Opened in December of 1959, the Second City has gone from being a quirky northside improv theater to being a proving grounds for those who aspire to be in the entertainment industry (especially comedy).

With its roots in the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, the Second City was opened by Spolin's son, Paul Sills, along with Howard Alk and Bernie Sahlins. Their comedy and theatrical style was non-conformist and experimental compared to their peers, and this drew the top talent from each generation.

In the 60's, performers like Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, and Fred Willard were here. In the 70's, John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Gilda Radner performed. Since then, comedic talent has cycled through the place on a regular basis: Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Bob Odenkirk, and many more.

The Second City has branches in several other cities, including Toronto and Los Angeles.

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Chris Farley sought treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at Hazelden Center City, one of the campuses of the famous Hazelden treatment center.

Farley's June 24, 1994 speech to a packed auditorium at Hazelden is reprinted in the book, The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts.

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This location is the current home home of iO West (previously known as the Improv Olympic West). Affiliated with the iO Chicago (which was previously known as Improv Olympic Theatre), the iO method is to treat improvisation as its own art form, rather than the as a form of sketch comedy.

iO West has three theaters, daily performances, and classes for those interested in taking up improv.

Chris Farley's Hollywood star (#2,289) is outside this theater- a fitting tribute since he honed his skills at the Improv Olympic Theatre in Chicago.

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Now known as iO Chicago, the group formerly known as the Improv Olympic Theatre was founded by Charna Halpern and Del Close in 1981. The style of iO is longer form improv, and the group has trained over 5,000 people. Some of the more recognized graduates include Chris Farley, Tina Fey and Mike Myers.

Halpern and Close co-wrote the book Truth in Comedy, The Manual for Improvisation.

There is a west coast affiliate of the same organization called iO West in Los Angeles.

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Chris Farley graduated from Marquette University with degrees in communications and theater in 1986. Farley's character, Tommy, also graduates from Marquette University at the beginning of the 1995 film Tommy Boy.

The Diederich College of Communication offers a scholarship for a recipient who demonstrates "use of creativity and humor in a positive manner."

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