Great Lakes Tattoo

Awesome shop! I’ve gotten multiple tattoos here so far between Mike & Mario but can say that I’d be happy going to anyone, all are very talented. Despite COVID (great in shop mitigations too), planning future tattoos has been seamless with good communication on Great Lakes’ end. A lot of very cool tattoo history displayed through out which the artists take pride in and has given me a deeper appreciation for the art. Would recommend to anyone!

Their sign says, "don't judge what you don't understand." Yet, when I asked Matt for a tattoo of a tree, he said "it wouldn't look right." He did not say it could not be done, that would of been a different story. This was for a cover-up tattoo for two words. He convinced me during our consultation to get some leaves and twigs and flowers instead as a cover up. I originally agreed to it because he was so insistent. However, i was unsure and unhappy.

The day i was supposed to get the tattoo, he showed me the drawing he made of what I had forcefully agreed to and the drawing was a complete disappointment. It looked like something I could of drawn in 10 min and I am no artist per se, even though I paint. They refused to give me back my deposit of $100 even though Matt wouldn't tattoo what I actually wanted. I apologized for wasting his time and felt very bad about it. The day of the consultation, I was only there shortly so it is not like the whole experience was worth $100 of time.

Matt told me to reschedule and walked away, he did not even suggest we discuss the drawing. I had to ask if he could take me in to review my tattoo and he agreed but was so mad the whole time, I felt very uncomfortable and immediately regret even asking. I started to have a panic attack and had to ask my friend to pick me up because the entire experience was overwhelming with negativity. At this point, I rather lose $100 dollars than to come back to such a toxic environment.

Back story: I had previously gotten a tattoo at this location and Matt was all cherry and helpful. He even drew and did the tattoo the same day. I came back because of my originally experience. But the second time around, it was as if I was speaking to a different person. You would think they would treat better their returning customers.

I came up here for my birthday, wanted to get a crocodile crying and Brandon killed it. It's definitely one of my favorite pieces. He was really nice and checked on me throughout the tattooing process. I will definitely be returning for more.

Relaxing tattoo experience 😊
Chip did an excellent job on the tattoo design. 💯
Great tattoo spot in the West Loop for first time tattoo or another tattoo. 👍🏼
The best time to visit is the afternoon between 12:30-3:30pm with no wait. 👌🏼

Came in to get tattooed by Nick today. First time in the shop.

1) The shop aesthetics are great. Tons of great flash to look at while you wait with a bit of a museum-ish feel.
2) Super clean, chill atmosphere
3) Talented artists across the board here. Nick works fast and clean. I can’t express how satisfied I am.

Worth the time and money.

Great shop, super clean with awesome covid protocols in place. The shop staff are all wonderful and easy to communicate with. I've been tattooed by Nick and Mike, who were both great. Really am happy with the outcome of the work I've gotten and the customer service provided.

Absolutely loved my first experience at Great Lakes. The staff and artists were so kind and accommodating to my needs! I was a walk in and they took care of me in no time. I went to Matt! This is definitely one of the best shops in Chicago. The shop is beautiful, clean, and full of amazing art pieces (if you’re a huge history buff, it’s THAT much cooler!) Cannot wait to come back. Thanks Great Lakes!

I went to Great Lakes to get my first tattoo done. I was super nervous beforehand but the employees there put me at ease; they were extremely empathetic and professional. I felt comfortable the entire time. I did a walk-in and ended up with Kevin as my artist. He was amazing; very patient regarding the draw-up and placement of my design. I never felt rushed and none of the artists were pushy. I got a complicated piece of line work done (all straight lines which is challenging to do well) and Kevin did an amazing job. I highly recommend this place and will be returning back :)

Coolest Tattoo shop in Chicago. Beautifully clean, friendly, and loaded with talented artists. The tattoo memorabilia is awesome to look at too. I worked with Kevin Leary who took my idea and made it into a tattoo that still blows me away almost a year later. Can't wait to go back!

Had the pleasure of visiting this awesome shop last week while in Chicago on business and got killer tattoo from Brandon. Messaged him ahead of time to set up the appointment and throw some ideas around. What he came up with exceeded my expectations! Super friendly and professional. Allison greeted me when I came in, rest of the staff was rad as well, and the place is solid all around. Amazing flash from the front of the shop to the back. I'm sure you could get tattooed at other shops in the area, but why risk it when the best is right here.
Thanks again all! Hope to end up in Chicago again to stop by!