Finding poetry clubs these days is not always the easiest thing to do, but in a city like Chicago, where every art medium is represented, there are several to choose from. Poetry events within the city limits include a mix of amateur poetry slams and more traditional readings, in venues ranging from coffee shops to nightclubs.
Green Mill
The Green Mill cocktail lounge, which has hosted the Uptown Poetry Slam every Sunday since 1986, not only has one the oldest freestyle poetry nights in Chicago, but is the venue where the term "poetry slam" was created. The club itself, on the north side of Chicago, dates back to the early 20th century when it was known for being frequented by Al Capone. The weekly Uptown Poetry Slam gives amateurs a chance to take the microphone with an in-house band for background music. The rest of the week, the Green Mill is primarily a local jazz venue.
Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway Street
Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-5552
greenmilljazz.com
Cafe Ballou
Cafe Ballou, located right down the street from Humboldt Park, just north of the center of Chicago, offers live poetry the first Monday of every month. That night, called "Waiting 4 the Bus," features club-booked poets and welcomes amateurs to try the open mic as well. Although Waiting 4 the Bus is mainly for poets, the club also allows acoustic singer-songwriters to take the mic. Unless otherwise posted, each poetry night is free, and although Cafe Ballou only serves coffee, patrons are allowed to bring their own beer or wine if they wish.
Cafe Ballou
939 N Western Ave # 1
Chicago, IL 60622
773-342-2909
cafeballouchicago.com
Butterfly Social Club
Located just outside downtown Chicago, the Butterfly Social Club, also known as the Funk Buddha Lounge, is home to the Mental Graffiti poetry slam night. This event takes place the third Monday of every week and features local slam poets as well as nationally known artists. Amateur contests are also held, with winners chosen at the end of the night. Mental Graffiti also has its own in-house poetry collective, which entered into the the National Poetry Slam championships. The club features a full bar and has drink specials for each night of the week.
Butterfly Social Club
722 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60654
312-666-1695
funkybuddha.com
