Best Tattoo Shops in Chicago

Jose, and his partner founded Dark Water Studio back in 2009. They both come from tattooing for someone else’s business and really wanted to create a shop of our own. He knew from the beginning that they wanted Dark Water to showcase fine art. From the art that he make, to hosting galleries to the antiques all around the shop, it’s easy to see what makes them unique. They offer private rooms for tattoo sessions and use some of the best equipment. I’m a sponsored artist with Cheyenne Tattoo Equipment out of Germany and World Famous Ink who creates a custom grey wash ink set that they use. Jose specialise in black and grey realism and my studio reflects the way he interpret art and allows me to feel free and creative.

Ink and Iron strive to be the absolute best, from the customer care to the top notch artists! Formerly Mortal Canvas, they rebranded in 2016 under new female ownership and are now home to a uniquely co-ed and ethnically diverse group of artists.

Ink and Iron a fully custom shop and our talented artists offer a wide range of styles and expertise, so they are sure to have someone who will be the perfect fit for your vision! Ink and Iron is also happy to offer a wide range of piercing services! From earlobes to dermals and everything in between, expert piercers will make sure the job is done accurately, professionally and as painlessly as possible.

They now have artists that offer cosmetic tattooing and microblading services! They take pride on the customer service and unique, comfortable environment that may give you a whole new concept of what a tattoo shop can be. They also offer a variety of different pain management options if you are planning on a long session, as well as the newest forms of aftercare for both tattoos and piercings. Clean and uniquely laid out shop will have you feeling like you’re at home, so you can relax, sip a cup of tea, put on a movie, or just zen out!

Katana tattoo is located in the Heart of the Midwest, 2 to 3 hours from most major cities, but the clientele doesn’t stop there. Paul Dhuey (owner and operator of katana tattoo) draws in clients from all over the US specializing in large Japanese body work.
Paul opened Katana in 2012, now with 25 years experience, Has the privilege to work with Jonathan Gilbert and Drew Hill, who both specialize in Black and Grey tattoos. Don’t be thrown off by are specialties, if we have time we can do whatever it is you are looking for, and if not we will direct you in the right direction to achieve your tattoo needs.

If you want a drawing or piercing on your body coming from a veteran, then you should check out the Chicago Tattoo & Piercing Co.  They have been leading in the race since 1973, and it traces back to the mid-60s. 

It was the only tattoo studio during its launch, and it has always been keeping up with the trends and the ever-changing neighborhood. Now you get modern tattoos and throwbacks too grouped into seven categories, and there is some piercing also with excellent advice in the process. 

They picked their current location in 2005, and since then, it’s all about the state of the art architecture and great service. 

Do you want a custom tattoo or those 3D designs you see friends rocking in the streets? They get it from Logan Square Tattoo in Chicago, which is among the city’s top-notch studios. They venture in diverse drawing ways from neo-traditional to the fine line and blackwork tattoos. 

The elevated level of experience is brought by guest artists who visit from around the world. How they collaborate has brought in uniqueness and room for trying more possibilities. The team shares six decades of experience on the art that sticks to your skin as it glows to the world. 

The UpRise Tattoos studio is another one of it’s kind, and it invests in personnel who are passionate about what they do. Apart from the cool tattoos and piercing, they also do custom designs. The level of expertise is higher than the level of expectations, and that makes them dwell.  

That is why they also dominate in the market. They also address everything from the initial drawing and piercing to after-care. In addition to the tattoos and piercing, they also offer custom T-shirts. If you are one of those who would like a tattoo with a matching T-shirt, UpRise will indeed sort you out.

The Tattoo Avenue has been around since January 2019 in the Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago. They also have modern and old designs for you to try out. Of late, you can only book an appointment due to the pandemic, but they will always deliver. 

More to the tattoos involves cosmetic surgery for those who need a better face. On the website, you can also purchase a gift certificate to loved ones and close friends. You can always book an appointment via the site or make a call, and the staff will always be there to respond. 

Do you want a 26-year experience injected to your skin? Chicago Bill has been doing so for that long, and they are still going strong. The versatility gained in styles has brought awards along the way. Whether you want a cover-up or a custom tattoo, he will do it with ease. 

Currently, he is sponsored by Goliath Needles, and he is in the Pro team already. Chicago Bill pays keen attention to details, and that has made him good over the years. You can always meet him by booking an appointment. Just like many professionals, he also involves himself in the aftercare.

He also owns Chicago’s Heart-n-Soul Tattoos. 

After opening its doors in 2017, Black Atlas Studios has quickly become known for its detail-oriented, high-caliber artists. Their artists take pride in executing beautiful, one-of-a-kind tattoos for each client that walks into the shop. Working by-appointment-only, Black Atlas Studios welcome projects in all styles and specialize in black and grey realism, color realism, fine line, and neo-traditional. As a minority-owned business with a diverse staff, Black Atlas Studios works hard to ensure everybody feels confident getting tattooed in their space. Their incredible team of artists consistently receives five-star reviews for their welcoming atmosphere, professionalism, and originality.

Since opening in 2017, The Kenosha Tattoo Company has gained international recognition for their original artistry and fresh take on customer service. The amazing work put out has won them “The best of Kenosha” award 3 years in a row amongst other industry nods. This 5 star rated shop has 7 full time artists and two piercers on staff in the all private room, state of the art setting. KTC is known for its friendly and inviting, clean and comfortable atmosphere. From the first timer, to those with hundreds of hours of work, everyone welcome there. The shop prides itself on top notch customer service and constantly pushing their artistic abilities to the next level and beyond.

Speakeasy Custom Tattoo is a world-renowned artistic shop owned by Patrick Cornolo. This tattoo shop is not your everyday artistic shop; it is an appointment-only custom type of studio. The clean, comfortable, and safe environment of the workspace thrill customers from all ends of Chicago.

Speakeasy Custom Tattoo is known for its unique artworks and designs. Each artist at Speakeasy Custom prefers to give an original piece of art found nowhere else in the world, mixing their input and customer’s vision.

Services

Custom tattoo services only.

Code of Conduct Tattoo is a popular shop offering one of the best body artworks in Chicago, Illinois. Over ten years ago, a couple of friends came together, taking time off their careers to create a place to showcase their talents. 

It started with them being less interested in money or recognition, but with the idea of bringing people’s imaginations to life. Till today, the Code of Conduct tattoo has made a name for itself as one of the tattoo shops offering professional and top-quality services in Chicago.

Services

Styles ranging from realism, modern traditional, illustration to New school arts. No piercings, tattoo only. No face or finger tattooing (unless you’re heavily tattooed).

Pioneer Tattoo is a well-known shop in Chicago that has highly skilled artists. The artists at Pioneer tattoo have the tag of creating nature scenes realistically. Harlan Thompson, Ryan Flaherty, Molly Emrick, James Eastwood, and Tim Biedron are the masterminds at this top-quality tattoo shop.

The Pioneer Tattoo is an appointment-based type of studio, with each artist having their own schedule. Customer feedback about the shop always talks about how the artists are worth every penny they spend.

Services

All kinds of tattoos (depending on the artist). No piercings.

Tattoo Factory is a world-class tattooing studio founded in 1976 by Pete Collurafici. This tattoo shop has its name as among the elite league of Tattoo studios, doing it better than a lot of other shops.

Unlike other tattoo shops, this Tattoo Factory offers a drink n’ ink right next door. So, if you plan on bringing a friend along, be rest assured that you and your friend will have no boring moment at the shop. Basically, this shop is one of the best there is in Chicago, Illinois.

Services

Japan style, wildlife, tribal, portrait, cover-up, watercolor, new school & customs tattoos, piercings.

Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing is the go-to place for many people looking to get fantastic artworks done by some of the greatest tattooers in the industry. The artists are not only professional and qualified, but they also possess innovative skills brilliantly shown in their works.

Ruben, Claudio, Mercy, Robert, Carlos, and others are the brilliant masterminds that have consistently created masterpieces for customers around Chicago and beyond.

Services 

Customized art, color or black & grey, cover-ups, realism, Japanese, biomechanical, and other various styles.

Taylor Street Tattoo was founded in 2004 by Mike Malone (Rollo Banks – RIP) and Keith Underwood. This tattoo shop had a rocky start in its early years, experiencing a 2-year legal court battle with the residents around in 2002 when the building was purchased. 

However, over the years, the shop has come to be accepted by residents around. Thrilling them with fantastic artworks and designs like none other. Taylor Street Tattoo prides itself as a keeper of the classic motif tattoos today.

Services

Custom and traditional tattoo designs.

If you are looking for one of the most respected Tattoo shops in all of Chicago, Illinois, Deluxe Tattoo is that shop. Having its operation for years, Deluxe Tattoo has consistently delivered great and fantastic artworks and designs to customers.

With Deluxe artists; Ben Wahh, Jason Longtin, Zach Stuka, Stephanie White, Troy Taylor, Bunny, others, you should expect to get nothing less than perfect with this tattoo store.

Services

Old & new school, everything from a simple name to full sleeve work.

Great Lakes Tattoo is a one-of-kind shop with an attitude-free feeling that celebrates the traditions of past, present, and future tattooing. The shop’s owners, Nick and Sarah Colella opened the doors of Great Lakes in 2013. At this moment, the shop is considered one of the best shops in Chicago. 

Great Lakes Tattoo has over-time become a destination shop for all Chicago residents interested in tattoos, as their artists offer some of the best services around.

Services

Traditional American, portraits, tribal, Japanese, black, and grey tattoos.