Jazz music has a rich history in Chicago, which played a pivotal role in its development during the early 20th century. The city was home to some of the most prominent jazz musicians of their time, including Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, who performed regularly in local venues.
The reality is, many jazz clubs have strict age restrictions and don’t allow those under 21 to attend shows. Thankfully, there are some that do which we will talk about in this guide.
It’s important to note that some clubs may only allow under-21s at certain times or if an adult accompanies them. We’ll try to include that information in this guide but it’s always worth contacting the venue beforehand to ensure you can attend.
If you’re interested in other live music in Chicago that allow under 21s, we have a more general article that covers that.
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Jazz Clubs in Chicago That Allow Under 21s
1. Jazz Showcase
According to this Tripadvisor thread, the Jazz Showcase welcomes all ages at any time.
Founded in 1947 by Joe Segal (and now operated by his son Wayne), the Jazz Showcase has since become one of the most renowned and respected jazz clubs in the world.
Over the years, the Jazz Showcase has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Roy Hargrove, and many others. The club has been located in several different venues throughout its history, but it is currently located in the Dearborn Station building in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
The Jazz Showcase offers live music seven nights a week. With a capacity of 170 people, the club offers an intimate, up-close-and-personal jazz experience.
Overall, the Jazz Showcase is an iconic institution in the world of jazz and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves live music.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hilton Chicago – 0.3 miles
- Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago – 0.4 miles
- The Palmer House Hilton – 0.6 miles
2. Constellation
The FAQ page on Constellation’s website confirms that they are an 18+ venue.
Constellation jazz club was founded in 2013 by Mike Reed, an accomplished jazz drummer and composer. The club was designed to be a creative and flexible space that would provide a home for Chicago’s thriving jazz and experimental music communities. Since its opening, Constellation has emerged as one of Chicago’s premier live music venues, attracting audiences from across the city and beyond.
The club is known for its intimate atmosphere, exceptional sound quality, and dedication to showcasing some of the most talented jazz musicians from the local and international scenes.
The club features an eclectic mix of jazz performances, ranging from traditional jazz and bebop to avant-garde and experimental jazz. The venue also hosts performances by other genres, including folk, rock, and classical music.
Overall, Constellation jazz club is an important institution in Chicago’s thriving music scene, offering a unique platform for experimental and diverse musical expression.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago – 2.4 miles
- The Willows Hotel – 2.7 miles
3. Andy’s Jazz Club
According to Andy’s Jazz Club website, under 21s are welcome to all shows. However, this older Tripadvisor thread suggests under 21s are only welcome to the 5pm & 7pm shows.
Andy’s Jazz Club was founded as “Andy’s Lounge” in the 1950s. Over the years, it has become a beloved institution in the city and a must-visit for jazz fans.
The venue has hosted performances by Larry Coryell, Franz Jackson, Von Freeman, Joey DeFrancesco, andy many more. In addition to live music performances, Andy’s Jazz Club also offers a full dinner menu for casual dining.
Andy’s Jazz Club is located in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. It is easily accessible by public transportation and is within walking distance of several popular hotels and tourist attractions.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Freehand Chicago – 0.2 miles
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel – 0.3 miles
- Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North – 0.4 miles
4. Winter’s Jazz Club
Their website states under 21s are welcome in the listening room but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
One of the premier jazz clubs in the city with a reputation for hosting some of the finest local and nationally recognized jazz musicians. The club was opened in 2016 by Scott Stegman and is known for showcasing vocalists more than other jazz clubs in Chicago.
The atmosphere inside Winter’s Jazz Club is intimate and cozy, with a capacity of a little over 100 people. The seating arrangement is such that every seat in the house has a clear view of the stage, allowing the audience to fully enjoy the performances. The club is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Overall, Winter’s Jazz Club is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves jazz music and wants to experience the vibrant Chicago jazz scene.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown/ Magnificent Mile – 0.4 miles
- Hyatt Regency Chicago – 0.5 miles
- Warwick Allerton Chicago – 0.6 miles
- Freehand Chicago – 0.6 miles
More Things to Do in Chicago for Under 21s
- Catch some live music – For live music, we’ve found some venues that allow under 21s to attend, at least for certain shows.
- Have a karaoke night – You can hire a private karaoke room in one of these bars under the age of 21.
- Attend a drag show – Enjoy a drag show with your meal at Lips Chicago which allows those under 21 to attend.
- Admire the views from a rooftop restaurant – Most rooftop restaurants are 21+ from the evening onwards, but some allow under 21s during the day.