I had an experience today that made me wonder whether or not people were reviewing the same place as the one I just came from. Â
My experience at Jade Dragon today was terrific; from the initial phone call to the friendly desk service to the quietness and cleanliness of the establishment. Â It all felt top notch and I felt welcomed from the moment I walked in.
Best of all was the inking itself. Â Tommy, my tattoo artist, was kind, energetic, talkative, careful and very friendly. Â He managed to translate my custom design into a piece of art that I will happy with for the rest of my life. Â
The only issue is the cost. Â While not unreasonable (especially with the high quality of the finished piece), it did feel a bit on the steep side. Â But every time I look at the beautiful tree on my arm, I feel better about it.
This is one of those times that I'm glad I didn't listen to Yelp. Â I had a gift certificate that was about to expire, and I almost did not redeem it based on what I read here. Â Based on the reviews here, going to Jade Dragon was a risk, and it was a risk that I'm very glad I took.
A few tips for perspective patrons. Â
1) Â Know what you want (they'll respect that).
2) Â Do not go on a weekend or late at night when the artists are tired of dealing with asswipes. Â Go on a Tuesday afternoon, and you'll be just fine.
3) Â Ask for Tommy.
Instead of going to cheaper joints next time, I'll just save a bit more money and get the good stuff from Jade Dragon.
So I went with one of my friends a few years back and when she came to visit she was like can I get a tattoo from this place called Jade Dragon. I tried to get her to go somewhere else (where I know is good and where I get my piercing stuff) but she wouldn't budge she lives in the SE and she heard how fabulous this place was... I am not tattooed but I am stretched and pierced so and was not going to argue with a grown woman...so off we went.
So it was during the week later at night and she got the tattoo on the middle of her lower back. She was happy with it at the time it was a simple black more of an outline tattoo with no shading (evidently reading the other reviews they generally don't do a lot of shading anyways). the guy who did it was kind of a douche and just not very friendly and pretty rough from what my friend said.
So fast forward a few years...Since it is not a place on her body that comes into a lot of sunlight (she is not a sun worshiper) or something that anyone sees recently she asked me to take a peek at it because she thought there were parts missing? Â I did and it was pretty bad....parts of the tattoo were gone? Some of the outlines were missing, like it had faded away? I understand that tattoos do some fading after a time but to have lines totally disappear is weird right? So it looked like a really poor line drawing that someone did with a pen that was dying or running out of ink. Or when people get tattoos removed with a laser and they are not done with all thier treatments.
She also got her navel done and it was infected in a mater of days.
Needless to say she is getting the tattoo redone or covered and she will not be coming back here to have it done. I wouldn't recommend this place with the treatment and the quality of work.
I cannot rave about these guys enough. They to BEAUTIFUL tattoo's and perfect piercings! I have got a Koi arm piece (refer to photo) since my last tattoo here, and it is the definition of amazing. I have also got my nose and labret pierced. They use the cleanest materials and provide you with some aftercare products. Everything has healed great! I will continue to go back for years to come!
Review Source:Shut this sh!thole down!!! Went here a few years ago to get a frenum piercing.
I had to pay for the piercing when I walked in. The assho!es wouldnt even accept their own coupon from their website. To make up for it, I was given 2 barbells that didnt even fit my piercing. I was charged $140 it (I didnt know what the market value was for it until recently). The piercer named Mike yelled at me for flinching and threatened to kick me out and not give me my money back! This guy shouldnt be piercing (or even breathing for that matter!!!). The jackass used a straight barbell instead of a captive bead ring on me. Why is this a bad idea you ask? Ummm because the f*cking thing fell out the very next morning. Thats right $140 down the drain because some idiot who has no idea what hes doing screwed up!!
I wish the entire staff would go join their buddy  fat joe!!! Thats right I said it! I want these pieces of crap GONE!!!
If you need any kind of work done go to The Tatto Factory. Hank knows how to treat his clients!
I've never had tattoos done but the piercings i've had and friends and family have gotten here are good. I've never had a problem with them becoming infected or anything. They have fair prices (for piercings at least).
My favorite thing about Jade is whoever runs their Facebook page is awesome! They are constantly giving out concert tickets and gift cards and running deals or specials. I won a 25 dollar gift card from here. Also, Angie is awesome!
I don't know about the tattoo's but the piercer was great. I'd come back for sure!
Jade Dragon is by far the WORST tattoo parlor ever! First of all, a true tattoo parlor offers tattoos only--no piercings.
I came in with a very simple design (a cherub) and the rude artist didn't know what a cherub was. I had to help him search online and he said "Oh, like an angel and some shit."
It looked like a stamp. No shading, no gradients--and I wanted a black and grey tattoo! What I got was a heavy black outline (so heavy it scarred me--you can feel the raised scar on my skin) with ZERO detail. It sucked so bad and I still had to pay up the big bucks.
I ended up having it fixed in New York City (where I live now) by Kevin, an amazing artist at Black Fish Tattoo. He was appalled when he saw what the guy at Jade had done to me and corrected it FOR FREE--it was that bad. He added beautiful detail work, lots of gentle shading and some background so that it didn't look like a stamp.
Jade Dragon is the worst. I only went there because everybody talks about it. I guess it must have been a decent place at one time but no longer! AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE.
Rude staff, shitty "artists" and a rip-off, to boot. GO ELSEWHERE!
Jade Dragon has been a shop I've gone to each time I've gone to Chicago. This place was recommended to me before I even stepped foot in this town and it did not disappoint me. I understand that tattoos are expensive and people who get them need to understand that as well. Jade Dragon is a famous shop and ink/materials vary from one shop to the next. I've got two pieces done from this shop and none have faded and the black color still stays vibrant, unlike places that use cheap ink and it looks green over time. The staff was approachable and friendly, which I can't say the same for some of the previous shops I've visited in the area. I recommend trying this place out for ink.
Review Source:I had a few tattoos done here in the 90's and it started to go downhill after that. Â They used to have a great reputation but now they just prey on intoxicated young people coming in for their first overpriced tattoo. Â I was one of them!
A few years ago I stopped in with some friends and I was so put off with the people I wound up leaving. Â Their whole attitude is for you to hurry up, find something, get it done, and get out. Â My friend was getting one that night, and I thought if I found something cool I might get one too. Â But because I couldn't make up my mind and had some questions about how much it would cost to slightly alter a design, they seemed disgusted with me, like I was wasting their time.
There's thousands of pages of flash on the walls for you to look through... little tiny things that cost a fortune. Â And god forbid you want it larger.... you have to take out a 2nd mortgage to pay for it. Â There's also extra charges for what area of the body you want it....come on. Â I can't even imagine what a custom piece would cost!
When I did get tattooed there, they put the stencil on my arm and I didn't really like the placement so I asked that it be moved up. Â The "artist" was so disgusted with me like I was being totally unreasonable. Â I'm sorry but this is permanent and I want it in the right place! Â Getting a tattoo is a big decision but they don't seem to care about that. Â Just hurry up and get it done. Â Lots of sighs and eye rolling when you ask questions...
Expect to be treated like shit in there. Â Nobody is friendly or helpful at all. Â They just want you in, take your money, and get you out. Â It's no longer that fun place where you can talk to people, discuss what you want, and work with real artists. Â All these people do is trace stencils and charge you a fortune.
I got my navel pierced here and was charged $120! Â Geez. Â I was told it would be $80 for the piercing. Â I thought it was steep, but I really wanted it done. Â Then, after the needle was through, I asked how long it would take before I could put a banana barbell through it - I had one that I really wanted to use. Â They offered to sanitize it, and then change my jewelry so I could leave wearing the one I really wanted. Â That was $20 to sterilize and $10 to change my jewelry from the hoop they put in to the barbell I brought in. Â After being screwed (I didn't even get a hug or dinner), I tipped him $10. Â Ugh. Â $120 gone. Â And to top it off, my piercing isn't even straight.
Pass.
I'm very surprised that Jade has such a low rating! Over the years, I've known a lot of people who were tattooed and pierced there, and no one ever said anything negative about this place. It was in fact the most reputable, and thus the reason I decided to get my first piercing (my tongue) there 12 years ago. Has this place changed so much? I am wondering if the people complaining about infections afterwards simply didn't take proper care of their piercings? Hmmm
The next piercing I had done at Jade 6 years ago, I can't say where, was done in a professional manner, and I had no problems with it whatsoever. My friend got a tongue piercing at the time, and had no problems with the piercing or after care either. Heck, I even swore at my piercer, something to the tune of "WTF Are you doing?!" and he was totally cool about it lol. (yeah... it hurt a lot)
To whomever said all piercings are expensive, Jade is A LOT MORE expensive than any other place I've been to. However, the theory is, you pay more money for better quality.
I will also agree that no one seems particularly chipper and friendly when you first walk in. Yet, when you're sitting there nervously, the piercers do reassure you. No one ever said "quit your whining b*" as I tried to psych myself up for the experience.
On the other hand, I do think it a little irresponsible that they will pierce (and maybe even tattoo) intoxicated individuals. (But can't we say the same thing about most bars/clubs in Chicago who over-serve us the drinks?) When I got my piercing there six years ago, I was pretty loaded. Giggles and all! So was my friend who had to show up to work with a swollen tongue (and the inability to speak properly) the next day.
Personally, I give Jade a 3 out of 5 because I've never been very impressed by their art work. I'm not saying their work is bad, but I've never seen any incredible or seriously awesome tattoos that came from Jade (in terms of design and coloring). Cleanliness, however, they seem to have under control.
I got my belly button pierced here. Â I called around to several tattoo parlors to compare prices. Â I was quoted over the phone one price and AFTER I was pierced they charged double. Â When I complained, they refused to give me the original price. Â They gave me a "free" ring that was cheap and broke when I tried to use it. Â I did NOT get my tattoo here. Â I didn't trust them! Â I would not recommend Jade Dragon to anyone!
Review Source:over priced as hell. the place is great for people that have no common sense. Went there for my fist "professional" tattoo ( i use that word loosely) it was terrible and over priced. I unfortunately have gone back for piercings even though I know better. their piercers aren't licensed in any thing. Not to mention, they are all asses.
Review Source:They screwed some of my piercings years back. Also, they
are a rip off with incompetant piercers. I do not recommend this place!
I eventually went to the Alley and Scott Jania fixed it for me. Sadly, I heard he no longer works there and has moved to Australia. Not sure if the Australia part is true though.
Anyways, I had simple questions regarding migration and things of that nature and it seemed like they were annoyed because they were too stupid to answer my questions. All they do is pressure you at this crap hole of an establishment. If you feel ANY pressure then RUN & SAVE YOUR MONEY! When I went to the Alley I had some questions regarding an additional piercing that I wanted, but I told him I had some concerns about the previous piercings from Jade. He took a look and said it was done all wrong and explained why and took them out for me for free. He even said he'll fix it for me for half price. He told me if I wasn't 100% sure about the piercing then I should go home and think it over, unlike Jade Dragon. All in all, if you go to Jade you might as well flush your money down the toilet. I'm just glad I never got a tattoo from them. This place is sketchy.
I normally am not a review writer, but I felt the need to on this one. Â Jade Dragon has been my go to shop since I was a kid. Â Fat Joe did my first two tat's and I couldn't have been happier. Â He free handed both designs and the prices were great. Â The next tattoo I got there was also a great experience. Â They guy drew up my tat and the cost was also reasonable. Â That is where my happiness ended with Jade. Â To sum up my next tattoo there, just crap. Â Unlike my first 3, the ink is faded and it looks like it was half assed. Â I will skip to my last few experiences which collectively ended my relationship with Jade. Â One, it looks like a rotating group of artists (if that is what you can call them considering only 1 or 2 people seem to know how to draw). Â My friend actually had to pay to have a piece drawn up for him. Â Absolutely ridiculous. Â Also, if you find someone you like, odds are they will be gone in a short period of time. Â Two, I brought my sister there to get her first tattoo. Â They gave her a price, which was way high for a small piece. Â She goes to pay and hands them the 10% off coupon which is on there website. Â The guy doing that tattoo shows the owner and she says it was already figured into the price. Â Then why even have the coupon on your website? Â The final straw. Â I went in for a very basic tattoo, straight lines and one color. Â The price $250 for something that took the guy a 1/2 hour to do!!! Â What a rip-off. Â When I am finished, I take a look at the tat and see that he missed some spots with the red and there were even empty spots he didnt touch. Â A few days later, the red started looking pink. Â I didn't even bother going back to get it touched up. Â I headed over to Deluxe Tattoo, you can read my review on them and they fixed the red. Â They used higher quality ink. Â I got the Jade debacle completely redone and A piece that covers my entire shoulder for a price less than I paid at Jade for the 1/2 hour tattoo and I was at Deluxe for over 2 hours. Â
I will never go back there. Â That place has really gone into the pits. Â It is a shame, because I had such positive experiences with Fat Joe. Â I highly recommend you DO NOT waste your time or money here.
When you show someone your tattoo you don't like being asked "What IS it?" every time - EVERY TIME. I hardly remember what it is anymore. My water carrier (Aquarius) looks like a black and white carrot with the bottom bitten off - maybe that's what she thought I asked for.
I was rather drunk when I got it (my fault) but aren't they not supposed to tattoo you when you're drunk. With three of us falling in the door at 2am giggling, stinking of drink and acting well drunk... Anyway - you know I'm just trying to pass on blame for my stupidity to someone else. 7 years later and maturer and soberer and I still have the ugly thing. Yes teenagers - they are for life.
I ponder.... How to change a half-eaten vegetable into a cooler tattoo.... When I figure it out I won't go to Jade Dragon to get it done
Same feeling here as Brett D. I don't think I'd go back to Jade Dragon, like her I used to think this was THE tattoo place but I'm finding out, it's not. Those were my  high school days. I tell you, wiseness comes with age ;)
Not that there was a problem with my tattoo or the nose piercing my friend got but I've come across people with way more tattoos and way more piercings that have suggested other awesome places that I would love to try.
PLUS I'd like my tattoos done by talented artist not just any joe schmoe.
The very mention of Jade Dragon sends me into a frenzy... My million dollar butterfly was born here. I guess I should count my blessings because my tattoo came out great but it was seriously overpriced hence the name,Million Dollar Butterfly. Â I mean seriously it was more than my car payment. I was young, dumb and easily influenced by late night local commercials. There are so many tattoo shops in Chicago with way more talent at less than half the price of this one.
Review Source:What's in a name?
When it comes to Jade Dragon once upon time a time your future was bright.
I believe right when Illinois passed to Law that you couldn't get pierced or tattooed under 18 without consent, is when I decided to get my belly button pierced.
I must have been 15 and begged and pleaded to my parents, to be the envy of every girl at school and allow me to get my piercing.
It worked to say the least so I left it up to my parents to pick the shop since they were paying and I would assume had more knowledge in better places to go. WRONG.
The piercer was a complete jerk off and I love the sign that shows what happens when infected after being pierced or tattooed anywhere else...
Anyone I've ever known to come here as had an infection.
Then the best part is the price, drum role please ... 150 BUCKS! for my belly. Since I wasn't paying I didn't care but now that I do I see how insane and ridiculous that price is. I'm still pondering why there isn't a button for no star rating. I do not recommend.
A giant ripoff! Â If you want someone to permanently "trace" something on your body, go to Jade Dragon. Â They'll charge you 50% more than they should for a mediocre (at best) tattoo. Â They are not artists, they are "tracers" who work in a dirty, place, with dirty people. Â Why should a tattoo place have to have "attitude"? Â Tracing an image on skin with a needle doesn't make you tough or cool, but the folks at JD seem to think so. Â They are notorious for being rude and chauvinistic. Â Real tattoo artists spit when they hear the name "Jade Dragon" and you should too.
I'm going to Gallery of Ink to have my crappy Jade Dragon tattoo made pretty.
Sometimes, mostly these times, I wonder, "Why is there not an option for ZERO stars?"
Note: I did not end up getting a tattoo from Jade and this is why.
Last year I really wanted to get a tattoo, so I thought I would price out some places. I went to Delux, Tatu Tattoo, Metamorph and Jade Dragon. I don't even know why I went to Jade, I should have known that since their ADS (meaning HUGE BILLBOARDS) used a Jaguar where no one even bothered to take off the NUMBER for the flash, and that no one in the shop had probably even drawn the Jaguar that they were a pretty bad choice.. but I like to comparison shop...
I'm not a tattoo newbie. I completely understand that there IS a certain 'air' to a shop, which at times exists to keep out the crazies, but most shops drop that when they realize you aren't crazy and/or homeless. I  didn't know that a totally sober girl coming in during the middle of the  afternoon with a concrete idea/want was going to be such a problem.
The price they quoted me was astronomical, over 400 dollars. I had DONE all the work for them! Drawn it even, because I am not into flash. They could have at least given me a fake price like everyone else to get me to come back, only I wouldn't have for this reason: the bathroom. Â
I was so grossed out going in there then once my friend went in there  we both agreed that we were NOT going to get a tattoo from this place.
On their website their "master tattoo artists" (who have been tattooing for THIRTEEN YEARS it says) have sample tattoos they did that look like a kid drawing with marker on themselves while they were bored at lunch time. Master tattoo artist my ass.
There is a pretty funny story going around the other tattoo shops about Jade Dragon, I heard it at both Tatu and Delux:
A girl comes in and has an 'idea' for a tattoo. Apparently the idea was pretty simple but would require the guy to draw, actually draw, not make a copy of flash from the wall. The guy she is talking to says to her: "I'm a tattoo artist, not a magician."
It's pretty apparent from their website that these people pride themselves in being able to control a tattoo gun, not create serious, amazing art on people that will last them the rest of their lives.
I think this sums up Jade Dragon pretty well.
Oh and to the guy who said he thinks tattoo artists SHOULD take advantage of people who are new to tattoo shops and/or timid in them, are you SERIOUS? That attitude disgusts me.
PLEASE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SAVE YOUR SKIN. Your skin is precious. You will have your tattoo for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. High prices do not always equal high quality, Jade Dragon is proof of this.
I got my first tattoo done here and I wish I knew better at the time. I first called to get an estimate and they said $170 which was about average. i went in later that day and then they changed the estimate to $350 which is expensive for a simple design. He then cut me a "deal" at $250 and due to inexperience and a sense of guilt, I said yes.
Comparing this experience with other tattoo shops, I realized that the guy did not have a gentile hand and seemed careless. He was interesting and fun to talk to, but I would never go here again. it is pricey and they don't seem to care about customers.
It's a giant rip off. I only feel like that I didn't learn that by experience, but my boyfriend did.
He got his first one done here. The guy that did it was really nice to him and everything but it was a black and white, probably 4x3 inch stencil-like tattoo on his arm and it cost him like, $260 WITHOUT TIP, which is just NUTS. I don't know if they give you free touch ups or anything but his was all messed up afterwards and he had to get it touched up, which cost him another $60 somewhere else. It is a pretty small tattoo.
Another thing I hated was that I was 18 at the time but didn't have my license on me so they wouldn't let me go in the room with him so they made me sit by the door for the whole 2 hours (also very long for a small, relatively simple tattoo) and it was January in Chicago and very cold. They left the door open and had absolutely no consideration for the fact that I was freezing. Rip off.
They give you a free t-shirt with it though.
I had my first tattoo done at Jade Dragon 10 years ago when I had just turned 18. Â Like someone else mentioned, they didn't have any qualms about tattooing me even though I was underage.
I walked in knowing what I wanted and even had a sample with me. Â I had a 1" x 1" tattoo of a Chinese character done on my upper back (all black). Â I don't remember who the artist was, but it didn't turn out like the stencil: instead, the lines were very thick and ran into each other when they should have been more defined. Â Part of the tattoo area ended up being very thick with scar tissue from where the "artist" dug in deep into my skin. Â I was charged $75 for it I believe.
I hate the tattoo - you can't even tell what it is. Â I've since heard dozens of horror stories, and I attribute my experience to a tattoo "artist" who was not skilled enough to follow a few stenciled lines, nor knew how deep to go into the skin. Â When I went for a second tattoo, I was adamant about not going to Jade, and instead researched more reputable tattoo shops with well-renowned artists. Â I suggest you do the same.
A lot of acquaintances tend to talk to me about tattoos since it's a great conversation catalyst when you have nothing else in common to talk about and because everyone has an idea in the back of their minds as to what they would get if they felt like permanently defacing their body with art. Â And before I recommend my favorite shop my knee jerk reaction is to warn them to stay away from Jade Dragon.
I've had a piece done here and was not impressed in any aspect of the tattoo shop experience. Â The craftsmanship was bellow average at best, the customer service was bitter, the price too high, and their marketing that blankets the city with a rejected Ed Hardy design is a constant annoyance that is chock full of lies and outdated information. Â At no point, not even while physically handing them the cash money from my very own pocket, did I feel like I was appreciated for giving them my business.
Everyone that says Jade Dragon is a rip-off is not lying, it is a rip-off. BUT the only reason you got ripped off is because your pussy ass doesn't know how to speak the fuck up. TALK to the dudes/chicks working there. MAKE friends with them. If you come in and act like a scared fucking cat of course they are going to take advantage of you, I would too.
Almost every single tattoo spot is like this. They are tattooing YOU. THEY need to make money too. You don't NEED tattoos, you WANT them. So, quit your bitching, go get a fucking tattoo and show your friends how cool you really are. You made a friend at a tattoo shop, pussy.
I love Jade Dragon, I got ripped off there too when I was a little pussy but I think I've finally grown out of being bashful. You should grow up too.
Over priced and rude and terrible tattoos.
I got a tattoo last week of 4 small words on my foot...$120. Â It literally took the guy 5 min to complete. Â So it wasn't surprising that he did an awful job. Â
I went to Windy City Tattoo (frigging awesome service/prices/people) where they were disgusted with the quality of the tattoo as well. Â They will be fixing it as soon as it heals...1 week and it already is faded at the ends of the letters. Â Awesome.
And to the lady who was all excited about her free shirt...they give them to everyone, most shops do that. Â It's called "promoting your business."
I was considering getting my second tattoo at Jade Dragon when i moved here from Wisconsin, but I'm really glad I didn't.
A friend of mine got an INCREDIBLY small tattoo at Jade Dragon, the planet Saturn, slighter larger than a quarter and really simple (not even any intricate shading, just some blue coloring). Â Within a few months, it looked faded, as if she'd had it for years instead of months. Â The worst part was they charged her $175 for this tiny thing! Â Sorry, but you can't just blow this off by saying "all tattoo parlors are overpriced"... PLEASE. Â You tell me on which planet $175 is considered a reasonable price for such a tiny, plain piece of skin art. Â (And I met someone today who had 3 small Korean characters tattooed by Jade Dragon on her hip, and dropped $150 on it!) My first tattoo cost me $50 and it's more intricate (and slightly larger) Â than my friend's Saturn tat; not to mention, the last time I got it touched up was 5 years ago and it hasn't faded as much as hers has. Â Another friend got a paw print tattoo, twice the size of the Saturn piece and with really detailed shading, for $100 at Tattoo Factory. Â So NO, not all tattoo parlors are overpriced. Â Just Jade Dragon, because they feel they can get away with it.
Pretty good for piercings (if you go w/ friends who are getting stuff done and act on the if-y side, they'll give you a better price). I've gotten my navel, tragus, tongue, and nipple pierced here and had no problems with any but the latter (I have since taken out the tongue and nipple ring, the tongue because I felt I was too old, and the nipple because it was not healing well.. sorry for the gross mental pic). One of the male piercers (I forgot his name) is crude, but really entertaining, so I would go back to him.
Jade Dragon is okay for fairly simple and small tattoos, but they are overpriced and will rob you blind if you don't know what to expect. I have a couple that could use a touch up, which probably shouldn't need it quite yet.
So in conclusion- if you're close by, YAY for piercings ('tho they are by no means the best or only place to go to get holes put in your body), NAY for tattoos (every one has heard the Chi-Tonw story, if not then just browse the added pics).
This place should be shut down just based on a trip to their bathroom alone. No liquid ANTI-BACTERIAL soap, they use a BAR of soap!? For a TATTOO Parlor, people, the artists who use the bathroom will be doing your tattoo later... think about that. Enough said.
I got a weird vibe from this place soon as I came in. My heart started pounding and anxiety kicked in after I asked one of their unbelievably rude artists how safe the needles were they used and he answers me back: "the only disease you'll get is the one you already have!" and turns his back to watching tv.
Umm....what?? Wow thanks, that's great and so professional! I ended up leaving without a tattoo, terrified I may have caught something from their bathroom alone...
I wouldn't come back here for free.
There's one artist whose name I wish I remembered. He's kind of a sleazy ass who used to hit on my friend all the time but he was a badass artist. I don't want to call him out in case he's changed his ways but you know....
Tatt prices here are reasonable as tattoo prices go (however keep in mind tattoos aren't cheap). Jade is probably the place I'd go if I were getting a tatt in Chicago based on the work I've seen done on my buddies, but if I had unlimited funds I'd probably fly down to see Kat Von D honestly haha.
They also do alternative piercings. Rooks, cartilage, anything you need a needle to stick in your body to pierce, not a gun. I had my cartilage pierced here, was flawless, hardly any pain, no blood, ahh what a beautiful memory.
I was in Chicago for work and decided to get my third tattoo (I get one in diff states). I looked up Jade Dragon and went there at midnight with my girls who all decided to get tattoos as well.
The place is clean and more importantly, the guys are respectable. I was wearing a dress and wanted a tat on my back and they sent me in the back room so that no one would se my panties. But I didnt care anyway.
I gave the guy a picture of the tattoo I wanted and he draws it out. I told him I wanted it small and he made it smaller. I told him I wanted it to overlap my old tat and he was able to do that too. When I got my tat done, it hurt like a muther!!! My other tattoos never hurt much at all but I guess since this was a colored tattoo, it hurt more. He told me it would take about 30-60 minutes to complete but because I was so still, he was able to finish it in 20 minutes! Great job!
Afterwards, I was totally shaking and my teeth were chattering and he said it was just an adrenaline rush and he gave me a shirt to put on to keep warm and to keep as a souvenir. My girl friend's tattoos all turned out just the way they wanted it and we were happy with how we were treated and all the souvenirs they gave us. Great job! I'm surprised this place doesn't have higher ratings.
i had my first 2 Tattoos done at Jade Dragon and i have to say I was very pleased with both. I have since moved away from flash art to totally custom work so I wont be heading back to Jade Dragon anytime soon. My biggest complaint was, that besides Fat Joe I dont think they had any real artists just a bunch of guys that could trace over a stencil. I went back about 2 years after I had my second tattoo done and spoke to one of the "artists" and he told me that he couldn't draw my design. Not that my design was too complex just that he couldn't draw. I wouldn't recommend this place and the recent reviews seem even worse than my last experience
Review Source:I got one tattoo here which came out marvelous (by a guy named "smokey" who I hope quit and moved his talented ass somewhere else, because he sure as hell didn't fit in there.) However the price was very high and I didn't know any better because it was a custom and it was my first tattoo. However I got really pissed when I got my eyebrow pierced there and was quoted $35 on the phone and was charged $75 when I got it done. Â The place is run like a typical biker tattoo parlour because there is a huge fat ass biker momma up front and a lot of very rude, foul mouthed people working there who talk shit about you to your face and talk shit about what tattoo you want. Â This place is obviously a rip-off the first timer joint and I doubt many other people return here for a second tattoo. Shame on me for my ignorance.
Review Source:I got my nipples pierced here and they look great. Â
Ok that's a lie, but I did get my bellybutton pierced here once upon a time and the guy didn't hurt me. Â He also let me talk his ear off for like 4 days deciding what ring I should get. Â It was something like 80 bucks ($50 for the ring $30 for the piercing itself). Â It never got infected and it still looks legit. Â I won't be getting anymore holes in my body so I won't be back, but I would recommend Jade Dragon to someone else. Â
They also gave me a sweet "I love my Jade Dragon Tattoo" bumper sticker and coffee mug in addition to all the stuff to keep it clean.
Don't know what all the bashing is about. Â I got two tats done there. Â One on my foot and one on my back. Â They are pricey, but the place was really clean and the artists were totally professional. Â I brought my own design and they touched it up. Â I have gotten a ton of compliments. I am happy with both of them . I was in and out in less than an hour.
Review Source:Another over due review from me which should have been done 3 years ago but this place is awful.
Now I have never had any work from them because of how they handle their clients. I had gone in there with my boyfriend and I cannot tell you how repulsed I was by their staff. They made me feel as if I'm the lowest of the low in society. They commented on my clothes, my legs, etc. My boyfriend was livid and I swear he almost was going to beat the shit out of them but being the nice one I said lets just go. Reading the reviews I guess I owe my ex an apology!
Now looking back, I remember a friend telling me how an ex boyfriend got his first tattoo done there. He was stoned off his ass. I guess he even passed out while getting his tattoo done! Well I guess the tattoo artist wanted to teach him a lesson and did his tattoo completely backwards. Now I know you should NEVER get any ink done while under the influence but  if I were an artist, I wouldn't have even touched the person. Â
Not to mention when I was 16 two of my girlfriends had tattoos done by them and they didn't even get their fake ID until they were 19!
I went to Jade Dragon 5 years ago to get my very first tattoo. Â I was only 18 at the time, but a friend had told me they ink 18-20 year olds on the sly (in IL the age requirement is 21). Â I of course don't know if they still do that now, but either way, I got my tattoo.
They did a great job. Â I was really nervous (like I said, first tat), and the guys that work there were really nice and encouraging me to not freak out. Â This tattoo hurt the least of any I've gotten since, and it's the only one that has healed really well and has never needed a touch-up. Â I've had problems with tattoos since, either spotty jobs that have needed touch-ups or skin reactions that didn't exactly promote healing.
The shop is spacious, with many rooms (private and not-so-private) available. Â My large lower-back tattoo was moderately priced - I've paid more for smaller tats in DC. Â I'd probably go back again if I had the urge to get another tattoo in Chicago.
I went there today with my friend and we both got tattooes. It was my first one and the artist was really nice and friendly! The prices are quite high but it is worth it. They make u feel very comfortable and they joke around with you and make you less nervous just by the way they act. However the guy that tattooed me (don't remember his name.. oops.) persisted on playing classical music during the session and did not allow my friend to come in and look at the work he was doing. The session took place in a private room where the A/C was not working so it was gettng pretty hot in there.. not very good.
Overall. Not bad. But I wouldnt go there again.
Don't go here. Â Save yourself a lot of money by not paying for their overpriced work, and by avoiding spending money to later have that sub-par work either covered up by more capable artists, or removed.
I could write a really long rant about the crappy work I had done here ages ago when I was under-aged and uninformed (yes, they ink minors - the only reason I went there was because they had a rep. for it), but I'm sure it would be redundant with a million other stories you might hear about this joint.
My friend and I went to Jade Dragon last Friday for piercings. She got her nose done and I got my lip and nose done. Aside from being hit on continually by Mike, I thought the experience was fine. The equipment didn't seem dirty and we weren't there for hours like you sometimes get at other places. The main issue I had was that I called about pricing and they told me, "It starts at $30," with no further explanation. It turns out $30 really meant $65 unless you wanted a really giant ring. Oh well, at least now I know. All in all, it was fine.
Review Source:I used to have two piercings (labret, monroe), both of which I got at Jade Dragon. Â
I guess I realized all too late that they were overpriced. Â Both times, the staff seemed to be grumpy.
Also, my labret wouldn't unscrew after they had pierced it, so I had to go back  so they could help me out.  They charged me 10 bucks to unscrew it, and it took all of five seconds.  I'm pretty sure there are better, more friendly parlors int he city, and I don't suggest Jade at all.
I went to Jade Dragon expecting a lot. After all, the advertise that they're the biggest, the best, the cleanest, and the most affordable. Good god this place is a joke...
I called ahead of time and a very rude woman named Cindy answered the phone. I asked for a tattoo quote...I wanted three chinese letters about 1x1 inch each. She told me it would be $70. I was ecstatic since this was the price I was looking for. I drove down to the area, which is extremely sketchy. I walked into Jade Dragon and looked around for a bit even though I already knew what I wanted. No one greeted me and the place was practically empty. There were a few moronic college guys looking at tribal bands in a book. Finally I went up to the desk and asked if I could get a tattoo today. She sort of rolled her eyes and told me to wait a moment. A few minutes later a greasy dark-haired guy appeared who was obviously the artist. I showed them the Chinese symbols I wanted and the guy told me no problem...$300. My mouth dropped! $300 for three symbols that were 1x1 inch!!! I told them to forget it and I started walking away...they caught me before I could reach the door and told me $250...The answer was still no. I managed to get out when another patron walked through the door. I briskly walked back to my car. As I closed the door and began to dial the number of a friend of mine, I heard a startling tapping on the window. There were two grease balls from Jade Dragon looking into my car at me. I wanted to drive away so bad...but I rolled down the window. The artist I already met told me he would do the tattoo for $175. As I put my keys in the ignition, they grabbed onto my car and shouted out $150. I was pretty much done with them and told them to get away from my car. That didn't make them too happy. They started calling me a f*cking c*nt and a b*tch right on the damn street while they were practically on my car. I drove away as fast as I could and high-tailed it out of there.
The moral of the story is that this place is a joke. They run their business by deceit and lying. They have no quality artists and they think they can be as rude and overpriced as they want and expect people to walk in their door.
If you want a great tattoo at a great price, go to Perfection Dermagraphics in Des Plaines, IL. It's a close suburb of Chicago and their tattoo studio literally looks like a doctor's office. It's amazing. Their work is fantastic and their tattooists are both artists and business people.
I got my nose pierced here when I was 14 years old. Luckily, the dude was cool and I've never had any problems with my piercing, but if I had gone there after reaching an age at which I should know better, I'd expect endless ridicule and maybe a slap from my mother.
One star for the CHI TONW guy.
I know this place gets a bad rap for its revolving door atmosphere but I came here on a whim to get a few small tattoos and had a really great experience. Fred gave me the perfect custom skull and crossbones, as well as a couple of flash designs and was a cool guy throughout.
I won't be coming back here because I've since encountered artists I would stick with for life, but I can't say I regret my decision to come here the first time. I guess it's hit or miss with the artists, as anywhere else.
My boyfriend and I visited Jade Dragon on a whim because I wanted desperately to get my nostril pierced and my boyfriend wanted to get his first tattoo. Â It came highly recommended, so we went. Â I thought it was very pricy, for just a piercing, Â but the establishment was clean, and the piercer was pretty cool. Â So I guess that's what I paid for. Â
However, I don't think I'll go back anytime soon because there's this great tattoo shop right in my neighborhood that does custom designs for far cheaper, is just as clean, and I'm dying to get my next whatever done there instead.
I went to JD six years ago to get a naval piercing at the urging of a friend whom had gotten their tattoos from there. Â At the time it cost $60 and to get jewelry beyond the basic silver-plated ring you had to pay extra. Â After about 4 years I ended up taking it out (why I can't remember). Â
Now, I'm looking my naval re-pierced (I honestly miss having it). Â However, I am considering other places to get it done. Â Why I can't really answer. Â I guess JD didn't leave me with a "must go back there" feel - just my piercing and several weeks of healing. Â I think part of it may be that I'm also considering getting a tattoo (at least I'm at the point that I know what I'd get - now it's just a question of where) so I am looking for a place where I can not only get a piercing but also a great tattoo. Â I've asked a few friends about where they'd go and JD was not at the top of there list.
All said and done, JD is not horrible, but I'm not running back anytime soon.
Overpriced? Yes.
Quality? On average, the depth of the art could use some work depending on the artist. Â However, they don't suck either.
Quick service? Very.
Color quality over time? Â Actually pretty good.
Will I return? Â Nah.
Do I regret going there for my first? Â No. Â The place is well known and that is what I needed to calm my nerves for my first tat.
I went here for my first tattoo in 1998 and it was fine. Like, fine. Nothing exceptional. My tattoo still looks fine (10 years later), I didn't get an infection, and nothing is misspelled or accidentally a giant Spongebob, so I couldn't complain (10 years ago).
HOWEVER, I live in New York now, and I understand now that Jade Dragon is a ridiculous rip off for the type of service you get, and now I know that not everything with a penis and a tattoo gun HAS TO ask you all sorts of probing personal questions and invite your barely legal ass to his place for who knows what.
Had I known, ten years ago, of all the faaaaaaar better (in every respect) tattoo joints in Chi-town (or do we say "Chi-Tonw" now?), I'd probably have never darkened the door of Jade Dragon.
In conclusion, meh.
Everybody that knows a thing or two about tattoos and piercings knows NOT to come to Jade Dragon.
I digress, there was a time when I was 17 and really, really wanted a tongue ring (Hey, this was back in early '98 - stop laughing at me). I had heard of Jade Dragon at that time, looked them up in the phone book (this was before Yelp & Google, people) and called to see if I could get said piercing without an adult. They told me to come on down.
So, an hour drive later (back in my suburban days) here I was about to get my first piercing. Ha, I was stoked. Luckily my piercer was a very nice dude, he thoroughly explained the after care and I was on my way. It cost me $80 - and that's a lot when you're in high school. Luckily it was a good piercing and it never gave me any trouble. But I said goodbye to my tongue ring when I was 24. It was time to go.
I returned to Jade Dragon a few months after I got my tongue pierced to get my belly button done, at least I was 18 this time. :) I can't remember, but I may have had the same piercer as my tongue? I remember it being a good experience, again my piercer was nice and thorough. I still have this piercing today and it's never given me any trouble. I believe the cost for this one was $60 (again, back in '98).
And then when I was 20 it was time to get a tattoo with my bff (at the time). Since it was late on Friday night (JD is open late) we headed down once again for my first (and currently only) tattoo. We both decided to get tattoos on our toes, although different designs. I brought my own design (that was actually a print out of a temporary tattoo I found on a website. I had it turned into a real one. Haha). First off - IT WAS EXPENSIVE!! They said it was extra because it was on a finger or toe? They had a diagram of a body with certain areas marked as higher cost places to tattoo. Toes included. My little 2 inch tattoo cost $120. Thank goodness my friend was paying for most of it as a gift. But I still think that's pretty ridiculous. We were both seated with our tattoo artists and I seriously lucked out. My dude was hilarious, he was cracking jokes and talking me through it whole time. In fact he even asked me to scream his name! It was a fun experience...for me. The guy that did my friend's tattoo was a total douche, he was practically yelling at her the whole time. She was seriously bummed. Our tattoos didn't turn so well - she ended up getting it redone a year later. Mine has held up okay, although I could use a touch up. I do love it, it's a cute lil piece.
I wouldn't return to Jade Dragon, but 10 years ago it served it's purpose. I'm totally getting my next tattoo at Insight Studios.
Don't be fooled into thinking this place is good by all the ads you see everywhere for it. They do have a few decent artists, but most of the "artists" there couldn't draw a straight line with a ruler. In addition to the overall lack of talent, the people who work here tend to be rude, sometimes pompous, and arrogant. Their prices are too high for the quality of work they do, and if the quality of work isn't high (this is something that will be on your body forevermore so it ought to be high quality) it just isn't worth going there.
It could be argued that if you're planning on going to Jade Dragon for your tattoo, you might as well go get inked by your old pal in his basement with a tattoo gun he just got and has no experience using. At least it's likely to be less expensive that way.
There are many tattoo shops in the this city. There are many great tattoo artists. This shop isn't one that anyone should ever suggest.
Check out the websites of other shops in the city. Find an artist that does work similar to what you want to get done. Go talk to the artist. Maybe have that artist do the work. Don't go to Jade Dragon.
It's unfortunate that people come to this place thinking they'll be in for something great. Â I'm sure the good reputation stood true of them when they first formed but at this point money has gone to their heads and they are the worst tattoo shop in Chicago. Â I've heard so many complaints about piercings done incorrectly and I've heard over and over again the amount they overpriced for someone's tattoo. Not even that, but I've never seen a tattoo from Jade and been impressed. I can't even draw and sometimes I feel I could tattoo the person much better. Please stop going here, they will use and abuse you!
Review Source:This 'reputable studio' has pierced people's tongues with captive bead rings because they were out of barbells. Rings! If you don't have the proper equipment to do a piercing, don't do it. This place cares about money more than customer safety and satisfaction.
Also, if you think the tattoos done here are of a good quality, I feel really, really sorry for you.
Awful. Â
I went here a while ago to get pierced, and was so creeped out I left without getting anything done. Â I called beforehand to ask about their prices. Â When I actually arrived, everything was much higher priced than what I was told. Â It felt more like a used car dealership than a tattoo shop. Â
If someone tries to take you to Jade Dragon, run for your life.
so i went here on a somewhat whim with a friend from out of town. i had heard about jade dragon from a lot of people, but what they reserved telling me was that the tattoo artists are jagoffs. the guy who tattooed my friend was just barely ok, but the guy who did mine a)didn't shave the area before inking it b)was making sexist jokes (hello?? my friend and i were both girls) to the other tattoo artist in the room while ignoring me (the CLIENT) and c)was overall pretty damn lame. i dunno if it was all a "front" to seem "cool" but the only time the dude was "cool" was after I tipped him (even though the tattoo was ridiculously overpriced, i would be ashamed to not tip an artist earning a living).
the end product was fine, if not a tad sloppy, but the whole experience dampened my mood.
Stay away from Jade Dragon!
I've been tattooed here twice. Unfortunately it was because (at the time) you had to be 21 to be tattooed and I was 18. I heard that Jade Dragon was more lax on checking IDs. (which from other more recent reviews seems is no longer the case-but then again the law has changed now).
I don't even remember the names of the two different "artists" who tattooed me....but I *do* remember the first time was a lower back tattoo (I know, I know) and he went WAY to deep into the skin. He drilled me so hard that after the tattoo and bandaging, I bled through the bandage, through my shirt, and onto the seat I was sitting in! You can feel the entire outline of the tattoo to this day (nearly 6 years later). For three stars on my lower back I paid $175 (a total rip off!). PLUS this guy was a total creep who kept hitting on me, and commenting on my panties, etc. it was disgusting.
But I was young and naive and went back to Jade for my second tat. It was a Thai word on my inner left wrist. It *might* have taken this guy 20 minutes to do and I was charged...$80!!! The only thing I remember about this "artist" was that he had a Spongebob Squarepants tattoo. Sigh. I should have known.
At least I never got an infection, nothing is misspelled, and the work (although inexperienced) was not anything that couldn't be fixed....
Jade Dragon is soooooo over rated.
Well come to think of it, maybe it was just cool way back in the day when I was in high school... Either way my tattoo looks like crap and my experience there was just as crappy. Â
My artist gave it to me without checking ID (I was under tattooing age at the time) and then finished up the experience by asking me if he could....um.... how do I say this nicely.... go TINKLE on me. Yeah.
When I said NO (read: insert choice four-letter expletive here) he showed me his tattooed inner lip that read "F**K YOU" and showed me the door.
Goodbye and Goodnight. ICK.
I've never been inked here (thank god), but I knew plenty of kids who were because they aren't very strict on IDs and it's super-easy to get an underage tattoo here. Not to mention they also take in drunks and people who are clearly high, as well as hire people who are drunks and clearly high (I knew a junkie in college who worked here).
And I've heard plenty of horror stories, but here's one that struck me the most. A kid I knew personally who was underage and inked had an infection so bad he had to go to the hospital, ran a fever of 103 and was put on Ticarcillin for weeks. The doctor said he had a blood infection caused by a bacteria normally only found in urinary tract infections.
So basically something was handled by someone who didn't wash their hands after taking a piss and that could've been anything including disposables.
A note about disposables. Many shops have apprentices make their needles or they buy things in bulk and have them wrapped individually in the shop. Just because a shop uses nothing but disposables, doesn't indicate a hygienic or sanitary situation.
There's a difference between looking clean and being clean. Some shops require their artists pass certification on handling things like bio-hazardous materials and voluntarily have their shop inspected by people who can certify that they are truly clean. I'm sure Jade Dragon has a bottle of Windex somewhere. Auto-clave or disposables, if they're not washing their hands after a piss, you shouldn't be bleeding under those hands.
Tattoos are a minor surgery. Don't just walk into a shop and get a piece. If they're willing to break a couple of laws, what's stopping them from breaking a few more that endanger you?
The positive reviews on this page are the ONLY positive experiences I've ever heard about this shop. They also seem fabricated (easy to get to from UIC?).
If you want a reputable source, you could always Google: chi-tonw
Long story short, a guy comes in to get "Chi-town" tattooed and instead the tattooist inks "Chi-tonw" and instead of offering compensation to rectify the problem, all the tattooists decide to get "Chi-tonw" tattooed on themselves to show solidarity. Every reputable paper in Chicago has a story about this.
Edit:
Now you can also get *tomorrow* spelled *tomMorrow*. Of course, it's not the tattooist's fault because, "As I recall, he came in here with the word already misspelled." Yes, please trust a shop that knows your word is spelled wrong and tattoos it on you anyway. Can someone please mail them a dictionary?
So 10 years ago, after much deliberation and tattoo design, I decided to finally go for it and get my tattoo. I read a lot online (as much as you could back then!) and talked to people and I was told "Go to Jade Dragon". So I did. I brought in my design, talked to some guy at the front, who looked at my design and said it would be $115. That seemed like a lot but hey...he's the tattoo artist, not me - right? Then he just kind of waved me off and said they'd call me when they were ready. I sat outside with my friend for a while and maybe a half hour later this guy (all I remember is he had flames tattooed on his arms) calls my name and leads me inside. No pleasantries, no questions about if this was my first time (that's always nice when they attempt to see if you need reassurance, etc), nothing much. He sits me down in a little room and gets to work. My friend wanted to come in and watch and he was very gruff and said she couldn't (though she just stood at the door 5 feet away anyway, what's the big deal?). Anyway 20 minutes later I walked out with my $115 tattoo. Once I saw how long it took (or how NOT long, shall we say), I couldnt believe I had agreed to $115. But again, I just didn't know they would overcharge me like that. Looking back, I believe they were just hoping I'd say "nevermind, that's too much $$, i'm outta here" so they wouldnt have to bother with me. I just  got the feeling he would rather be tattooing some badass guy or some hot chick or something, not me and my measley tattoo. But I had put it off for so long I was determined to get it then and there. I kind of felt like the job he did wasn't that good...but I was glad I had gotten it.
So anyway, 4 or 5 years later (when I went to get tattoo #2, see my other review), that artist asked where I'd gotten #1 done, and he explained that the other artist really could've done a better job and he confirmed that I was seriously overcharged.
What makes me feel better is that at the time of tattoo #1, no one ever explained to me that you're supposed to tip the tattoo artist. So guess how much he got for all his "good work" and "great people skills"? Zilch. Sorrrrry! :)
AVOID JADE DRAGON FOR PIERCINGS. I got a surface piercing done on my lower back a year and a half ago. Not only did he pierce it in the wrong place (way below my belt line, ensuring it would reject) but it took him about a minute and a half of wiggling and pushing to even get the needle through me.
It was so obvious that he was playing it by ear. Not to mention, he just took a long barbell and bent the ends up with a pair of pliers, then called it done. No autoclave, not even a hint of sterilization.
Plus, some fat guy was in the waiting area smoking a cigarette. HI. DISGUSTING!?
Plus, they require ID at the door. I was with a friend who was 17 and the guy tried to make him wait outside (in the middle of February, at midnight!). It was only after some cajoling was he allowed to at least wait in the front of the store.
Ridiculous.
I know better now, I should never have paid for the 'service' they provided.
Do not get a body piercing here. Â I had my tragus pierced here and ended up having to remove it after only a couple weeks because it was crooked! Â The jewelry is totally overpriced and not particularly nice - the selection leaves a lot to be desired. Â They might be good at tattoos, but I will never allow them to pierce me ever again.
Review Source:Jade Dragon? Yeah..Not to knock people who've gotten tattooed there, but it tends to be the trendy shop for first-timers and drunk college kids who want a butterfly or an armband. Hell, I've been tattooed there too.
Just because they have billboards all over the city and ads on the radio does not mean they're the best shop in the city with the best artists and quality work. They're popular for their late hours, their few artists who are actually talented, and the fact that they don't care if you're fucked up - they'll tattoo you anyways!
I went to Jade Dragon to have a baseball-sized custom piece done on my upper bicep - a piece that I drew and brought in for the artist to stencil on me and ink. After he tattooed me, I realized that he literally used the stencil as a coloring book and did absolutely no shading, despite my requests. And years after? I saw a girl with the exact same tattoo as me. When I asked her where it was from? You guessed it - Jade Dragon. This asshole tattoo artist took a photograph of my tattoo and placed it in his portfolio and agreed to tattoo it on someone else. For those of you with no tattoos, or even just a few, that is a HUGE mistake in the tattoo business. Any reputable tattoo shop with good artists will tell you that if you see a custom piece in their portfolio, they won't tattoo it on someone else no matter how much money you offer them.
And as for their piercing? Let's just say that I had a horrible experience with that too, back in 1999. One of the twins, and I'm not sure if they're even there anymore, was called over to pierce my septum. He pierced me about a half an inch behind where the piercing is actually supposed to go, going through my cartilage and causing my septum to swell, blocking my nostrils completely. I had to have this surgically removed..But before I had it removed I called Jade to see if they could take it out. When I explained what happened? The piercer told me that they had no liability if they injured me and promptly told me to "fuck off". Nice, huh?
If you're going to get tattooed at Jade, don't just walk in and pick an artist. Do some research before you go in there to make sure you're getting someone reputable who has a good portfolio. Otherwise, you're taking a gamble with something that cannot be erased - and depending on how bad it is? It can't be covered up either.
Holy crap. I can't even believe how awful this place was. I had heard good things about it, so decided that my friend and I should get our belly buttons pierced here. I already have a tattoo, so I'm not freaked out by needles or anything. My first impression was kind of neutral-the place was a little dark and creepy, but so was the place that I had the tattoo done, and that one was awesome. I really got a bad vibe though, once we were taken back into our rooms. There was one tiny light in the room, and it was impossible to see. I wasn't given anything to sign, no one asked for my ID, and the guy who did the piercing never introduced himself. He had me sit in a chair and lean back, then he dumped some liquid on my stomach and did the piercing. He seemed irritated to have to do the piercing and didn't explain what he was doing. He never asked which type of ring I would like, and I didn't even see what I had gotten until it was all over. The piercing was off center, and when I pointed this out to the guy, he said there was nothing he could do.
Imagine my shock when I was charged $80, with a crappy ring and a flawed piercing. My friend was done by someone else and paid $40-and she had a cool ring.
I was willing to not be cranky about the whole thing, but the piercing never healed. I was really careful about taking care of it, but it remained infected for over a year, until I finally gave up and took it out. It's two years later, and I now have a very obvious scar. There is so much scar tissue it can't be repierced.
I can't imagine ever coming here again. I can understand that mistakes and infections can sometimes happen even to the most careful piercer, but there's no excuse for lousy customer service and such a rotten attitude. I've heard more and more negative reviews of the place in the last few years, and know a number of people that won't go anywhere near it. I'm definately one of them.
Wasn't particularly impressed with this place. Friend of mine got her nose pierced, I got a cartilage piercing. They didn't have the jewelry we wanted, and the stuff they did have was the jewelry equivalent of schwag. Overpriced schwag at that. And the employees just had a greasy, oily manner that made it very difficult to relax. Plus the place is kinda dark. Cree-py. Passe. You'd have to be pretty desperate to hit this one up.
Review Source:I've gotten all 3 of my tattoos at Jade. Â I've had different artists each time and have had a decent job done on them.
The only complaint, and it's really not much of one, is that my last tattoo that I had done was based on a picture I'd drawn, a baseball with my son's name in the stitching. Â I asked the artist to scuff it up with shading and he over shaded it and there's not much that can be done to fix it. Â I was upset until it healed and I started getting lots of compliments on it. Â Sometimes you just have to suck it up, right?
That being said, I'd definately recommend Jade if you're getting your first tat or your 10th. Â I'll definately go back for my next one!
I think a lot of people talk trash about this tattoo studio. Â I got my first tattoo here, and really LOVE it. Â I went about 6 years ago, and got it on my foot (before it was "trendy!"). Â I could kick myself for not remembering the awesome guy's name that drew up my Celtic cross(before it was trendy), but people stop me in the summer time to comment on it. Â When I was in the shop, random people were coming over to check out the intricate work that was done on my foot. Â If I ever decide to get another tat, I'd be back here in a heart beat!
Review Source:My husband has had each of this 20 or so tats done here, and so have I. Â They are very expensive, don't go to Tom - he f* one of mine up. I believe Mike left too, so that leaves George and Sam as the only competent artists, and my money's with George - he does amazing photo reproduction work.
What everyone is missing is that you are paying for the patented disposable tattooing parts. Â Nothing is autoclaved because anything that touches the skin is thrown away, this is something Jade owns the patent too and no other studio offers.
Yes I know a good artist knows how to autoclave, but I worked in a medical office autoclaving, and those systems some times fail to work as required.
For the sleeves we are getting done we plan on going to Deluxe Tattoo, we have heard only rave reviews and their work is really top notch. Jade dragon you get people in a race for the clock who leave out the details (which is fine for some designs, but not for larger pictorial types).
Don't take their word on price, some of the older artists can negotiate for better prices, you just have to know how to go about it.
I got my bellybutton pierced here when I was 19. Â They pierced it with the wrong size jewelry (too small) which at the time, being on my first non-Claire's piercing, I did not know. Â I later tried to put in a standard sized curved navel barbell and It caused such issues for me I had to go elsewhere to get the hole enlarged. Â They also didn't bother to tell this dum dum the proper details of cleaning and care. Â They caused me a lot of pain, trouble, and extra spending. Â There's still a little scar to remind me of their shittiness.
Review Source:Overpriced, overrated, and really not worth the wait. Â I think that through so much advertising, they have come out in the lead when it comes to tattooing and piercing. Â I stopped by, curious to get an idea about a price for a new tattoo I want, Â and was quoted one price by one person, and another price a little later. Â I have heard that the artists here are very talented, but there are just as many talented artists elsewhere in the city. Â I then proceeded to go to my normal tattoo shop, and got a price that was $190 less than the price at Jade Dragon.
Review Source:I had heard very good things about Jade Dragon from friends who had had tattoos done there, and so decided to (try to) get my nose pierced on these good recommendations. Piercing is not the same as tattooing, however, and my experienced turned out to be a disaster. I would never get a piercing here, never mind a tattoo (which I would absolutely steer clear from), based on the following:
Gf and I went all the way west on the Belmont 77, wondering if we were even still in Chicago, to get to this place. When we arrived, the venue was sketchy in the way that New England biker bars are sketchy -- sure it's cool if you're into that, but we're not. Into what, you ask? Well, how about this...
...We entered and were asked for ID, which has never happened before, but which I assume is legit. Both over 21, we wondered aloud if they were checked because they thought we were not 21. The guy told us the age is 18. Fine, obviously it's their job to check. So, he asked us why we were there, and I told him I wanted my nose pierced. He produced a coworker who attempted to help us. We looked at jewelery -- they had no metal studs, just rhinestones, and the cost was going to be a ridiculously overpriced eighty dollars. Shocked, I decided that not only was I not willing to pay 80 bucks, but esp. not for jewlery I really wasn't even into from a guy who seemed to care less about us. I told him that was far too much, and after a near squabble he went off to "see what [he] could do."
Moments later, he returned and offered to do it for fifty. I was hesitant, but reluctantly agreed to be shown the area where he would do the piercing. Mind you, at this point I had not been asked for ID, nor to fill out paperwork. This was the requisit when I had my tattoo done, you had to have a copy of your ID made and fill out consent forms before anything could be done, and I understand that this is standard procedure. Anyway, he took the ruby rhinestone stud that I had settled for OUT OF THE DISPLAY CASE and told me to hold onto it. I was horrified, as I had expected to be given my own, newly opened from its hermetically sealed package, stud. When we went to the piercing room (me flushed and scared and my girlfriend looking annoyed), he threw the stud in a plastic cup of blue liquid that had been sitting out for god knows how long, and told me to sign a very small consent form.
At this point, we were both traumatised. Thankfully, gf decided to get us out of there -- I was pretty red and very scared at this point -- and we left after demanding our money back. Who knows how infected my rip- off nose piercing could have been if I'd actually done it there.
However, we ended up going to a very, very reputable place that I felt extremely comfortable in and had no problems at all. The piercer and the tattoo artists were so friendly and sweet that I could hardly believe it. Not only this, but everything was extremely sterile, and proper ID copies and forms were filled out. And the price was more than fair for the service. Please see my review for the Tattoo Factory to find out why you should get your tattoo or piercing there, and sure as hell not at Jade Dragon.
Revised - Aug of 06: Â (Was previously 4 stars)
Jade Dragon was once one my favorite places in Chicago to get piercings and tattoos, but recently my feeling about them is very different. First of all it is next to impossible to get consistent pricing. Every person you talk to gives you a different price and never mind the used cars salesman attitudes.
My previous experiences were that they want you to be happy with what you get, so they show a lot of patience and understanding with people especially that are nervous their first time. However, that seems to have changed altogether. I was planning to go back for another tattoo and even recommend a close friend go there for his first tat and he had the same negative experience as me (which made me feel bad for endorsing them). I'm afraid I will not be going back there again.
Check this out <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagotribune.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fchi-070301bad-tattoo%2C1%2C7041113.story%3Fcoll%3Dchi-news-hed%26ctrack%3D1%26cset%3Dtrue&s=29020d0be997395d59039dc675e604c51e468d5e22e9e70bb70e9d23d2ff3dfd" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.chicagotribun…</a>
Pros:
Cons: Limited Parking, Pressured sales tactics
Cost: $$$$ of 5 (outrageous)
Overall Rating: 1.75 of 5
Recommendation: Not Recommended
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
