The Second City Training Center – Public Speaking Classes

The Second City Training Center in Chicago offers public speaking classes designed to help participants overcome nervousness and deliver effective, engaging speeches. Located at 230 W. North Ave (4th Floor) in the Old Town neighborhood, the Training Center is the world's largest school of improv and sketch comedy and has been training speakers, performers, and communicators since the mid-1980s. Public speaking courses provide a theoretical foundation combined with hands-on practice in a safe, welcoming environment. Both in-person and online class formats are available. Additional offerings include stand-up, storytelling, improv, acting, writing, and corporate communication workshops through Second City Works.

Online practice in Chicago

In addition to offline public speaking classes, you can practice public speaking online from Chicago

Live speaking sessions with real listeners are available on speaking-club.online, even if there are no local public speaking classes nearby.

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Contact & location

230 W. North Ave, 4th Floor, 60610

Open website

(312) 664-3959

chicagotrainingcenter@secondcity.com

Membership & sessions

No subscription membership model. Students pay per class/term at the time of registration to hold their spot. Adult programs require students to be at least 19 years old or a high school graduate. Scholarships are available for youth programs. Payment accepted via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Diners, and eCheck.

Services: Public Speaking classes (in-person, Chicago), Public Speaking classes (online/virtual), Stand-Up Comedy classes, Storytelling classes, Improv classes, Communication for Impact workshop (Second City Works), Kids & Teens comedy programs, Intensive workshops and special events, Student jams and open mics

Meeting schedule: Classes run on a rolling multi-week term basis (typically 4–8 weeks per course). Office/registration hours: Mon–Thu 10:00 am–9:00 pm, Fri–Sat 10:00 am–6:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am–7:00 pm. Specific session days/times vary by term; check the website for current schedule.

Languages: English

Meeting formats: in-person, online

Additional information

The Training Center's Chicago facility is dedicated to the memory of Martin de Maat, who led the center from 1985 until his death in 2001. Notable alumni include Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, and many others. A Comedy Studies program is offered in partnership with Columbia College Chicago for eligible college students seeking academic credit.

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Online confidence practice

Break your public speaking fear.

Join a guided online session from Chicago and practice in a supportive setup with real listeners, practical feedback, and zero stage pressure.

Speaking Club Online

Free first session. Choose your time slot and start today.

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