Best Chicago Jazz Clubs

Serious listeners and curious first-timers can use this map of Chicago jazz clubs to find anything from straight-ahead bebop to free improvisation. The rooms spread from Uptown, Rogers Park and North Center down through Logan Square, Humboldt Park, River North, Streeterville and Printers Row.

The Green Mill, open since 1907, still has Al Capone's favorite booth facing both doors and hosts the Uptown Poetry Slam on Sundays. Jazz Showcase, founded by Joe Segal in 1947, offers a family-friendly Sunday matinee. Constellation, started by drummer Mike Reed, is home base for the city's adventurous scene, and The Whistler in Logan Square pours expert cocktails alongside free sets from local regulars. Winter's Jazz Club in Streeterville enforces a no-talking-during-sets rule in its 125-seat room. Book Winter's ahead, and arrive early at the Green Mill on weekends.