Helen was absolutely amazing! She made our piercing experience so fun! I've always been to shops that make piercing so uncomfortable but Helen was so nice :) definitely recommend this place! They take walk ins! read more

Never go to this tattoo shop ever. I went here yesterday for the $30 special Friday the 13th tattoos. I walked in and I waited about an hour and a half for my tattoo I waited patiently I was polite I did not rush any of the artist. I started my tattoo and I could tell that my tattoo artist was nervous and was not comfortable with doing my tattoo. Not only that he had extreme body odor. On a purely aesthetic bases The tattoo itself is warped and horrible. All the petals are misshapen, some of them end in a point and some of them are rounded, the top pedal is so small it doesn't match the bottom pedal. The shading is too dark. When I first saw the tattoo I was completely upset and told the tattoo artist that there needed to be a cover-up. Some master artists started my cover-up and then I looked at it again and I was completely dissatisfied. I told him that I wanted to go home and that I was not happy with the tattoo. He kept insisting that I needed to go sit down so he could finish it but I said I was no longer comfortable for him to touch my skin. He was smirking and laughing the whole time and I asked him if he thought it was funny that I have a horrible tattoo on my body for the rest of my life. He thenBecame extremely aggressive and started yelling at me and I just said I was going to go home and I no longer wanted to be in this tattoo shop. I called back today and spoke to Helen the manager. I've never received such a rude conversation in my life. As a hairstylist I understand that people make mistakes but when a customer is dissatisfied and is looking for a refund and you refuse them and then try to blame them and say that since it was a special they should be satisfied with what they got is completely absurd. She herself said that Alex the artist who tattooed me was not comfortable and only had two years of experience and was in an apprenticeship. So if he was uncomfortable why did he do my tattoo. She kept cutting me off and was extremely rude and I told her that she was being crazy so then she started yelling at me asking me where I work and then I have a hear someone in the background telling them to tell them where my addresses and they were threatening me on the phone. Save your money and never ever go to this place ever worst tattoo experience of my life. read more

Tattoo Union - This is the "fixed" tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went in this past weekend with a friend to get some ear piercings on a whim. We met with Helen the piercer and right away she was super friendly and was able to explain the process very well! She even helped us pick out our jewelry and helped me design my piercings. I went from having 2 basic lobe piercings to getting 7 ear piercings in one sitting! Helen was awesome the entire time, was very clean and talked to me calmly throughout the entire time. For me they were all almost painless and she was very quick! The price was also definitely worth the service I received. I will definitely come back and would recommend Helen to anyone!! read more

Way overpriced. Only one person working and took forever. Unprofessional and 2-3 times more expensive than any other tattoo shop. Do not go here unless you want to pay $400 for a $120 job. read more

Helen, the piercer at the Archer location, was very interactive, supportive and insightful. From what I can tell, she is a very experienced piercer and knows what she's doing and how to do it. She's quick and confident when piercing--so don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to. The shop itself is basically a magnet for the younger crowd-- stylish, flashy, and obnoxiously adorable, yet edgy. I can easily say this is one of Chicago's hidden gems. read more

I got 2 piercings, tragus and cartilage, both done by Helen and I'm very satisfied. She was super transparent about the whole process and everything was very clean. She guided me through the process of picking the jewelry that best suited what I needed. I highly recommend!!! read more

first of all if i could give these guys zero stars iwould. The shop is owned by a Chinese-American named Fong, when the shop first opened in 2010 i stopped in too look at the books. and see if they would survive in 2016 i made an appointment to have work done and put down a $50 deposit was told wait-list was 4 months for Fong, now september 2016 rools around was in ICU at the appointment date called shop was told dont worry about my $50 just get well went there yesterday to GET MY MONEY RETURNED swore at me called me a wop,dago and threw me out they are prejudiced against italians and anglo-americans in general,wound up escorting me out told me to take them to small claims court if i wanted to get my money back read more

Recently just got my cartilage pierced here from Helen. And she is a queen! Best for piercings! Quick and cheap as well. Great place to go if your in Chicago read more

So I originally, came in here about a month back and when I first got it done I was a little disappointed because it did not last as long as I expected. I will say that there is a spray that is supposed to seal your tattoo and I opted for that and I think I had adverse reactions. My tattoo faded and ended up looking way different than what I had gotten done initially. I talked to the people that worked there, and they took a look at it. They really worked with me to fix the issue, free of charge, and I really appreciated that. They are a bunch of nice people that are passionate about what they do and that shows and I will be going back there in the future. read more

I was visiting from out of town and had my septum pierced here by Rico! He was honest and professional. I would definitely come back here next time I'm in Chicago and would highly recommend Rico! read more

I got a nose piercing here, the piercer was super nice and everything was just amazing!

Tony is the dude! I came here for my 6th tattoo - so, not a newbie, but still pretty nervous because it was the first tattoo so close to my spine. Tony made sure I was happy with every detail of the stencil and then, on top of that, applied the stencil again and again until he got a perfect placement that he was pleased with.. first time I've seen an artist so attentive and perfectionistic! He made sure I was comfortable all throughout the process, was the consummate professional, and was incredibly friendly with a chill yet experienced presence. Easily the best tattoo experience I've ever had! Shop was clean, prices great.. if I ever get my 7th tat this is for sure the place!! Thanks Tony!! read more

This was literally the best place i've ever gotten a piercing! I was so scared going in but Helen really made my friends and I feel so welcome and calm. Definitely recommend this place and I know i'll be coming back! :) read more

I got a tattoo from Kevin at this location, and he was great! Professional, helpful, and quick. Love the way my tattoo turned out!

The worst tattoo ever! I came in with a pic from his own gallery and he couldn't find the stencil he previously used. Since he couldn't find it, he told me to choose a different font. I chose a one. He started the tattoo and when he was done and showed it to me in the mirror it wasn't clear. He had to go over it. Well after the tattoo healed, the ink bleed together and it became a mess! I emailed them on FB he ignored me. So now I am here to warn you. read more

Tattoo Union - This is the monstrosity that "he" did. You can't even read what it says! An absolute mess! You've been warned ... - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Decided to venture into this place after driving past it a few times. The staff is incredibly friendly and personable. I had two piercings done by Tony at their location on Halsted. He was very enthusiastic, made some good jokes to ease the pressure and did a job I'm more than happy with! I will definitely be using them in the future for piercings and ink! read more

Very well done! I've been looking for a good tattoo shop to fix my horribly done tattoo. Tattoo Union did just the thing. Fong is a AWESOME artist. He covered up my tattoo with exactly what i wanted. He didn't give me the run around like some other places did. He told me exactly how my new tattoo would look and i'm completly satisfied. I would recommend Fong! He's definitly your guy you want to do any type of tattoo. read more

This place is dope! A clean Friendly environment and great artists! Highly recommended.

I've got two tattoos done and really love them, the environment is lovely and Fong is a wonderful artist so creative so is Danny. I can't wait for Fong to fix my back piece. I would highly recommend them. read more

Great overall experience. This was my first i was a little worried but after walking in and a short conversation i was felt at home. All of the artists seem very skilled. I was really impressed by the cleanliness of of the location and the artists. I came in with an idea but after a short discussion they improved on my original vision. The tattoo they did for me was AWESOME! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! Thanks again guys! read more

This is hands down the best tattoo shop I've ever visited & have gotten work done at. Not to mention it has some of the best artist that you will find in the Chicago/ Bridgeport area. If you need simple work or a very detailed portrait tattoo this is the place to go. Ask for the artist fong he is a master. I will be going back soon. read more

Trung did an awesome job. I was nervous at first coz he looks so young but don't judge a book by its cover. His line work is sharp and clean . He is very precise and even; he recounted every dot and dash there was. He was very read more

This place is no joke! Fong is a talented artist. I got my first tattoo with him yesterday. It looks amazing. He has a lot of patience. He helped me change three times for the size of the tattoo and cuz my tattoo is a pair of symmetrical wings, he double checked the position of it. In love with my first tattoo!! Can't wait to get my second tattoo here. read more

Got a belly piercing here, the first guy messed it up (sorry I do not know his name) by making the 2 holes too close together, therefore the skin in between was too thin and the piercing was very loose. Went back in and I believe his name was Tony (white guy with long blonde hair) fixed it for me at no extra cost, by repiercing my belly button. 3 stars because I shouldn't have had to deal with that situation in the first place (and now I have an extra hole/scar), but Tony was great. Your experience really just depends on who you get. read more

Got my first tattoo done here by Tony. Great environment and awesome people. Would recommend it 100%. I'm sure coming back soon.

Fong is an absolutely amazing artist!! He just finished the left side outline of my back piece. Very detailed, precise, and great design placement! Both Helen, shop manager, and Fong listen, take notes and fully appreciate what design specs I am looking for. His freehand ability is fabulous! There is NOT another artist in the Chicagoland area I would trust or go to. I will add pics as the process continues...koi, lotus, bamboo, coins, cranes, peach blossoms, chinese symbols in his brush stroke design and a little touch up/improvement on an older piece in the same area of back. Awesome experience! Thanks so much Fong and see you in Nov! Xie Xie. read more

Stopped by on a whim. Sometimes things are just meant to be. This place is amazing. RICO did a fine line tattoo and he nailed it. Don't pass this place up. Worth the drive!!!! read more

I LOVE THIS SHOP!!!! They are so helpful and nice, I went into the shop 2 weeks ago for $30 Thursday with my sister to get matching tattoo's. We had no idea what we wanted and it took forever to get the nerves to finally do it. The crew in the shop helped us pick something out and I love the result!!! Had some good laughs, great atmosphere! STARS!! read more

I would have put a one star, but one of the artists didn't do such a great job. I think they are removing him they have a lot of great artists here and I just got a bad apple. I would recommend this place they do some pretty great work! watched the guy next to me get one of the most BA tattoos iv ever seen def ask for Fong when you go! read more

Do you want a tattoo that you will love the rest of your life? Go here. Fong is an ARTIST. If it's going to be on you forever you want the best not good enough. Prices are totally affordable. Other artist Tony is super nice too! read more

I wish that I could give Fong more stars because he is a great artist, but after the last visit to his shop and the series of events leading up to my visit, I was compelled to create a Yelp account and give a negative review. This is my story of Tattoo Union; First of all, I am a MULTIPLE repeat customer of Fong (10 tattoo's total by Fong) like I said earlier he is a talented artist. Getting an appointment; This involves leaving a deposit. I understand that time is money and nobody wants to deal with the "flake" situation, so I'm totally cool with leaving a deposit. In this case it was 100$. After leaving the deposit, I was told that the books weren't open at the moment and my appointment time would be TBD. That's not that cool, but still somewhat understandable. But getting a call on Monday night (6/12/17) asking me to come in Tuesday afternoon does not work for me, so I asked for my deposit back. This is where the problem really began. The manager whom I'm 99% sure is Fong's wife said No, AND that I SHOULD KNOW BETTER!! Now again, I'm a pretty reasonable person, I would understand if I made an appointment and missed it or something of that sort that maybe I would be in one of those non-refundable situations... But this was different, so I decided to go into the shop and discuss this in person. Shop visit; After talking to one of shopkeepers we decided to just get a quote and possibly work something out. My inspiration for my art was a picture of a 1 centimeter flower armband. In my opinion would be about 1 hour to 1.5 hours of work at the absolute maximum. The quote was for 400$. In my history of getting tattoo's I have never discount shopped for my permanent art, however I do believe I know what fair market prices are for quality work and this quote was ridiculous. So, we didn't move forward and I persisted that I would like my un-appointed deposit back. After about 4-5 minutes of back and forth the "Wife" agreed to give me my deposit back but that they were "no longer interested in taking my appointments in the future". Finally we agreed on something, because this situation left such a bad taste in my mouth that I would never return anyways. Message to Fong; I have heard stories of people writing bad reviews to possibly get discounts in the future. This was not the purpose of me writing this, I believe that your staff will ruin you if this is how they treat your loyal customers. Good luck with your career. read more

had afew tattoos done by fong, great works and reasonable price in chicago area. 4 stars keeps it up.

I've gotten a half sleeve tattoo from Fong 7 years ago. No fading and it looks like I just got it done. I've met and gotten many estimate from other asshole artist. Most of them first ask what my budget is or if I am getting something done right now. Fong was very patient with me. We planed three sessions but we end up having 6 sessions because i was a lil b**** And couldn't tolerate the pain, he constantly ask if I need to take a break, yeah I took many breaks during the sessions lol He even stayed overtime after close and didn't charge me extra for the extra supplies he used and the extra time he spent. Most artist did it for the money but Fong truly has the passion for tattoo. I know u can't put a price on tattoo but I just don't like getting ripped off by other artist, I want a artist that truly care about his work and his customer not just to make money. He even follow up on me after the tattoo! Fongs pricing and quality of work are the best in Chicago. read more

we went into tattoo union today, and were seen right away.. The staff is super friendly and professional.. Meticulous about sterility.. The prices are very reasonable, i will definitely be back for my other tats.. Give them a try, it nice to be able to get tatted on the south side... read more