Get inked in

Chicago

Located in one of the most vibrant and artistic cities in the country, Inked 4 Life Chicago offers a clean, modern, and professionally managed tattoo studio right in the heart of the Windy City. Our Chicago location features a warm, welcoming atmosphere where both local and traveling artists bring world-class talent and creativity to every session

Testimonials

"Ellis did a great job he was polite, and professional. My tattoo looks amazing and im coming back for more next month!" - James N.

"This is a great shop. I went with them on kind of a whim, they are close to my house. Very clean and new. The owner spent a good deal of time working on my idea. He even went back and forth with a few modifications to make it better and there was no issue with redrawing it so i could see how it would look different ways. This was my first tattoo and he was very patient and understanding. Definitely recommend especially for first timers who want easy experience." - Rob C.

"Ellis is MR.SWING A DO’ 😂
Great job and he handled me well.
I am very terrified of needles and he made sure I still got my shading done. This was my second tat and I can’t wait to get more !" - Unique B.

"Iheartink did my neck piece came out perfect. Dude is super talented he made it painless. I will definitely go back again and will recommend to any body looking to get a tattoo done." - R G

"Was unsure where to go for a first time until I did a bit of research and found this shop. Great service with a great provider (Iheartink) who was very friendly and helped out a lot with exactly what I needed. The 3 hour long process felt like a breeze and I had a great time. Would recommend for first time customers or those who are interested in new tats." - Misty

"Sylvie does such an amazing job and there wasn’t a dull moment in our whole 5 hour session! Y’all book with Sylvie they’re seriously the best." - Eleanor C.

"They were super helpful and accommodating. We were in town for a few days. Sylvie did amazing work super happy with their work and service!" - Landan K.

"I recently had the most incredible tattoo experience with my artist, and I can't wait to share my review with you all! From the moment I walked into the studio, I knew I was in for something special. I gave my artist just a few words about things I love, and he took that inspiration and ran with it, creating a piece that truly exceeded all my expectations." - Maria R.

"Ellis is dope — he’s a skilled artist who creates permanent masterpieces! He will not disappoint. He’s patient to ensure he creates the exact design you want and his precision is on point. I’ve already tagged 3 more friends. Highly recommend!" - Jennifer O.

"iHeart was the done who has done an amazing job on my tattoo for my work. 100% would recommend booking with him. 👍🏾" - Moni

"Incredibly professional and friendly, Iheart (Ellis) seamlessly made a design that fit my tastes perfectly and worked with me to find the right placement and size. This review is overdue, he deserves commendation and more for his patience and hard work as I am a picky customer! He is immensely talented and helpful so be sure to check him and this place out!" - Prity S.

"Iheart innk did my tattoo in memory of my dad and he did amazing work ✊ I would definitely recommend him to everyone that want tattoos." - Kaychianna P.

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Why Get Inked in Chicago

A Studio Experience Like No Other

Getting a tattoo in Chicago means stepping into a space that feels as inviting as it is inspiring. Our warm, welcoming, and professionally managed studios are clean, modern, and located in some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods—ideal spots you’ll love visiting.

Our talent-vetted local and traveling artists are not only exceptional in their craft, but they’re good people who genuinely care about delivering an unforgettable experience. You may even score an appointment with a celebrity tattoo artist.

What sets Chicago apart is the sense of community. From lively social art events to discounted access to major local tattoo conventions, the city fosters connection and creativity at every turn.

If you're seeking a tattoo experience rooted in quality, safety, and artistic expression, Chicago offers it all—with a little Midwestern charm on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an appointment?

Booking is easy! Once you’ve picked the artist you’d like to work with, just stop by the shop, give us a call, or shoot us a message through our contact form or social media. Be sure to include a description of your tattoo idea, any reference images, and your preferred date/time. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to confirm and set everything up.

What’s your age policy for tattoos?

You must be at least 18 years old to get tattooed at any of our shop. We require a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID). Even with parental consent, we do not tattoo minors—no exceptions. It’s all about safety and staying in line with the law.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Prices vary depending on the size, complexity, placement, and the artist. We do have a shop minimum, and larger custom pieces are usually priced by the hour. For an accurate quote, we recommend a consultation (which is totally free!).

Can I get a quote before coming in?

Absolutely! You can send us a detailed message with your idea, placement, size, and some references. Or, better yet, book a consultation with one of our artists. We also offer virtual consults if you can’t make it in person.

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes! We welcome walk-ins daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability depends on the day and how booked our artists are, so your best bet is to give us a call or stop by early.

Does it hurt?

Yep—it stings a bit. But it’s a manageable kind of pain, and most people say it’s worth every second. Plus, your body releases endorphins during the process, so it’s not all bad!

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Initial healing usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, but full skin regeneration can take a couple of months. During that time, proper aftercare is key to keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.

How do I take care of my new tattoo?

Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through everything after your session and send you home with detailed aftercare instructions. If you ever have questions, we’re just a call or DM away.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Secure Payments Only: We use Square for all deposit payments. Make sure you see our official logo on the invoice.

Stay Safe: We'll never ask for payments through any other platform. If anything seems off, get in touch with us right away.

Do I need to leave a deposit?

Yes, we may require a deposit to secure your appointment. This deposit goes toward the total cost of your tattoo and is non-refundable and non-transferable. It helps us block off your time and prep your custom design.

How should I prepare for my tattoo session?

Eat a good meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment—it can thin your blood and affect the tattoo process. Wear comfy clothes and try to relax. You’re in good hands, and we’ve got you covered.

Do you offer private or off-site sessions?

In most cases, we work in-shop only, but for special projects or collaborative events, we may offer private sessions. Just reach out to discuss options.