Chicago is known around the world as the birthplace of House and where House Music began, and there are a great number of House Music clubs in Chicago where one can hear Classic House Music as we as music from a new generation of House Music DJs.
Many House Music residencies in Chicago are fleeting. Many jump locations at the drop of a hat. For the most up-to-date information, check out our Chicago House Music events calendar which is updated two or more times per week.
As a general rule though, or if you’re planning for a vacation and want to know a good club with good music, the chances are good that you’ll hear something you like every week at one of these clubs:
SmartBar (3730 N. Clark Street – Wrigleyville)
A northside institution for more than 30 years and renowned as one of the best House Music clubs in Chicago. SmartBar features nothing but underground club music – House Music, Techno, Disco, etc. Sunday night is Queen!, presided over by Michael Serafini, Garrett David and biweekly Derrick Carter, and is LGBTQ-friendly and presided over by a cast of some of Chicago’s most legendary club kids.
Friday and Saturday nearly always features underground House Music DJs and Techno DJs, with headliners around the world supported by some of the city’s finest and most eclectic resident DJs. SmartBar is often closed during the week, though there are frequent Wednesday night events. Thursdays often feature bass music, industrial and the like.
Primary (5 W. Division Street – Gold Coast)
The newest Chicago House Music club now in its 3rd year, Primary Night Club features a thumping VOID soundsystem and an LED/light set up that is positively entrancing. Primary has prominently featured a great number of DJs from overseas and around the country before they became “headliners” elsewhere. The staff here is also terrific. As with SmartBar, weekends are the time to be out here.
SpyBar (646 N. Franklin – River North)
Without question, one of the brightest of the House Music clubs in Chicago. SpyBar has a close association with a number of the brightest stars in the new generation of House Music DJs, including Soul Clap, the DJs from Hot Natured and Visionquest and Wolf+Lamb. Chicago heroes often play here frequently too.
The Mid (306 N. Halsted – West Loop)
Presided over by local promotional powerhouse React Presents, The Mid is a mix of Chicago roots and international stars from the EDM scene. You’ll frequently hear artists from Chicago’s Second Wave of House Music play here, particularly those who are touring artists and want to make a stop at home.
Grand Bar Whiskey Lounge (1600 W. Grand Avenue)
Live music shares the bill with some of the finest House Music DJs in Chicago. Thursday night presents an eclectic mix of old and new with Bucky Fargo, Just Joey and out-of-town guests and locals.
Once again we encourage you to read up in our calendar for updated House Music events in Chicago. Happy traveling!
