10 Chicago Tattoo Shops That Recently Reopened

Chicago is in Phase 3 of reopening, which means that many “nonessential” businesses are once again opening their doors to customers. For some folks, this means finally getting a haircut, or getting their nails done — for some, it means finally getting that tattoo they’ve dreamed up during quarantine. If you’re itching for some new ink, check out these 10 Chicago tattoo shops that have recently reopened.

tattoo shops reopened
Photo Credit: Chicago Ink

Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing

3200 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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Located in Avondale near Milwaukee and Belmont, Chicago Ink first opened in early 2009 and has made its triumphant return as part of the city’s Phase 3 of reopening.

Photo Credit: Tattoo Factory Facebook

Tattoo Factory

4441 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

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Since opening on June 4, this Uptown tattoo shop has continued to do a brisk business in new ink. It originally opened in 1976 and has held the title of Chicago’s oldest running tattoo studio. Since by now you might hold the title for longest-worn work-from-home-outfit, it might be time to freshen things up and get some new ink.

Photo Credit: Great Lakes Facebook

Great Lakes Tattoo

1148 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

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Established in 2013 in the West Loop, Great Lakes is ready to accommodate a wide variety of design ideas you’ve been concocting while stuck at home for the past 37 years (has it really only been 3 months?) — the artists here are well-versed in a number of different styles.

Photo Credit: Tatu Tattoo

Tatu Tattoo

1754 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

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Trendy Wicker Park has recently seen the return of this North Avenue tattoo studio. Open since 1993, Tatu and its artists welcome walk-ins and all manner of design ideas from clients. Maybe just don’t get the name of your quarantine bae inked on your arm yet.

Photo Credit: Taylor Street Tattoo

Taylor Street Tattoo

1150 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Taylor Street has been a part of Little Village since 2004 and is known partly for its connection to famed Hawaii-based tattoo artist Norman Keith Collins (also known as Sailor Jerry), who mentored one of Taylor Street’s original co-founders. The shop specializes in more traditional, “bright, bold” tattooing.

tattoo shops reopened
Photo Credit: Dream City

Dream City Tattoos

7172 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60707

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You can once again get the ink of your dreams at this shop located on Grand Avenue in the Montclare neighborhood. Dream City was founded in 2011 to cater to all sorts of ideas for both tattoo design and piercings.

Photo Credit: Jade Dragon

Jade Dragon Tattoo

5331 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

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This Cragin neighborhood tattoo spot has opened its doors once again to northwest-side clientele. It was founded in 1980 by tattoo artist Fat Joe and continues to operate on Belmont Avenue, selling itself as “Chicago’s Biggest, Best and Cleanest Tattoo Shop.” Even if your living space has gone to hell in a handbasket during quarantine, you can at least visit a clean tattoo shop that’s kept its standards up.

tattoo shops reopened
Photo Credit: Ageless Arts

Ageless Arts Tattoo

2407 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

Another Little Village shop, Ageless Arts was established in 2002 and offer options for both tattooing and body piercing. We’ve all been aged a few years by this pandemic, so maybe a visit to Ageless Arts will slow the cascade.

Photo Credit: Tat Cave Facebook

The Tat Cave

3629 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60634

This tattoo and body piercing studio in the northwest corner of Chicago first opened almost 10 years ago and is run by tattoo artist Kidd Joe. Swap out the cave of your own home for a cave where you can at least get some ink or a piercing.

tattoo shops reopened
Photo Credit: Speakeasy Custom Tattoo

Speakeasy Custom Tattoo

1935 1/2 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Speakeasy is situated in a well-decorated, pleasantly-lit studio of the Flatiron Arts Building in Wicker Park. It recently opened its doors again to start work on custom creations for its clients. Stop by on North Avenue to get some ink depicting the new cocktail you invented during the lockdown, or the spider you befriended (his name is Steven).

 

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