We think you’ll love iO’s style and of course their free mid week show.

If you can’t make it on Wednesday and you are willing to fork over some cash (well, it’s only $10) you are in luck because every Sunday form now until February 22 you can catch Tim Meadows, along with Brad Morris and Joe Canale from Second City, in a hilarious improv show. I have to confess that I have seen this show and it is worth every penny and then some (there’s a special place in my heart for The Ladies Man). 

 (Lacey Brenly)