Great Lakes Tattoo has been a staple of Chicago's West Loop tattoo neighborhood since 2013, specializing in American Traditional, Japanese, Black and Grey, and Tribal styles. The shop also hosts the Great Lakes State Gallery, an art and event space with exhibitions, comedy shows, and live music. Walk-ins are welcome daily; Saturdays are walk-in only.
Speaks: 🇬🇧 English
🚶 Walk-ins welcome🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly- Styles
- Traditional 71%New School 17%
- Artists
- 10 artists140 tattoos on TatSeek
- Price
- $250/hmin $100 · published
- Walk-ins
- Welcomesmall pieces and flash
- Rating
- 4.8 (444)
Show on Google - Address
- 1148 W Grand Ave10 min walk from Chicago
What they do most counted from 140 published tattoos
Artists 10 with work on TatSeek
Price
✅Verified Sep 2026 — from greatlakestattoo.com. That is the studio’s hourly rate and minimum; the ranges by size are calculated from the rate by TatSeek, and a small tattoo may get a flat quote: for an exact quote use the booking link or call +1 312-870-0458.
Before you book what the studio states
- Deposit Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist.
- Minimum $100
- Touch-ups — not stated · ask in your message
- How far ahead they book — not stated · ask in your message
- When you see the design — not stated · ask in your message
Questions and answers
What styles does Great Lakes Tattoo specialize in?
Great Lakes Tattoo specializes in Old School and New School.
How many tattoo artists work at Great Lakes Tattoo?
Great Lakes Tattoo has 10 tattoo artists on their team, with 140 published, tagged photos in the catalog.
What does Great Lakes Tattoo charge?
See the Estimated Price Range above for tiers by size. This is published on the studio’s website.
Where is Great Lakes Tattoo located?
Great Lakes Tattoo is located at 1148 W Grand Ave.View on Google Maps →
What are Great Lakes Tattoo’s hours?
Monday–Sunday: 11AM - 7PM
What is Great Lakes Tattoo’s rating?
Great Lakes Tattoo has a 4.8★ rating from 444 reviews.
What happens to my deposit if I reschedule, cancel or I’m late?
Great Lakes Tattoo lists: deposit: Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist.. Policies can change — call +1 312-870-0458 or message them to confirm before you pay.How deposits usually work →
Is the consultation free?
Many studios offer a free consultation, in person or by message; some charge a fee that comes off the tattoo. Ask when you first get in touch.What happens at a consultation →
When will I see my design, and can I change it?
It varies: some artists send the design a few days before, many show it on the day and adjust it with you before the stencil goes on. You can always ask for changes before anything touches your skin.Design, flash and revisions →
Is a touch-up included?
Many studios touch up small healing gaps for free within a few months; after that, or for sun-faded work, touch-ups are usually paid. Ask before booking.Touch-ups explained →
Is the studio licensed, and how do they keep things sterile?
Great Lakes Tattoo hasn’t listed licence or hygiene details on TatSeek. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong — ask about their licence, single-use needles and sterilisation; a good studio answers happily.What a clean studio looks like →
How do I pay, and should I tip?
Ask whether they take cards or cash only. Where tipping is customary (as in the US), 15–20% is typical; elsewhere it’s optional.Tipping and etiquette →
How do I get to Great Lakes Tattoo?
From the nearest stop: 10 min walk from Chicago subway station. Address: 1148 W Grand Ave. Walking times are straight-line estimates from OpenStreetMap.
Do I need ID? What is the minimum age?
Expect to show a photo ID proving you are 18 or older. In the US some states allow 16–17-year-olds with a parent’s consent, others don’t allow it at all, and many studios only tattoo adults either way.Age and ID →
How do I book with Great Lakes Tattoo?
Great Lakes Tattoo — use the booking link above to book.
Message template
Tick what to include, edit the text, then copy it and send it to the studio.
