The Mopery

This place was one of the most AMAZING things I’ve ever scene or done. It will be missed.
check out some photos from one of the shows
(half ottoman empire half mopery)

Awesome, dirrty DIY, BYO, all ages music and performance space. I wish there were more places like this in Chicago. Bands were interesting, energy was stellar.

Sure, it’s kinda gross and you’ll reek like smoke and your ears will ring for days afterward… but that’s part of its charm.
Lots of cool shit happens here, so I’m willing to deal with the filth.
On a side note, not only is it BYOB but also BYOTP.
I’ve yet to piss here and have there actually be toilet paper available. So, ladies, toss a tissue pack in your purse before heading to the Mopery and you’ll thank yourself later.
Hand sanitizer is not a bad idea either.

If there are places in Chicago that qualify as «hidden gems», then the Mopery is what you would call a hidden dirty nickel. Emphasis on the hidden. If you wind up at 2734 N. Milwaukee ready to see a show and wonder why you’re standing in front of a Pearl Vision, you won’t be the first, and certainly not the last. Just take a few steps south and you’ll find a beat up steel door with a long concrete staircase behind it. Follow the rabbit.
The Mopery is a converted warehouse space that puts on free shows a few times a month. Have you ever heard older Chicago punks reminiscing about the days of «five bands, five dollars». Well, how about 5 bands, no dollars. In this economy, how can you resist?
Important notes: There is no bar, so bring your own booze. There is no enforcement of Chicago’s smoking ban, so if that is going to be a problem, this isn’t the venue for you. The music is loud. Stacks of speakers are blasting noise-​rock against solid concrete. Earplugs are sold at the merchandise table.
Wait? Noise-​rock? Ok, maybe just noise. Or hardcore. Or synth. What makes the Mopery special, what makes it the «hidden dirty nickel» of the Chicago music landscape, is that it’s one of the few venues where bands of more extreme and fringe genres can find a space to play, and where fans of those genres can here the music they want.
A recommendation — come with a six pack (Red Star Liquors is just a block away) and an open mind.
Also: TINSEL TEETH rule. There, I said it.

Only go here if you know someone who knows people who go there. Otherwise, you might as well just shoot yourself in the foot so you have an excuse to leave. It’s BYOB. Smoking cigarettes is a must as is showing off your new beard, wearing headbands around your forehead, old man rivers eye classes and natty sweaters.
They do have some good live music sometimes but I don’t know if the the atmosphere and reeking of an ashtray upon leaving is worth it.