Second City Karaoke League | Wednesdays @ The River - Summer 2026

Welcome to Second City Karaoke League (2CK)! 

An 8-week team-based karaoke competition built for performers, entertainers, and anyone who thinks karaoke should be a little more unhinged.

This is not your average karaoke night!

At 2CK, 6 teams compete across an 8-week season in themed song battles where performances are judged by the crowd. Teams go head-to-head each week, building fully themed performances using songs, costumes, props, and skit concepts to win over the audience.

League Format

6 teams per season

Maximum 8 members per team

8-week regular season

Teams compete in themed performance matchups each week

Audience voting determines winners for each matchup

Summer Season Experimental Format

This Summer Season will function as an experimental season as we test expanded participation options and more flexible player structures.

To encourage sign-ups and make entry easier, main team tickets will remain at our flat Early Bird pricing for the entire registration period!

NEW Ticket Option: League Understudy

Not everyone can commit to a full 8-week team schedule, so we’re introducing a new flexible participation role:

League Understudy

League Understudies are substitute performers available to help active teams fill roster gaps caused by:

Travel

Illness

Scheduling conflicts

Member drop-off / ghosting

Understudy Rules

Ticket cost is 50% of standard team pricing

Only 12 understudy spots are available per season

Eligible to participate in up to 5 out of 8 weeks

Can substitute for the same team a maximum of 2 times

Bonus Competition: Top Soloist of the Night

If an available League Understudy is not selected by a team for a given week, they can still participate in a dedicated solo competition:

Top Soloist of the Night

Open only to available understudies not selected for team substitution that week

performances will take place between team rounds

Performances must follow the weekly theme

Costumes and props are encouraged

Bragging rights and some form of bottled alcohol with a gift certificate will be awarded nightly!

This allows understudies to stay engaged and perform even when teams are fully staffed.

Who 2CK is For

2CK is perfect for:

Karaoke lovers

Performers

Comedians

Theater kids

Drag artists

Chaos gremlins with good stage presence

If you love live performance, themed competition, and turning karaoke into full-on entertainment, this league was built for you.

Choose your role:

- Join or form a full team

- Sign up as a League Understudy for flexible participation

See you this summer!!

Ticketing & Participation FAQ

1. What ticket should I buy?

Team Participant Ticket

• This ticket is for one individual person
• Guarantees placement on a team for the full 8-week season
• Best for those who want the full league experience and consistent team participation

League Understudy Ticket

• A flexible, lower-cost option (50% of team ticket price)
• Participate in up to 5 of the 8 weeks
• Fill in for teams that need extra members on a given night
• Great if you can’t commit to every week or prefer a more flexible role

1. Can I join with friends?

Yes. After purchasing your ticket, you’ll fill out a questionnaire where you can:

• Request specific teammates (up to a full team of 8 people total)
• Join with a partial group
• Or sign up solo and be placed on a team
• We do our best to keep requested groups together.

1. What if I sign up alone?

No problem. You can join as a free agent, and you’ll be assigned to a team with open spots.

1. How does the League Understudy role work?

• You submit your availability to the league manager
• When teams need extra members, captains will reach out to available understudies
• You can sub for the same team up to 2 times max
• You must be confirmed for a given week by the Sunday before competition at 7:30 PM

1. What if I’m an understudy and don’t get picked for a team?

You can still participate in a weekly solo performance opportunity (limited spots, advance sign-up required).

1. Can I switch ticket types?

• You can upgrade from understudy to a full team participant (ask the League Manager for further information: [email protected])
• You cannot downgrade from team participant to understudy

1. What if I can’t attend every week?

• Team Participants: No penalty for missing a week
• Understudies: You choose which weeks you’re available (up to 5 total)

1. What happens if someone drops out during the season?

It happens. Teams can continue and use understudies as needed.

1. Can friends come watch?

Yes absolutely!! Audience attendance is VERY welcome and free. Bring people to support your team!!

🎤 Second City Karaoke – Summer Season at The River! 🌊Wednesdays | 7:30–9:30 PM📍 The River Kitchen & Bar – 2909 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

What is Second City Karaoke (2CK)?It’s more than just karaoke—it’s a team-based, social, and competitive experience like no other.

🎤 Team-based = Sing with friends. Support each other. Win together.🎉 Social = Make new connections in a fun, low-pressure, high-energy environment.📱 Competitive = Every week, the crowd votes for their favorite performances using our app at .

No vocal talent required—just bring your creativity, confidence, and love for the spotlight.

🎶 League Basics:

• 6 weeks of karaoke matchups + 2 weeks of playoffs
• 6 teams, 8 performers per team
• Weekly themes to spark fun song choices and wild costumes
• 3 rounds of performances each night: solo/duet/trio + full team group number
• The River serves up great vibes, drinks, and food all night long

👯‍♂️ Form a Team or Join One: Already have a team? Awesome—your captain can send the roster to to keep your group together.

Signing up solo? No worries—we’ll match you with a team that fits your style.

TEAM CAPTAINS PLEASE NOTE: Creating a team doesn’t guarantee all 8 spots. Registration is first come, first serve. Any incomplete teams may be merged or filled with free agents by the deadline.

💸 Referral Program:Get $10 off for every first-time performer who signs up using your name during registration.Refer a whole team and your season is free!(Discounts are refunded after the season starts and referrals are confirmed.)

Want to Know More?📝 Rules + FAQs: 📧 Questions? Email

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Second City Karaoke