Your Next Favorites is BACK on May 22nd, 2026!

Get ready for another night of sharp, honest, and hilarious stand-up as Chicago favorite Jack Baker returns to The Comedy Vault with another stacked lineup you won’t want to miss.

A staple of the Chicago comedy scene, Jack Baker has built a reputation as a local heavyweight with his intimate storytelling and subversive wit. A regular at top clubs throughout the city, Jack has shared the stage with comedy legends like Bobcat Goldthwait, Dana Gould, and Liza Treyger, and his debut special Jack Baker’s Disease has surpassed 70,000 views on YouTube.

May 22nd lineup: 

Chris Schmidt

The self-proclaimed “Best Bit Machine”, Chris Schmidt is joke writer of the highest discipline. Witty & whimsical, absurd & angst ridden—Chris has mastered the art of thrilling audiences to laughter with warped wordplay and unpredictable punchlines. The Milwaukee native makes a strong impression with wildly imaginative and meticulously crafted material that details the estranged perspective of a perpetual outsider. Chris has performed across the midwest, sharing the stage with such comedy legends as Russel Peters, Michael Ian Black, Todd Barry, Brad Upton, Bobcat Goldthwaite, and Joe List.

Katie Kincaid

Katie Kincaid is a Chicago-based comedian known for her queer-forward comedy and Midwest roots. She has been featured at Netflix Is a Joke Fest, Limestone, Big Pine, 10,000 Laughs, and West End Comedy Festivals. She has opened for nationally touring headliners including Bob the Drag Queen, Josh Johnson, Beth Stelling, Adam Ray, Natasha Leggero, Rachel Scanlon, Jay Jurden, and more. Katie can be seen regularly at Zanies, Laugh Factory, and The Lincoln Lodge in Chicago.

Laura Struve

Laura Struve is a Milwaukee based comic who has performed throughout the Midwest and Florida. Her childhood as a pastor’s kid, experience as a single mom with rescue pets, and magnetism towards narcissistic men has led her to performing standup comedy (aka free therapy).