Came here on my solo trip to celebrate my birthday and I was a walk-in. While this was back in 2023 and things might have changed, I wanted to share my great experience. All staff were very friendly and I had Omar. I showed him several photos of what I wanted and we selected one of the designs for the butterfly tattoo. He was really excited to do this as I did not want a black outline as most tattoos have. He was gentle and the pain was very low which I was surprised at. To commemorate my trip I wanted a fun little "bean" for the cloud gate sculpture to be added to my leg collection I have going, and he was excited to add to it. The studio is really awesome, and everyone has their own personalities which I think it's really cool to see in their workstations If you have a chance to stop by because they do some really great work ! read more

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love this place got several tattoos from here nice friendly and great artist Perfect spot on the beach very convenient and spacious shop

Dahveed and Jordin took care of my sister and me for matching fineline tattoos. They were so patient with my squeamish antics and slight design changes. Couldn't be happier with our tattoos! read more

Ben did my tattoo over a year ago. It was my first one and it looks amazing. Its on my ribs, so it wasnt the easiest thing to have done... but he was so kind and kept talking to me to make sure I was still there. He is doing my second tattoo this week and I know it will be another great experience. The shop is clean, so clean, and they are all such talented artists. read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got a tattoo from Ben Ervin a few weeks ago and he did an absolutely STELLAR job. Clean shop, personable artists, and kick ass tattoos! I will definitely be back! read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Omar, the owner, did my first ever ink and I am beyond obsessed. It was pretty painless and I felt really comfortable during the process. Great conversations about music, gear, food, and chicago neighborhoods. Omar had some great music on during the Inkening and put me on to some new bands. Overall a really awesome af experience for my first work, most definitely coming back for another piece... Or 10 read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here for two tattoos, both with Caitlin. Both times the shop was very clean, atmosphere was comfortable, and sanitation/safety protocols were all very rigorous. Caitlin is very talented and takes a lot of pride in her work. Both designs came out exactly as expected. One of my tattoos is recent, but the one that I've had for ~3 years still looks awesome (and the new one looks like it should follow). She's very nice which also makes the experience easy. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for some ink. read more

Referred to Oms by my brother, who has been sitting every couple months for the last year or so getting a crazy Anubis on his upper arm/shoulder/etc area... Oms is the owner of the shop, and he does great work. I have a couple friends who have also gotten work done at Revolution by other artists and the general consensus is A++! I called in January to set up a consultation for my fifth tattoo... No flash art here... I described my concept to Oms (cherry blossom branches going up/across my back), put down a deposit, and set up an appointment. I did one sitting for the outline, and a second sitting for the color for a total of about 5 hours. End result being absolutely fabulous. My largest and favorite tattoo, Oms really did a great job with the custom work!!! I was also very very very pleased with the pricing; GREAT value for custom design. The shop is extremely clean, and the guys have a great sense of humor. I'm not a metal fan, but I was def enjoying the loud music they had playing (seriously, I did). I will be back when I get the tattoo itch again. read more

Revolution Tattoo - ignore the sleep lines... morning after my last sitting - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love these guys! First I went to a gallery show on Saturday night. So much fun! It was a monster theme and there were big wheel races, people in costumes, and really cool affordable art! My boyfriend bought two little pieces and I can't wait to have them home! Then on Monday some coworkers were in town and we all decided to get lipstick kiss tattoos (we are makeup artists) and they made it happen! Cheri hooked us up with their newest addition- Chito- and he rocked! Everyone was so nice and the shop is beautiful. read more

Revolution Tattoo - Thanks Chito! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Go see Om's! Omar Gutierrez, that is. He's professional, runs a very clean shop and he's an awesome artist! He came up with the artwork for my piece after I gave him quick idea of what I wanted over the phone. He worked on me for over 6 hours, without a complaint and in the end (at 11 PM) I had a beautiful piece of art on my side. I couldn't be happier and if I'm ever back in Chi, I will probably see him for another tattoo. And if you stop by the shop, don't forget to say "hi" to Karma, one of the sweetest doggies ever! read more

Revolution Tattoo - Designed & tattooed by Omar Gutierrez - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ok, so I might edit this later if I get more work done here, but so far: solid tattoo shop. I heard about Revolution because I had a coworker who had a beautiful sleeve that looked brand new, and she told me she'd gotten it done months before at Revolution. So no-brainer - when I wanted a new artist, I came here. I had Mat do a really simple tattoo - I always start out with something black and easy when I do a new walk-in - and I'm super-satisfied. I told him about the tattoo I want next and he was jazzed and asked me to come back. We had good talks about art. It was a fun experience and I'm happy I made the switch to Revolution. read more

Revolution Tattoo - h/t Mat Moreno - Perfect Lovers by the artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love them! Casey is such a great artist! I finally took the plunge and got my first tattoo July 2013. I knew exactly what I wanted, but was concerned about finding a place that wouldn't over charge or look at me weird because it was my first one (and trust me, I found both when checking rates at other places). A friend suggested Revolution to me as she got her first one there. I went in with my best friend who was visiting to get a quote and to check out their vibe and they were awesome. Super laid back and chill. It made me very comfortable there despite some excited/nervous jitters. I talked with Casey about what I was looking for and he gave me a reasonable quote and when I asked about setting up an appointment, he said he could take me that very day if I could wait about 20 minutes or so. He took a break, sketched based on what I told him I was looking for and with my edits on the size and how it laid on my wrist, he made some adjustments to make it just right. I appreciate that he really took the time to make sure he was doing something that he not only wanted, but that was actually what I wanted as well. He knew it was my first, so we talked through everything very thoroughly. I appreciated not being rushed into the chair nor patronized. He had a very calm quiet vibe and always made sure I was incredibly comfortable. I instantly trusted him, which is pretty helpful when you are about to get a needle put in your arm. His color work is fantastic! I thought my tattoo was actually even better than I had imagined, but the compliments I have received since then have been overwhelming with people constantly wanting to know who did it for me. Other friends who have tattoos telling me it some of the best color work they have seen. My best friend was so impressed with him, she actually got a tattoo as well when he finished mine. She had been wanting to get an addition to an existing tattoo and when he was done with her's, it was truly beautiful. To be able to make a beautiful tattoo is one thing, but to do an addition to an existing tattoo done by another artist and to make it look so seamless was impressive to me. And on top of that, all of the other artists who were working when I was there were really friendly and chatty. It was a good time! Good work, good people, good price. Yeah, I have been sending people to them every since. They are amazing. If ever I decide on another tattoo I am going straight back to Casey. He is fantastic! read more

Nole was great to work with! He was very professional and patient. This was my first tattoo. I'm a wimp and have a hard time sitting still. He was great! My tattoo was from my favorite childhood book. He took my idea and made a beautiful original piece of art! I'm already telling my friends to come see NOLE! read more

Revolution Tattoo - Nole did such a great job! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Again another excellent experience! Two of my girlfriends and I walked in and decided to all get tattoos (even though only my roommate had walked in with the intention of getting inked). Chito fit us all into his schedule and stayed after close to do mine - which he put far more effort into sketching than I requested or expected. Everyone was very nice (again), and after asking around at all the other shops nearby, this is def. the most reasonably priced shop. We spent about 4 and a half hours in there and each walked away with a great memory, a stronger bond, and some excellent artwork. I'm in love with my tattoo and I can't wait to come back and get more done in the future! read more

Had a great experience here today! Was greeted promptly and warmly. Robert listened closely to what I wanted and created a gorgeous design that was exactly what I asked for. He took his time and made sure the tattoo was perfect. The cost was a bit more than I've paid elsewhere but the quality was far superior! You get what you pay for! read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wow. Seriously one of the most underrated shops in Chicago. Clean line central. Probably the most phenomenal thing is their tie to fine arts and it really shows in their work. It's in the small details and that meticulously clean line work. When you see that, you know the person with the gun has a steady hand and thoughtful eye. My ex-roommate who isn't the most immersed in art, tattoos, and tattoo culture still nonetheless wants an artistic and well-done tattoo. She goes in and says she wants a carrot and there's a lot of personal reasons for it. Omar's talking to her about the piece asking why she's getting it and basically doing the legwork so that when he puts it on her, it has a bit of him and all that she intended the tattoo to represent. She goes back and gets the sickest tree tattoo I've ever seen. I've seen a lot and it's one of those tattoos that a tattooist can get lazy about because trees don't have clean lines and can look "sketchy" with downright haphazard line work. No, the branch he tattooed across her chest (it's huge), every line is intended and clean. Rather than play with shading, he used very specific line widths (even line widths) to play the illusion. The line work is so perfect that she opted not to color it in like she had originally planned. Seriously, the sickest linework I've seen in a long time can be done here by Max. read more

I went in on Wednesday in the middle of the afternoon not expecting to get a new tattoo and I'm glad I stopped in. Most shops I've been in to get work done or to talk about getting something, is usually busy a good sign, it was dead empty which I wasn't expecting but it made it super relaxing. Rob was the only one working so I talked to him about the design I wanted and placement and he listed to what I wanted and offered suggestions and we went from there. My tattoo and overall experience was absolutely awesome. I would highly suggest going here and getting your next piece done. read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Seriously, as good as it gets - period. This review is mainly for Chito, as he is the artist who designed and penned my tattoo. However, I can also speak for the shop in general. Chito is a great guy to work with. I came in with a picture of a guitar that I wanted put on the underside of my arm. He drew the guitar freehand so that it was "tattoo-able" and it was absolutely great. I told him I didn't want anything fancy, just the guitar all by itself and he definitely honored my request. Now, I am a total baby - this is by far the most painful tattoo I have ever gotten, but that is by no means Chito's fault. I'm just a big, big baby. But he was super nice about it and didn't care that I needed to stop every once in awhile to sort of shake my arm out and let the pain subside. Now I have the tattoo and I think it looks great. The pain is already gone (I literally finished a two hour tattoo session about 3.5 hours ago) and I feel really, really good about the work. Chito is a great artist and he did excellent work. I trust him to put something on my body for the rest of my life. He knows what looks good and what doesn't (in terms of drawing something to put on your body and have it look good) and I trust his advice when it comes to color, type and after-care. He was absolutely wonderful. The shop itself is a great little place on Western. It occasionally has art shows, which is totally great. They are actually having one on Saturday that looks excellent (we are definitely going). They have great art for viewing as well as for sale and the prices are reasonable. The shop itself is wonderfully decorated with red and green walls (deep reds and greens, not weird Christmas colors) and a great paneled ceiling. The artists all have samples of their work at their stations, which is great to see to give you an idea of what they're all about. And, a HUGE plus, the shop is clean. Everything is steralized properly and promptly and the artists are 100% careful when prepping a client. I highly, highly recommend. read more

I've gotten a couple tattoos from the guys here. My first appointment with Omar coincided with the beginning of the largest snowstorm of last season. The storm was hitting hard just as evening rush hour and my scheduled appointment was to begin. Thankfully the shop was still up and running, even though afterwards, I had to have someone push my car back out onto the street. At any rate, the whole shop has a very genuine mellow feel to it, which is very welcoming when other shops don't quite have that same easy-going feel. All the guys do solid custom work so I don't necessarily recommend it for those people looking for just "flash" items. These guys are talented artists; use their creativity in your favor! Omar was very professional and acted much a perfectionist in order to get the lines and stencil just right. (Always a welcome, as it'll be there for life!) Over a year later, the tattoo has held up just fine with clean crisp lines and without any needs for touchups. Another experience I had with them, I actually had their apprentice (not sure if he's still apprenticing there or not) named Marshall work on me. That guy was extremely thorough and took his time like you would not believe but the end result was dead on. He has, without a doubt, the lightest hand that has ever worked on me, but the color and lines still remain perfectly solid and crisp. It's one of my most complimented tattoo works, which always makes me laugh inside because only I know it was done by a (talented) apprentice. Oh and the dog at the shop, Karma, is just the sweetest thing there is! read more

So I found myself in Chicago on a mini-vacay with a friend right around my birthday and the following conversation transpired: "So what do you guys want to do while you're in town? Get crazy drunk with hipsters? Go get tattoos? What" - brother in law of travel buddy "Tattoo. That sounds like a good idea. I have been sitting on a design for months." -Me "Awesome (pulls out business card). Go see my man Chito at Revolution." And so our trek to this establishment went- I was able to come in one day set an appointment and come back 2 days later and get a drawing + the work done. They set me up with Marshall (his first name is my last name so I am obligated to trust him right?) and he was amazing. The place is clean which was very high on my list of importance (nurse = clean freak especially when you add needles to the mix). He did a great job of putting together the sketches I brought to him and 3 hours later I walked out with a rather large and fine piece of work. The environment was casual and Marshall was a good casual conversationalist while the work was being done. I will definitely come back if I am in the neighborhood and looking to add on to my piece. read more

I can not say enough good things about my entire experience at Revolution. Omar is such an awesome and interesting person, who kept me so in tune to the fascinating conversation that I ALMOST forgot I was even getting a tattoo. I would also like to say that he has such a beautiful wife with the most calming spirit, who put me at ease from the second I walked in the door. My tattoo is absolutely beautiful and perfect and exactly and more than what I wanted. I came in with a few pictures and vague ideas and Omar, being a true artist in every sense of the word, came up with something that was in my head and heart but could not express in words. I also received a musical education from Omar, which was just an added bonus. So, in short, I love this shop and hope to receive many more tattoos from Omar in the years to come. read more

This review has nothing to do with tattoos. The art that Revolution displays in their gallery is consistently engaging and interesting. The first opening I attended here was marvelous. A friend had invited me to see some of her work, so I figured, oh, I'll stop by for fifteen minutes, slam some pinot and be gone. Five hours later I was still staring at art, drinking wine and yakking it up with the plethora of interesting people. As opening parties go, the crowd was totally unpretentious and friendly, and Revolution kept the vibe going by providing all sorts of free booze and food, as well as some good tunes, live and otherwise. I'm really looking forward to another opportunity to come by here for an opening. If the work at the next one I attend is even half as quality as the last, I may have to become a Revolution Groupie. read more

Wooo, thanks to Revolution and Chito for my first tattoo! I've known for about ten years that I wanted a lizard tattoo with green and blue coloring, it just never felt like the "right" time to get one, plus I have crazy food allergies so I was wary about how I'd react to ink. Finally decided to get it done, so I contacted Revolution and Cheri told me that I wouldn't have a problem with black, so they could do something where I'd get all the black/outline done, and then patch test for the color - if no issues, proceed as planned. Sounded good to me, so I looked through all the artists' portfolios and instagrams and decided on Chito because his color work is so vibrant and really pops. So, I knew I wanted a chill lizard that was mostly black with green and blue. Not much beyond that, but I knew I wanted it to be original. So I sent Chito some pictures of lizards I liked and why (he gave me a good tip, don't send pictures of tattoos if you want something original). Then I came in for my appointment and what Chito came up with was just awesome - curvy enough to not be too masculine, but with some muscular definition that looks badass. The detail in the black shading is amazing. And the thing I wanted most of all was personality, and you can see it in this lizard. Every time I look down at it I'm like "hey dude, you are too cool." There were no issues with the color test, so I came in yesterday to get it finished. Again, what Chito dreamt up was awesome - A pattern that blends different shades of blue and green that pops just like I wanted. Chito was great to work with too, both times. He was open to suggestion, but not too much, especially in terms of sizing (listen to these guys, if you want detail, you need a larger piece). It's fun to listen to all the rest of the artists geek out over music in the background too. Bottom line is these guys (and girl!) are amazing, talented and dedicated artists that put a ton of thought into their pieces and will provide you with some beautiful, original artwork. I'm so glad my first experience was such a great one with Chito and Revolution! read more

The best tattoo shop in the city, scratch that, in any city. Omar worked on my back and his work is just amazing. I was pretty hesitant, my tattoo's are down my spine, all black and incredibly detailed. Omar's work is freaking perfection. I get compliments all the time but more importantly I love them. My husband is about to start sleeve #2 and sleeve #1 also by Omar, is unreal. I'm looking forward to my next tattoo. The shop is clean, well run and reasonably priced. read more

I don't even know where to begin, I guess I will just say that Omar and his employees are the personification of what tattooing should be. It is obvious that they love their art and are not satisfied with anything less than perfection. My tattoo was done by omar, it is unbelieveable and exceeded all my expectations. I will be proud to display his work on my arm for the rest of my life. There is absolutely no doubt that you should consider this shop to have your tattoo done, it would be an absolute mistake not to. It is very clean, easy to get to and plenty of parking. read more

While I can't yet speak as a customer, I can say that Chito is da man. He recently tattooed my daughter's footprints along with her name and birthdate on my husband's back, and it looks awesome. I am going to get her handprints (and something else tied in with them) tattooed on my back sometime in December and want him to do the work. The shop is clean, artsy looking, and the prices are totally reasonable. I'm excited to see what he can come up with. read more

I'm not a spur of the moment lifetime commitment maker...so I researched multiple artists before deciding on Caitlin. I have no regrets, she did an outstanding job. Some artists aren't willing to work with you if you come in with a picture of what you want, but she took my idea and ran with it. She was incredibly professional, knowing exactly what would translate well into ink and last over time...AND, she isn't boring, at all, which is a desirable trait to have in a person you're about to spend a few hours alone with. The parlor itself is very nice. Some places feel like walking into a spa, and others like walking into a dirty alley...this place was exactly right. Highly recommended. read more

One of the best shops in the city if you're looking for collaboration (let them guide you) on your next piece. They're very creative and can take an idea and return it back to you as an amazing piece of artwork that you'll get SUPER excited to get put on you. Everyone here is very friendly and personable which is great when you're looking to sit in a shop for a long period of time. The level of art is top-notch and they seem to have someone to handle every type of art style you might be looking for, though I only go for cartoony stuff myself. What's great about this shop is if your friends & family get bored while you're getting work done, there's a curiosity shop right next door! In fact, Revolution Tattoo is part of what I've been calling the "Walk Western" path - starting down at Challengers (or coming off of the 606), hitting Margie's/Quesadilla/The Art of Chicken/Paladar for food, grabbing a drink (or two or three) at O's, hunting to get a piece of your childhood back at Toy de Jour, looking for oddities at Sideshow Gallery, and ending up at Logan Arcade. Great date day all in one stretch of Western that most people miss while doing the same old Milwaukee Ave stuff. All this while getting some exercise walking Western! So check them out - make sure to call or stop in to check on artist availability, I'm not 100% sure if they do walk-ins or not. read more

I wanted to get a tattoo of one of my sketches and Robert did a great job and made me feel comfortable for my first tattoo. Great line work and I'll definitely be back! Thanks Robert ily read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Me and my friends stopped in today for small tattoos and I can honestly say this was the best tattoo shop I've been to. The artists were extremely welcoming and helped us immediately. Some shops it's hard to get anyone to assist you if you're a walk in. We just got simple tattoos but they did a phenomenal job. They do have books of work at the front, so you can see who will be working on you, but all the work was great so for walk ins we didn't pick our artists. Favorite shop in Chicago hands down read more

I've been shopping around for a good artist for 6 months. What closed the deal on this particular shop was all due to Nole, one of the best artists I've ever come across. His artistic skills are fantastic, but what separates him from others...is his commitment to his craft. Besides his skills, he educated me and told me flat out what looks good/what works and what doesn't. He takes pride in his work and that came across in his consultation. While others would ink you just for the buck, Nole made it a point to let me know he cares about what he does and he wants me to be happy with it. That made a huge difference. I found my shop and couldn't be more happy! read more

Omar did an amazing job! My best friend recommended this place and I will say that I will definitely be back , soon! Omar did a good job at making me feel comfortable the whole time, it was pretty painless and the lines are clean! Thank you ! read more

I love this place. Omar did some beautiful work for me in 2013 and made the process painless. It's truly a piece of art and I get compliments all the time. Omar made it easy to talk about, and again, it was painless. Haha, I know that's not something you say about tattoos, but he had a really light touch. I'm writing now because I just got a touch up done. The artists have changed a little bit yet the talent is still here. It's clean and is just a feel good experience. Omar is the man if you are looking for some black and white realism. I HIGHLY recommend. read more

This is one of the best tattoo studios you can go to in Chicago. The place itself is awesome. The have art gallery shows and a dog Karma that wanders about. The guys are all great MAx did my 1/4 sleeve and he is a phenomenal artist and great guy all around. Marshell, Omar, and Chito also rock. The place is beyond 5 stars and I recommend them to all my friends. Its clean, timely, well priced and an overall a great experience every time I drop in. read more

Thank youuu to Robert Chamberlin who gave me the sweetest fine line tattoo. Such a nice guy and very patient. I will be back! The studio is nice and open and clean. See you again soon Robert!! read more

Got two from Max Brown at revolution. He's a great guy with so much talent. Fun to talk to for your 3-5 hour sessions and super professional. I have recommended many people already. read more

Revolution Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I LOVE this place! just got my second tattoo, both by Omar and they look amazing. He took the time to draw exactly what I wanted. Great Job! I highly recommend both the place and Omar. read more

Marshall Brown is the jam!!! I've had a few pieces done by him and with little explanation on my part he used his creative eyeballs and brain to come up with beautiful art!!! Thanks buddy!! I also know Marshall is no longer with revolution but where ever he is these days I'll be looking him up for my next project!!! read more

As a repeat customer, obviously I was happy enough to return! The shop is a clean, intimate spot and prices are good. (Both times) I told the artist my concept only to have it blown out of the water by their amazing interpretation(s)! Rollerskating oyster pin-up by Marshall Brown. Homage to glowing okra & cooking utensils by Casey Sass. But please, for me, leave your children at home. There are reasons it says "MUST BE 18 TO ENTER" on the door. read more

So, my mama wanted a tattoo for her birthday. She'd wanted one for several years now to remind her of a "special friend" who had taken her out on a boat to see the seahorses off the North Carolina coast. I finally took her seriously, decided on Revolution Tattoo from yelper recs, and called in to see if a walk in was possible. Marshall took us with no art, and only a few phone pics of examples, he sketched something out that both I and the mama were pleased with. He was just so perfectly sweet with her, that I could not thank him enough. The seahorse is adorable and she's super happy. I'll be back. The general stuff: Yes it's clean, yes there's a bunch of art on the walls, yes it's busy, yes they prefer appointments but take walk-ins, yes the take credit cards but prefer cash. read more