42 Best Tattoo Shops in Chicago, IL
Discover the top-rated tattoo shops and artists in Chicago, Illinois. Compare ratings, styles, and hours all in one place.
42
Total Shops
4.8 / 5
Avg Rating
20
Styles Available
Chicago has one of the most respected tattoo cultures in the Midwest, with a scene that spans gritty traditional shops in Wicker Park to high-end realism studios in Lincoln Park and Logan Square. The city's artists are known for bold, confident work — think American traditional, neo-traditional, and large-scale illustrative pieces. Chicago's listed shops range from walk-in friendly to strictly by appointment, so whether you're a first-timer or adding to a collection, there's a fit for you. Filter by style above to narrow down artists who match your vision.
Filter by Style
42 shops
Not rated
ClosedMom's Tattoos
Chicago, IL
Mom’s Tattoos is a full-service tattoo shop located in Austin, TX, established in 2000. They are known for their friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, quality work, and outstanding customer care.
Website
5(22)
Two Olives Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Two Olives Tattoo is a trusted tattoo shop located in Chicago, IL, committed to providing exceptional services. With a 5.0-star rating from 22 reviews, they are known for professional service and quality.
No website or socials found
5(154)
ClosedTattoo Art Chicago
Chicago, IL
Tattoo Art Chicago is a private, appointment-only tattoo studio located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, offering a personalized and elevated tattoo experience. The studio prides itself on a team of passionate and professional artists dedicated to quality, creativity, and care for all clients.
Website
5(33)
ClosediHeartink
Chicago, IL
iHeartink Tattoos & Piercings is a tattoo and piercing studio in Chicago, led by artist iHeart. The studio specializes in tattoo pieces.
RealismPortraitIllustrative+4
PiercingsWebsite
5(8)
ClosedSpace Time Love
Chicago, IL
Space Time Love is a tattoo studio in Chicago that specializes in creating unique tattoos for individuals. They focus on the artistic craft and aim to provide a comfortable and personalized experience for their clients.
Website
5(20)
ClosedHidden Light Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Hidden Light Tattoo Studio in Chicago offers a refined and intimate tattoo experience with a focus on custom designs and exceptional craftsmanship. The studio provides a welcoming atmosphere where talented artists work closely with clients to bring their visions to life.
RealismBlackworkCover-Up
Website
5(118)
ClosedOphidian Tattoo Gallery
Chicago, IL
Ophidian Tattoo Gallery is an upscale, appointment-only tattoo studio in Chicago, founded by tattoo artist Patrick Carroll. It aims to provide a clean, welcoming, and positive tattoo experience with high-quality work, emphasizing safety and community for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent clients.
Website
5(18)
Closed5th Cloud studios
Chicago, IL
5th Cloud is a studio specializing in custom tattoos and offering a unique tattoo membership program. They also provide commissioned art services for various mediums beyond skin, including murals and custom apparel.
Website
5(16)
ClosedInkdom Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Inkdom Tattoo is a custom tattoo studio located in Chicago, IL, featuring licensed and experienced artists. Clients can book appointments by contacting artists directly or calling the shop.
Website
5(646)
ClosedCrispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos
Chicago, IL
Crispy Aura is a tattoo studio aiming to redefine the traditional tattoo experience by fostering a safe, welcoming, and creative atmosphere for self-expression.
Website
5(8)
Soup Lemon Studio
Chicago, IL
Soup Lemon Studio is a tattoo studio in Pilsen, Chicago, operated by tattoo artist Leah. She specializes in tattoos.
Fine Line
Website
4.9(109)
ClosedGoodkind Tattoo - Chicago
Chicago, IL
Goodkind Tattoo is a Chicago-based tattoo shop owned by acclaimed artist Rob Goodkind, offering a welcoming and sanitary environment with a team of dedicated tattoo artists specializing in various genres. They provide both full color and grey color tattoos.
BlackworkFlash Tattoos
Website
4.9(104)
ClosedThe Burnt Tiger
Chicago, IL
The Burnt Tiger Tattoo Chicago is a friendly, fun, custom tattoo shop located in the Northside of Chicago. They welcome walk-ins and their books are always open.
Website
4.9(132)
ClosedRevolution Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Revolution Tattoo, established in 2004, is a Chicago-based tattoo shop known for its cozy, clean, and creatively inspiring environment. They offer custom tattoos and sometimes accommodate walk-ins, priding themselves on unique artist styles and a client-friendly experience.
Website
4.9(877)
ClosedMind Crusher Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Mind Crusher Tattoo is a tattoo and piercing studio offering a wide range of tattoo work. They also provide professional piercings and tattoo aftercare guidance.
BlackworkRealismNeo-Traditional+8
PiercingsWebsite
4.9(78)
ClosedAnimal Farm Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Animal Farm Tattoo is a Chicago-based tattoo shop. They welcome both walk-ins and custom appointments, serving the Logan Square and surrounding communities.
TraditionalJapaneseNeo-Traditional+3
Website
4.9(99)
ClosedSorry Mama Tattoo Chicago
Chicago, IL
Sorry Mama Tattoo is an award-winning tattoo studio in Chicago, founded by Léo Mayer and Raquel Giatti, offering a wide range of tattoo styles and piercing services with a focus on quality, hygiene, and artistic excellence.
Fine LineNeo-TraditionalBlackwork+2
PiercingsWebsite
4.9(435)
ClosedThird Eye Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Third Eye Tattoo is a local tattoo shop in Chicago offering detailed tattooing and piercing services in a relaxing and welcoming environment. Their experienced artists prioritize quality and customer comfort for every project.
BlackworkRealismJapanese+2
PiercingsWebsite
4.9(173)
ClosedArt Spirit Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Art Spirit Tattoo Studio is a tattoo parlor established by Chinese American artist Yilin Zhu, specializing in customized tattoos. The studio aims to empower the community through art and offers consultations for tattoo designs.
RealismBlackworkJapanese+9
Website
4.9(57)
ClosedEvergreen Studios
Chicago, IL
Evergreen Studios is a tattoo shop featuring a team of artists, providing resources like a tattoo prep guide and aftercare instructions for clients.
Fine LineBlackworkIllustrative+1
Website
4.9(69)
ClosedNoble Coyote Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Noble Coyote Tattoo is a tattoo parlor located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. They offer quality tattoos and piercing services, while also promoting local artists.
+1 773-293-6085Website
IllustrativeBlackworkTraditional+2
Piercings
4.9(108)
ClosedTattoo Avenue
Chicago, IL
Tattoo Avenue Chicago is a tattoo studio established in 2019 in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. They offer custom tattoos and their artists are skilled in various styles.
TraditionalFine Line
Website
4.9(37)
ClosedThe Pain is Free Tattoo
Chicago, IL
The Pain Is Free Tattoo is a Chicago-based studio that offers unique and original tattoo and piercing services. They pride themselves on innovative techniques and custom designs provided by their experienced artists.
Piercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.9(183)
ClosedFudo Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Fudo Tattoo is a highly-rated tattoo shop located in Chicago, IL, offering professional tattooing services. Customers praise the clean shop, knowledgeable artists like Jake and David, and overall positive tattoo experiences.
4.9(247)
ClosedCleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Chicago Studio
Chicago, IL
CleopatraInk Chicago Tattoo and Piercing Studio is a branch of the CleopatraInk brand, offering both tattooing and piercing services. The studio is part of a larger network with multiple international locations.
RealismBlackworkPortrait+2
PiercingsWebsite
4.9(265)
ClosedSpeakeasy Custom Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Speakeasy Custom Tattoo is a tattoo studio located in Chicago's Wicker Park, specializing in custom tattooing. The shop features a team of resident and guest tattoo artists.
Website
4.8(52)
Pintura Studios
Chicago, IL
Pintura Carrion Tattoos and Piercings is a Chicago-based studio offering tattooing and professional piercing services. The artist, Pintura Carrion, uses vegan and cruelty-free supplies.
+1 224-248-4094WebsiteFacebookInstagram
RealismBlackworkPiercing Studio
Piercings
4.8(145)
ClosedShred's Inferno Custom Tattoos
Chicago, IL
Shred's Inferno Custom Tattoos is a renowned, award-winning custom tattoo shop located in Chicago, Illinois, known for transforming client visions into stunning tattoo masterpieces with professionalism and creativity. They are dedicated to excellence in every aspect of their craft, focusing on custom work and client relationships.
PortraitBlackwork
Website
4.8(177)
ClosedMetamorph Tattoo Studios
Chicago, IL
Metamorph Studios is a hybrid tattoo studio established in 2005 in Chicago, offering a creative, safe, and friendly environment. They provide various tattoo styles, piercing, and tattoo removal services, accommodating both walk-ins and appointments.
Fine LineBlackworkDotwork+7
PiercingsWebsite
4.8(421)
ClosedGreat Lakes Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Great Lakes Tattoo is a premiere tattoo shop in Chicago's West Loop, known for its professional tattoos in a wide range of styles and its commitment to tattoo history and art. They offer walk-ins and appointments daily in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
TraditionalJapaneseBlackwork+2
Website
4.8(125)
ClosedCrybaby Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Crybaby Tattoo is a queer-owned and operated tattoo shop in Pilsen, Chicago, established in 2020. They focus entirely on tattooing, offering professional quality work in a comfortable environment.
TraditionalFlash Tattoos
Website
4.8(29)
Closed2nd to none tattoo chicago
Chicago, IL
Second to None Tattoo is a unique tattoo shop in Chicago offering a comfortable atmosphere and exceptional customer service. Their artists specialize in creating custom tattoo designs, collaborating with clients to bring their artistic visions to life.
Website
4.8(130)
ClosedKVITKA ♥️ tattoo studio
Chicago, IL
Kvitka Tattoo Studio is a collective of passionate artists dedicated to creating meaningful, personalized body art. They focus on self-expression and transformative experiences for their clients.
Fine LineGeometricIllustrative
Website
4.7(665)
ClosedAgeless Arts Tattoo and Body Piercing
Chicago, IL
Ageless Arts Tattoo is a professional tattoo and body piercing studio with locations in Little Village Chicago and Oak Park, offering a range of body art services.
Piercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.7(115)
ClosedKeepsakes Tattoo Studio LLC
Chicago, IL
Keepsakes Tattoo Studio is a business that offers custom tattoos, tattoo parties, and piercings. They aim to help clients tell their stories through art and create lasting memories.
Cover-UpPiercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.7(118)
ClosedHammerhead Tattoo
Chicago, IL
Hammerhead Tattoo is a Custom Tattoo Collective established in 2014 in the historic Pilsen neighborhood. They feature a diverse team of artists offering many different tattoo styles, from small flash designs to large-scale pieces, and regularly host guest artists.
RealismBlackworkTraditional+1
Website
4.7(67)
ClosedStudio One Chicago
Chicago, IL
Studio One Chicago is a private tattoo studio owned by Nuco Villanueva. Operating by appointment only, Nuco offers custom tattoo work with a focus on bold, long-lasting designs.
JapaneseTraditional
Website
4.6(324)
ClosedTattoo Union
Chicago, IL
Tattoo Union is a renowned tattoo studio based in Chicago, established in 2010, known for its high-quality, reasonably priced tattoo work and commitment to great customer service. They offer a wide range of tattoo styles and also provide piercing services.
BlackworkRealismTraditional+6
PiercingsWebsite
4.5(249)
ClosedRoyal Flesh Tattoo and Piercing
Chicago, IL
Royal Flesh Tattoo & Piercing is a Chicago-based body art studio offering custom tattoos and piercings in a clean, comfortable, and professional environment. They pride themselves on a diverse team of artists specializing in unique designs and cover-up tattoos.
Cover-UpPiercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.5(398)
ClosedChicago Tattoo & Piercing Co.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Tattoo & Piercing Co. is Chicago's and Illinois' oldest tattoo and body piercing establishment, incorporated in 1973. They offer tattooing and body piercing services.
TraditionalPiercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.3
Mobile ink crew
Chicago, IL
Mobile Ink Crew is a tattoo shop offering professional tattoo and piercing services, including mobile options. Their experienced artists are skilled in a wide range of styles, focusing on self-expression.
+1 708-314-6212Website
TraditionalPiercing Studio
Piercings
4(124)
ClosedInfamous Ink
Chicago, IL
Infamous Ink Tattoo Studio is a premier studio specializing in unique and stunning tattoo styles, offering a wide range of designs. Their skilled artists are dedicated to providing top-quality work with precision and creativity.
+1 773-252-7422Website
TraditionalRealismBlackwork+4
Piercings
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tattoo shops are in Chicago, IL?
There are 42 tattoo shops listed in Chicago, IL on InkLink Tattoo Finder. Browse all of them above to compare ratings, styles, and services.
What tattoo styles are popular in Chicago?
Popular tattoo styles in Chicago include Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Realism, Japanese, Blackwork. Use the style filter above to browse shops that specialize in your preferred style.
How do I choose a tattoo shop in Chicago?
Consider factors like Google ratings, specialty styles, pricing, and location. Each listing above includes ratings, services offered, and a link to the shop's full profile with hours and contact information.
Tips for Choosing a Tattoo Shop
Check reviews and ratings. Google ratings and review counts are a great starting point. Look for shops with consistently high ratings and a large number of reviews for the most reliable picture.
Review portfolios. Every reputable tattoo artist maintains a portfolio. Visit their website or social media to see examples of their work, especially in the style you want.
Consider specializations. Different artists excel in different styles — from traditional and Japanese to fine line and realism. Choose a shop where artists specialize in the style you're looking for.
Visit the shop first. A clean, professional environment is essential. Look for proper sterilization equipment, individually packaged needles, and a generally welcoming atmosphere.
Ask about pricing upfront. Most shops charge by the hour or by the piece. Get a clear quote before starting and understand the shop's deposit and cancellation policies.