Best Tattoo Studios in Chicago
Explore the best tattoo shops in Chicago that offer top-notch studios, highly trained artists, and specialized designs.
Best Tattoo Shops & Artists in Chicago
These are our recommended places to get a tattoo in the Chicago metropolitan area — all selected based on publicly available reviews, shop portfolios, and the overall client experience.
InkedbyJulissa
Based in West Chicago, Julissa Cadena is an independent tattoo artist specializing in crisp linework and smooth, dimensional shading.
Tattoos By Rakowski
David Rakowski comes highly recommended not only for the quality and detail in his tattoos, but also for his exceptional customer service.
Shaythesensei
This tattoo artist creates highly detailed pieces in black-and-gray realism and futuristic cyber sigilism for clients who want unique, edgy designs.
Great Lakes Tattoo
Great Lakes Tattoo stands out for its versatile roster of artists offering multiple styles, and its dedicated gallery space for rotating art shows and events.
Brown Brothers Tattoo
This family-run business in Humboldt Park comes highly recommended for its skilled roster of artists and wide range of style offerings.
Deluxe Tattoo
Operating since 1997, this tattoo studio offers various styles ranging from American traditional to biomechanical and photo realism.
Logan Square Tattoo
Having been around for over a decade now in the historic Logan Square neighborhood , this studio is known mainly for its distinct fineline style.
Mayday Tattoo Co
This appointment-only studio features multiple artists with different specialties, so you can match with someone who fits your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tattoos cost in the Chicago area?
Most Chicago shops have a shop minimum of around $100, and larger/custom work is often priced hourly (commonly ~$150–$250+ per hour), depending on the artist, size, placement, and complexity
Do most tattoo shops in Chicago accept walk-ins?
It really varies. Plenty of shops take walk-ins when artists are available, but many studios (especially custom/specialty ones) are appointment-only.
What questions should I ask my tattoo artist?
Ask about safety and sanitation (single-use sterile needles, glove use, how equipment is sterilized), plus the design process, pricing/deposit, and aftercare.
Illinois regulates body art establishments, so it’s also fair to ask how the shop stays compliant with local health rules
How long does a tattoo appointment take?
It depends on the design and how you sit; your artist can usually give a time estimate once size/placement are set, and your appointment time also includes setup (stencil, prep, breaks). Many artists cap sessions around a few hours and split bigger pieces into multiple appointments.
Do most tattoo shops in Chicago also do piercings?
Not necessarily, but some do. A lot of tattoo shops are tattoo-only, while plenty of other studios offer tattoos and piercings under one roof, so you’ll want to check the shop’s services before you go.
How To Choose a Tattoo Shop in Chicago
Choosing where to get a tattoo in Chicago is just as important as deciding on what design/s you want to get. Whether you’re getting your first piece or adding to your collection, taking a little extra time to research can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
Here’s what to do to ensure you pick a trusted Chicago tattoo studio:
- Check portfolios: Browse each artist’s portfolio to make sure their style matches what you want, whether that’s realism, traditional, neo-traditional, fine line, script, or color work. A strong portfolio should show consistency, clean linework, smooth shading, and healed results. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for photos of similar tattoos they’ve done.
- Look for cleanliness: A professional tattoo studio should follow strict hygiene standards: single-use needles, fresh gloves, sterilized equipment, and clean workstations. Artists should open all needles and tubes in front of you.
- Read recent reviews: Reviews can tell you a lot that photos can’t. Look for comments on communication, friendliness, comfort during the session, and how well the tattoos healed. Recent reviews are especially useful because they reflect the studio’s current staff, policies, and quality standards.
- Confirm licensing: Chicago tattoo studios are required to meet state and county health regulations. So, make sure the shop and artists are properly licensed and follow all sanitation guidelines. A reputable studio will be transparent about its certifications, inspection history, and safety practices.
- Ask questions: A good artist will happily answer questions about the process, pricing, aftercare, scheduling, and your tattoo idea. Ask about session length, pain expectations, healing time, and what size or placement they recommend.