A new (future) home for iO Theater in Chicago

Charna Halpern

“I’m thrilled,” iO Theater owner Charna Halpern told her Facebook friends late Thursday. “I closed on our new home for iO today. Get ready for a big Grand Opening next July.”

According to Halpern — who started the bastion of improv that has schooled such stars as Mike Myers and Chris Farley in the 1980s with improv overlord Del Close — the expansive North Side venue (which now houses a furniture store and bakery) at 1501 Kingsbury will feature four theaters, an event space, a “huge” bar and an outdoor beer garden. Plus wooden ceiling beams and skylights.

“We will party like the old days,” Halpern declared.

In the meantime, she reminded, iO Theater’s current and longtime location at 3541 N. Clark is open for business like always.