Laugh Factory Chicago Kicks Off COMBAT TO COMEDY 8/29

In honor of the grand opening of the Chicago club, the Laugh Factory is spreading its message that laughter is the best medicine by offering free admission for all of America's returning warriors to its four locations for an entire year.

On Wednesday, August 29, members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will take the stage during the exclusive grand opening of Laugh Factory Chicago, located in the heart of Lakeview at 3175 N. Broadway in Chicago.

Hosted by Chicago's native son, military and comedy veteran Tom Dreesen, the invitation-only event will start at 8 p.m. and will feature the comedy talents of Bobby Henline, Joe Kashnow, Steve Rice and Darisse Smith - all service members who started honing their craft at the Hollywood Laugh Factory.

"What better way to officially open our club in the great city of Chicago than an evening offering the dual joys of patriotism and laughter," remarked Jamie Masada, the founding owner of the legendary Comedy Club. "I have seen just about every star in Hollywood and, without a doubt, the biggest stars in our country are our soldiers. I think Chicago will be pleasantly surprised by how our soldiers handle comic material."

For years, Laugh Factory has supported U.S. troops by holding fundraisers at its clubs in Hollywood and Long Beach benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. And to celebrate the grand opening of the new Chicago club, Laugh Factory is offering complimentary entrance for all of America's returning warriors to its four locations (Chicago, Hollywood, Las Vegas and Long Beach) for an entire year.

"These real American heroes often return from active duty wounded both inside and out," said Masada. "The Laugh Factory has always believed that laughter truly is the best medicine, and that is the reason we are giving every soldier who has returned from war the chance to visit us as often as they want for an entire year. We gratefully open our arms and doors to these warriors and invite them to visit us whenever they are in need of laughs, in the hope that we can help them heal through laughter."

For more information about the Laugh Factory and to learn about upcoming shows at the new Chicago location, visit LaughFactory.com.