Lincoln Lodge

Spin your meandering thoughts into comedy gold at this venerable standup room, where T.J. Miller and Hannibal Buress got their start. $185. lincolnlodge.com/classes.com 

Annoyance Theatre & Bar

Absurdity is the name of the game at this Lake View space, where Stephen Colbert, Jill Soloway, and Jane Lynch all trained. $225. theannoyance.com 

Chicago Improv Den

The brainchild of improv whiz Dina Facklis, this Wicker Park theater caters to comedy-class vets who just can’t get enough. $260. thechicagoimprovden.com

ComedySportz Theatre

With their high-velocity brand of funny, instructors at this Lake View theater teach students to toss zingers like pros. $275. comedysportzchicago.com

Jimmy Carrane

Learn the art of slow comedy—more stories, fewer one-liners—from this longtime Chicago improviser who hosts the weekly podcast Improv Nerd. $279. jimmycarrane.com