Best Tattoo Shops In Chicago 2021
Are you looking for the best shop to get your dream inking done in Chicago? This article will take you on a tour of the best tattoo shops in Chicago to get your tattoo done.
Some of the best tattoo shops and artists are said to operate in Chicago, Illinois. Thus, if you have always wanted to get a tattoo in Chicago, here is a list of the best shops you should consider visiting. Tattoo shops are so numerous in Chicago. It is no surprise for a city as famous and modern as it is.
Choosing the best shop to visit will demand some digging and recommendations. This difficulty is one of the reasons we have made this article. These shops are not only occupied by professionals versed in the art of inking tattoos they combine that with the right attitude, creativity, unique methods, and so much more to ensure you find satisfaction. With that being said, let us now take you into the world of the best tattoo shops in Chicago.
Dale Grande And David Mcnair
The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company is one of the oldest tattoo studios in Chicago and contributes a whole lot to Chicagos undeniable tattoo history which is rich and wide. The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company opened originally in the 60s at 900 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago Illinois as Cliff Raven Tattooing. Cliff operated with a few distinct artists then involving Buddy McFall and the late Tatts Thomas.
The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company was the only one who held to their grounds after the Illinois government raise the tattoo age to 21 in the 1960s. They were very helpful and fought hard to reduce the age back to 18 years. They also improved their cleanliness and hygiene standards which helped them achieve different success in their career.
Dale Grande who still works at The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company began work under the owner Cliff Raven over 40 years ago before he became the owner of the studio himself. While many artists learned at The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company but it was David McNair who stayed in the place for more than 30 years. Grande along with other artists like McNair worked hard to get The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company to where it is now.
- Shop Name: The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company
- Address: The Chicago Tattooing & Piercing Company, 1017 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
This Inky Creature By Biryukova Tanya At Private Ink Body Art Takes Us Straight To The Depth Of The Sea
A post shared by Shannon on Nov 4, 2019 at 7:17am PST
9729 W. Grand Ave., Franklin Park, IL
This tattoo shop may be last on our list, but their work is first-rate. Their EZPay financing makes getting your dream tattoo quick and painless They also offer tattoo removal for those less-than-fantastic pieces you got over spring break in college . Call 847-260-5076 to book an appointment.
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Best Tattoo Shops In Chicago Quality Matters
by Chicago Traveler | The Lists, Top 10 Shopping |
Getting a tattoo is almost an indescribable sensation. Having a piece of art forever implemented into your body perfectly at the hand of a master craftsman is just so satisfying. However, being in the hands of someone that is not quite up to par can bring your euphoric mood down very quickly I know.
Choosing a capable shop and artist is potentially even more important than choosing your design. Fortunately, we have congregated with tattooed gents and lasses from around the city to compile a No Fear list. These are some of the best tattoo shops in Chicago satisfaction seems to come standard.
All of these shops may contain very capable tattoo artists, but you should do your research before committing. Some artists excel in new Skool, while others may be perfectionists at portraits or cartoons.
These tattoo shops in Chicago are all towards the top of the spectrum in health and talent. Get an idea, do some research, book your appointment.
The Code of ConductThe Code of Conduct may claim to specialize in traditional tattoo styles, but they keep their mind open to tailor to your visions. They are more than capable to handle basically any idea. I have seen some amazing pieces come out of here.
South Loop14 E 11th St, Chicago, IL 60605 929-2073
Lakeview1459 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613 549-1594
Roscoe Village2125 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 281-6392
Noble Square1062 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 342-4444
Finding The Top Tattoo Shops In Chicago

How did we choose which shops to include in this list? We looked at a combination of factors, including quality of the art, reviews, and awards won. Many of these shops are appointment-only, so make sure to book an appointment rather than just dropping by. If youre looking to get inked or to get that long-awaited tattoo cover up, read on to learn about some of the best tattoo artists in Chicago!
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Television Shows Showing Tattoo Designs Of Popular Shops
Tattoo designs started gaining popularity in Chicago after the year 2005. A popular TV show was premiered that year about tattoo studios. This show was named Miami Ink. Before that particular show, various people were unaware of how the tattoo was created.
Since most people wont be considered getting a tattoo after hearing the negative effects of getting the designs, this show was a game-changer in Chicago. Furthermore, the owner of that show became extremely popular among tattoo lovers.
Several people want to get a tattoo designed by the owner. Miami Ink was aired in more than 160 countries. Hence, you can easily understand that the show surely changed how people look at tattoo designs.
Otool Design Custom Tattoo Rock Island Il
Youll find the most talented ink-smiths in the Quad Cities at the venerable OTool Design Custom Tattoo. A family operation, OTool has a location in Rock Island, as well as one across the river in Davenport, Iowa. With several talented artists between the two shops, youre certain to find a style that suits you.
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Best Tattoo Shops In The Chicago Area
The popularity of tattoo shops is increasing in Chicago. According to a survey, almost 36% of people choose to get a tattoo after 18. Compared to older people, college students are more interested in getting multiple tattoos. Nowadays, various adults have changed their mindset and stopped looking at tattoos as a taboo.
Michelle Wanhala Mwanhala On Instagram
Michelle Wanhala is a flash master who tattoos at Pioneer Tattoo, located on North Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Wanhala has been tattooing for about six years and focuses on mixing up cute and creepy tattoos for her clients.
Wanhalas style is colorful, highly illustrative and lots of fun. Her tattoos are inspired by cartoons, growing up in the 90s, and kitsch. Wanhala is one of the few female tattoo artists in Chicago who welcomes DMs on Instagram as a way to book appointments. Clients that want to book with Wanhala are required to pay a $50 deposit to reserve the spot.
Editors note: All images are owned and copyright of the artists.
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Tattoo Shops And Parlors Chicago
Finding the besttattoo shop in Chicago for your body art needs can be somewhat of a challenge. Part of the problem relates to the sheer number of tattoo parlors that are in the city. Just on the North Side of Chicago there are 15+ tattoo parlors scattered across a 3 zip code radius. The choices are many!
After talking to several of our clients and counseling professionals, 2nd Story Counseling is ready to present what we think are three of the best tattoo shops in Chicago all of which are located on the North Side.
Chicago Tattoos and Parlors
Hanie Brown Feralcatbox On Instagram
Stephanie Brown is a female tattoo artist and painter in Chicago who mostly tattoos clients at Black Oak, located in Logan Square. Brown graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is known for her realistic, natural-history inspired work that looks like it belongs somewhere in a museum or a specimen cabinet.
Browns books are usually closed, and she does not accept client-requested work. Instead, she proposes projects that she is interested in tattooing and accepts inquiries about those projects, which she posts on her website. The best way to be notified about Browns new projects is via her email list, though you can also for information about special flash days and booking updates.
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Best Tattoo Shops In Chicago
Tattooing is growing as a culture and in 2021, its made to be super-safe and trustworthy. Most tattoo artists built wide and reliable networks on the internet and social media. With various regulations and happy customers that share the joy of visiting a particular tattoo studio, nearly everyone is encouraged to come and get their first ink on the body.
But, if youre still skeptical and hard to trust, and you live in Chicago Illinois in the process, we believe its worth checking our list of the best tattoo studios in Chicago. Your safety and satisfaction are our primary concern and goal, which is why we carefully picked the best studios after analyzing them and the customer satisfaction.
We understand that people are concerned about the ethics and practices different tattoo artists put into work to make a tattoo design real. Thats why we only picked the best of the best. We included the websites, Instagram accounts, and all the valuable info you need to get started into the world of tattoos in Chicago.
Code Of Conduct Tattoo

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 peoples 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.
Styles ranging from realism, modern traditional, illustration to New school arts. No piercings, tattoo only. No face or finger tattooing .
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What Should I Look For When Choosing A Tattoo Shop In Chicago Illinois
Answer: There are many things to consider when choosing a tattoo shop. You have to think of a shops proximity to your location. It makes no sense to have to cover half part of the earth to patronize a tattoo shop. Thus, it would help if you did your research well to get a list of tattoo shops available near you. Other factors to consider are availability, qualifications, workforce, reputation, professionalism, and experience. However, some of these need to be experienced or have someone who has had an experience using one of the brands to let you in on how good the experience was.
Best Tattoo Shop In Chicago
We are located in the heart of the historic Little Village neighborhood in Chicagos South Side. StrayTatts is a fully licensed tattoo shop in Chicago.
We are known to be the best tattoo shop in Chicago because our talented artists can deal with a variety of styles, such as portraits, fine line, mystical, space age, sensitive, realistic, tribal, cartoon and even more!
Therefore, in our tattoo studio you will find a great selection of designs to choose from or you just can share your sketches with us and we will stick to your needs. So, no matter the style, our team will know how to handle it as we have the best artists in the city.
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Celebrities Promote Tattoos By Flaunting The Trending Design
There are several celebrities and actors around the world who sport tattoo designs. Various celebrities can be recognized even if their fans only see the tattoo design. Fans remember every little about their favorite actor and actress.
So there is no surprise they take inspiration after looking at the top celebrities flaunting their new tattoo design. Moreover, when celebrities get their latest tattoo, the media also show and promote the designs. Nowadays, you can find posts about celebrities on all the websites because people take inspiration from influential people.
Best Female Tattoo Artists In Chicago
Tattooing has a rich history in Chicago. In the 1930s, men from the Navy flocked to the windy city to get tattooed at one of the many arcade shops located on State Street. Chicago also played a pivotal role in the careers of legendary tattoo artists including Norman Collins of Sailor Jerry and Cliff Raven, whose Chicago Tattoo & Piercing Company remains the oldest operating tattoo shop in the state of Illinois.
But female tattoo artists in Chicago have been making names for themselves by blending tradition with modern-art sensibilities and plenty of style .
Weve rounded up a list of the best female tattoo artists in Chicago so that you know exactly who to book with when you hit up Chi-Town.
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Awaken Tattoo And Gallery
Address: 2802 W Chicago Ave.
Andrew Leonardo created this bold Japanese-style fish design.
At Awaken Tattoo and Gallery on Chicago Ave., youll find the incredible Andrew Leonardo and Joseph Realubit. Andrew specializes in the Japanese style, creating tattoos of vibrant dragons, fish, and mythical figures. Joseph creates intricate black and white geometrical designs like mandalas. The shop also holds a gallery of the artists incredible work. Contact an artist directly via the contact form on their individual page on the studios website.
Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing is the go-to place for many people looking to get fantastic artwork 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.
Customized art, color or black & grey, cover-ups, realism, Japanese, biomechanical, and other various styles.
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Best Tattoo Shops In Chicago Il
Expert recommended Top 3 Tattoo Shops in Chicago, Illinois. All of our tattoo shops actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!
4441 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640DIRECTIONS
Since 1976
Heres The Deal:Tattoo Factory Inc is Chicago’s oldest and most famous tattoo and body piercing studio that has been tattooing and piercing Chicago since 1976. They have professional tattooists who offer high-quality tattoo and piercing services to their customers. Their tattoo art designers excel in creating all sorts of the tattoo, but their specialty designs are cover-up, custom, portrait, and black and gray realism. The studio’s tattooists know all the latest tattoo design techniques and methods. If you are looking for an entire sleeve or a simple flower tattoo, their tattoo artists help you achieve the long-lasting results you want. ‘Tattoo Factory’ has a computer and an electrically worked massage table for your relaxation and satisfaction. The studio affords valuable gift certificates for both tattoo and piercing services. They accept walk-ins and last-minute appointments for your convenience.
SPECIALTY:Mandala, Water Color, Skull, Natural, Girl, Real Life, Cartoon, Japan Style, Custom, Cover-Up, Superhero, Wildlife, Traditional, Memorial, Black and Grey, Portrait, Color Work, New School & Tribal Tattoos
CHICAGO INK TATTOO & BODY PIERCING