By this time, I imagine, you can surmise where this is all leading. The subculture of improvisation in Chicago is mired in an alcohol obsessive atmosphere fostered by years of mainstream cultural programming. It is not an accident that the Second City and the Annoyance Theater have very successful bars directly across the street from their front doors. It is not by coincidence that the ImprovOlympic has, not one, but two bars. Some of the teachers I have had at both training centers are no longer employed there but most are.
Improvisation is a game for the young.
Most beginning improvisers are in their very early twenties, give or take a few years. Most have come straight from college, either graduating or not, to Chicago to learn the art of improv. Well, most bars are great meeting places, there are tables and friends all about. Drinking loosens you up, makes it easier to just hang out. There's nothing wrong with any of these reasons.