Every season of Black Ink Crew Chicago ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Black Ink Crew Chicago!

In the Season 1 premiere, the crew celebrates 9 Mag's one-year anniversary and honor the memory of Ryan's late sister. Later, a surprise visitor shows up and starts drama.

We Run Chicago

The crew plans a surprise party for Ryan; Don tries to fix things with Ashley; Charmaine confronts Don about text messages.

What You Don't Understand Is, I Do Understand

Phor puts everything on the line to pursue a relationship with Kat; Van's future at 9 Mag is in jeopardy; Ashley confronts Charmaine.

Phor Play

Ashley makes a shocking decision after learning the truth about Charmaine and Don; Kat does a sexy photo shoot for Urban Ink Magazine.

Ain't No Prop, Clown

Kat and Van confront Ryan after his meltdown; the crew questions Kat's loyalty to the shop; Phor heads to the Big Apple for a meeting.

New York, New Problems

The crew heads to New York City to support Kat; Ceaser and the New York guys throw a mixxxy party; Ryan gets fed up with Kat's ego.

You're Not God and You're Not My Daddy

Charmaine reveals a secret when she returns from New York; Don tries to mend things with Ashley; Danielle's relationship is tested.

Kat Fight!

Ryan throws a party on a yacht; Kat takes time away from the shop; Danielle is confused; Ashley shows up at the party.

Yacht Rocked

Van receives shocking news at his court appearance, leading him to debate if he should run; and Kat questions the girls' loyalty after they fail to visit her. Elsewhere, Don takes Ashley on a weekend trip in order to prove his loyalty.

The Don Sets in Paradise

In the Season 1 finale, the crew hosts an event to help victims of violent crimes; Don tries to win Ashley back; and Van must make a life-changing decision. Later, an unexpected guest arrives at a birthday celebration for Ryan's late sister.

Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever

Ryan steps up his boss game when he learns that his staff is taking advantage of him. Kat betrays 9 Mag in order to take her Kat Tat brand to the next level. Don’s old college fling claims that he’s the father of her child, threatening his engagement to Ashley. Meanwhile, when the crew turns up for the biggest performance of Phor’s career, all hell breaks loose.

The Nicki Minaj of 9 Mag

The shop is up in arms after Ryan hires a new tattoo artist. Fists fly when Kat learns that Charmaine threw her personal items in the trash. Don takes a paternity test hoping to squash the rumors that he fathered a love child. Van is finally released from boot camp but rising tensions in the shop could put a damper on his happy homecoming.

Prison on the Outside, Party on the Inside

Don’s paternity test results send him on a downward spiral as Ryan dips his toes back in the dating pool. Van has an emotional reunion with his daughter after being separated from her for four months. Danielle’s birthday celebration turns into chaos when Ashley and her friends crash the party and attack Charmaine.

99.999998%

Van returns to work at 9 Mag but is angered that the shop has changed as Charmaine is forced to face the consequences of quitting her corporate job and following her dreams. Ashley confronts Don about fathering another child with another woman. Tempers flare when Ryan introduces yet another new tattoo artist in the shop.

A New Kat-Itude

The crew heads to New Orleans for some Bourbon Street debauchery. Charmaine’s family demands that the she moves back home when they find out she’s broke. Don is caught off guard when his baby mama Whitney ambushes him at 9Mag. Van reaches his boiling point after Cobra confronts the crew about the cleanliness of the shop.

Broke on Bourbon Street

Don brings his two baby mamas together in hopes of uniting his family but Whitney has no intention of making nice. Ryan celebrates his 30th birthday in style with a Great Gatsby themed bash, but the celebration comes to a halt when Van confronts Cobra about her behavior. And Danielle’s boyfriend Terrence makes a fool of himself when his jealousy gets the best of him.

Congratulations, You Played Yourself

Don receives some life-shattering news that could send him back into a spiral. Charmaine is determined to improve her financial situation and auditions to be a radio DJ. In the wake of one of the deadliest weekends in Chicago history, Phor heads into the studio with one of hip hop’s top rappers to record a song about peace. When Cobra’s behavior becomes questionable, Ryan is forced to make a tough decision about her future at 9 Mag.

Cobra Gets Rattled

With his jail sentence looming, Don pushes up his wedding date. Kat hosts her first art show, but things turn sour when Phor shows up with the woman he cheated on Kat with. Van’s relationship is tested after he confesses to his girlfriend that he’s not a one-woman kind of guy. Phor’s girlfriend Nikki confronts Kat about her attitude at a 9 Mag party—and things get physical.

Basic People Have Threesomes

The 9 Mag crew heads to the Dominican Republic for Don’s wedding. Kat confronts Phor about cheating on her when they were together. Van’s threesome goes horribly wrong when his girlfriend brings a surprise guest to share in on the fun. And Don gets a little too friendly with a stripper, jeopardizing his wedding to Ashley.

Que Grande

In the Season 2 finale, Ashley arrives in the Dominican Republic for her wedding and asks her brother to spy on Don's bachelor party. Later, Terrence gives Danielle an ultimatum; and Ashley threatens to call off the big day after seeing risqué pictures from the bachelor party.

#TeamDon

Ryan battles his staff over their growing disrespect towards him while Don and Ashley's marital bliss is threatened. Kat leaves Chicago for LA and Van starts a brawl at the 9Mag anniversary party.

The New Barack and Michelle Obama

Ashley looks to the heavens to help Don control his anger while Danielle confronts Kat about being a bad friend. Van discovers he's been intentionally locked out of the shop.

You Need Jesus

Danielle confronts Ryan about firing her and later Ryan causes a melee after he rehires a former employee. Kat shocks the crew when she unexpectedly shows up in Chicago.

The Return of Cobra

Kat’s Back

The crew is smitten when Ryan hires a new female tattoo artist. Don explodes when Ashley gives him a taste of his own medicine and things get messy when Lily hooks up with a fellow employee.

Work Is Work But Can You Twerk

Danielle reveals an explosive secret about Kat while JR and Lily take their relationship to the next level. Van freaks out when Jenn mentions the "m" word and all hell breaks loose at Phor's concert.

This One Time at Van Camp

Don starts his new career as a piercer at 9Mag while Charmaine's mom gives her devastating news. Phor attempts to reconnect with family and Cobra gets turned on by her new roommate.

My Cousin Janelle

Don freaks out after Ashley gives him shocking news. Lily and Cobra come to blows and when Ryan throws a party for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Charmaine seizes an opportunity to get her job back.

Surprise, I'm Pregnant!

Lily jeopardizes her relationship with JR while Van has a questionable plan to win Jenn back. Danielle throws a fashion show to help promote her new fashion blog and Ryan is rushed to the emergency room.

I Like My Tamales Real

Ryan triumphantly returns to the shop after a major health scare while JR learns disturbing information about his relationship with Lily. Phor questions his career as a tattoo artist when a client shames his work on the internet.

Freeze My FUPA!

Kat questions her life in LA while Lily tries to turn the shop against Cobra. Charmaine's relationship is on rocky ground when her career takes priority over Neek.

Lola From Nola

Ryan is devastated when an injury prevents him from tatting his childhood idols. Charmaine tries to persuade Cobra to stay at 9Ma while Jenn's inadvertent nip slip sends Van over the edge.

I Feel Like Beyonce

The crew heads to Mexico for some fun, sun, and tequila but tensions rise when Kat arrives at the villa unannounced. Kat reveals a shocking secret about Ryan and he loses his cool when Lily crosses a line.

Chi-Cabo (Part 1)

Cobra is faced with a tough decision when Phor tells her the truth about Velvet. Lily attempts to reunite with the sisters she hasn't seen since her father's murder. Kat decides it’s time Rachel knows the truth.

Chi-Cabo (Part 2)

Ryan tries to salvage his relationship with Rachel, while Phor and Nikki take theirs to new heights. The crew throws Kat a surprise birthday party at 9Mag behind Ryan's back. JR goes ham when Lily brings the guy she cheated on him with to the shop.

My Little Sir Brumfield

The crew hatches a plan to get Kat to come back to 9Mag. Ashley throws a tantrum at her gender reveal party. Charmaine's dreams of movie stardom hang in the balance. Kat confronts Ryan over what happened at the lake house.

I Cleared My Truth

Everybody Loves Kat

In the Season 3 finale, the ladies grill Kat and Lily about their hookup; everyone puts their differences aside to honor Don's sister; Lily opens up to JR about her past; and Ryan invites the crew to yet another a lake house to make amends, but things go left when Kat shows up and demands to be rehired at 9Mag.

Go Ahead, Becky

After Kat’s banishment, Ryan has disappeared. 9 Mag grapples with the new status quo. Phor plays the biggest show of his rap career. A snapchat video finally makes Ashley leave Don. Van tries to keep his temper in check as Ryan drops a bomb on 9 Mag.

The Takeover Begins

Unable to take over the lease for 9MAG, Van and the crew hold one last party at the shop, Phor gets a recording opportunity in L.A., and Ashley confronts Don's mistress.

9MAG Is Dead

Don tries to keep Ashley from moving their kids to Texas, Van puts together a fashion show, and someone from Terrence’s past threatens his engagement to Danielle.

Tom, Dick, and Cobra

While the 9MAG crew is at a loss, Lily makes moves to bring the shop back from the dead. Charmaine blind-sides Danielle with details of Terrence's hookup. Van is shook about his baby girl's new boyfriend. Ryan takes a stance with a new shop.

A Whole New Squad

As the new 9MAG and Loyal Ink each move closer to launch, Ryan tries recruiting an old friend, while Lily and Charmaine clash over rehiring Danielle.

New Lease, New Reese

Ashley returns from Texas after Don gets a DUI, Terrence proposes to Danielle again, and Charmaine goes behind everyone's backs to put herself in charge of Loyal Ink.

The HBIC

Charmaine has a mutiny on her hands after she announces new rules for the shop, Van and Jenn have an explosive fight, and Ryan has a special Mother's Day surprise for Rachel.

White Tacticals

Loyal Ink holds an official grand opening, Don and Ashley reassess their marriage after Ashdon goes to the hospital, and Charmaine nabs a Nipsey Hussle radio interview.

Do The Hussle

Phor follows his music dreams to L.A., Ryan tags along for a pop-up that garners interest from Nicki Minaj, and talk of Ryan's legal troubles makes the rounds at Loyal Ink.

Barbie Tingz

Phor arrives in Jamaica with the 9MAG crew for a performance of a lifetime. Loyal Ink's plan to surprise him fails when they bring too much of their Chicago baggage with them.

All Phor One

9Mag and Loyal Ink's trip to Jamaica takes a turn for the worse. Phor's dream of being on stage in Jamaica is deferred. Don has something special planned for Ashley to win her back. 9Mag and Loyal Ink finally come face to face.

The Last Supper

Neek returns from Africa, and Charmaine uses her best assets to bind them together forever; Don returns to his male stripper days; Cobra discovers a dirty secret about Reese's past and questions her artistic integrity.

Reese, Scheduled

With construction behind schedule, Ryan hires a powerhouse manager to get 9MAG back in business; Charmaine makes a catastrophic first impression on Neek's mother; Junior's girlfriend stirs up trouble at Loyal Ink.

Neek and You Shall Find

The Loyal Ink crew tries to regain the trust of Lily and Reese by taking them on a team-building trip at an adult campground in the middle of the woods. Tensions ignite at the camp’s “Foam Party.”

One Time At Adult Camp

After quitting Loyal Ink, Lily decides to make other moves; Cobra takes on a new hobby of becoming a luchador; after Phor hits a breaking point in LA, he looks to Ryan for some ink therapy; Charmaine and Ryan come face to face.

I'm the New You

Ryan makes a shocking move that will have serious consequences for 9Mag and Loyal Ink; Phor struggles to keep both his music career and relationship afloat; a furious Don makes an announcement that will change the direction of Loyal Ink forever.

Welcome to 9Mag...Again!

Weeks after Ryan's dramatic takeover of 9MAG, tensions run high between Phor and Don, Ryan and Rachel reach the end of the road, and Charmaine undergoes a medical procedure.

9MAG Is Forever

Lily becomes a reluctant co-parent when Bella moves in, Charmaine gabs about Phor's sexts on the radio, and Van finally forgives Ryan for past betrayals.

Give Me a Smoothie Gina

Lily flirts with the shop's new guest artist, Don is forced to kick a resentful Brittany out of the shop, and Van's new apprentice rubs the ladies of 9MAG the wrong way.

Tattoo Shop of Horrors

When the 9MAG crew heads to a Vegas tattoo convention, Evenita shows up to the convention unannounced to get closer to Van, and Bella flips on Lily for not having her back.

Michael Jackson Is ALIVE!

Van decides to commit to Jenn after hooking up with Evenita, Shine gets frustrated by 9MAG's unprofessionalism, and Junior arrives to tear up the Vegas Strip with the guys.

She's Here If You Evenita

Lily sees Junior and Adriana for the first time since Jamaica, Don struggles to be there for both his dad and Phor as they battle depression, and Jenn confronts Van.

Phor

Junior returns to 9MAG while trying to patch things up with Adriana, Erica Mena is Ryan's new celebrity client, and Friendsgiving goes off the rails.

Potato With a Scarf On

All of 9MAG reacts to what happened on Friendsgiving; Junior gets in touch with himself and his past; Don expands his horizons; Charmaine outs Lily as a racist.

I Didn't Say I Hate Her (I Just Don't Like Her)

Ryan gets an ominous call for a meeting from the building management to discuss the future of 9MAG; Lily uses her break from the shop to focus on her art; Charmaine decides to organize a protest.

I Hope You Make It to America

Ryan toils in secrecy on a new mystery shop; Van scares some sense into his daughter's boyfriend; rising actor Don ponders a move to NYC; Phor shines in the studio while Charmaine wants answers about her future with 9MAG.

Lacuna Matata

Van bullies Bella with a tyrannical set of new rules at the old shop, Ryan shuts Phor out of the new shop, and Lily turns up at the old 9MAG's party to defend Bella.

Don't Come for Queen Latifah

Van’s leadership skills are put under the microscope, as the old shop continues to suffer; Lily wonders if she still has a future at 9Mag; Charmaine’s parents come to town; and Phor receives a baller opportunity.

Ryantology

The new 9MAG and the old 9MAG head to Miami for team-building, Charmaine struggles to find happiness, and Ryan reveals his feelings about the old team.

Team Bonding!

The crew grows closer during their team-building trip to Miami, Phor performs and invites a surprise guest, and peace between Lily and Charmaine is short-lived.

From Chi-ami to Sky-ami

Van defends himself and his artwork against a few unhappy clients causing legal trouble for Ryan. While Don and Ashley view houses at the top of their non-existent budget, a familiar face returns for a second chance at life and love at 9MAG.

The Cover Up Is Worse Than the Crime

Past and present members of the 9MAG crew attend the Chicago Tattoo Convention, where they dig up old conspiracy theories and drag old rivalries to the ground.

What Is This, A Reunion Show?

Van fires Lily after she tarnishes the 9MAG brand at the tattoo convention; Neek gives Charmaine an ultimatum; Ryan and Phor fly to Los Angeles.

The Steve Harvey Show

Charmaine returns to 9MAG in hopes of getting her job back; Van takes his daughter on a college tour; Don asks Ashley for another chance at a perfect wedding.

Deja Vu

Neek plans to surprise Charmaine in South Carolina with a marriage proposal and invites the crew along for the event. A few unexpected guests and a history lesson force everyone to revisit the past and be grateful for the present.

The Vianna and the Long Haitian

The happiest day of Charmaine's life is overshadowed by a rumor that won't die. Ryan decides it's time for a change at 9MAG and Don is just the one to make it.

Period, End of Sentence

Episode 21

Episode 22

Episode 23

Episode 24

Charmaine teams with a new partner to start her own shop after leaving 9MAG, Ryan tries balancing work and co-parenting, and Ashley gets distressing news.

The Future Is Female

Don and Ashley nervously await the results of her biopsy, Charmaine and Neek resist wedding pressure from both their moms, and Ryan reckons with past trauma.

Proper Excited

Charmaine announces her pregnancy to the 2nd City crew and tries to appease her mother-in-law; Jess announces a pajama party at her house and gets a dose of reality.

World's Best Dad!

Draya calls out Zach over his behavior at the party, Ashley objects to Don playing wingman, Ryan moves into a new place, and Kitty visits from New York.

Second City, Welcome Kitty

Phor receives an unexpected DM about a woman from his past, Charmaine starts planning her wedding, and two 2nd City Ink artists consider leaving the shop.

My Big Fat Neek Wedding

An ex-employee turns up at 9MAG in need of work, Phor meets his alleged teenage daughter, and Charmaine does a maternity photoshoot before getting devastating news.

Glenda

Charmaine prepares for her mother's funeral.

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

The gang turns up on Bourbon Street in the spirit of Glenda. Kitty considers Charmaine's job offer, but Jess is left in the dark. Don helps Phor get answers about his potential daughter while Prince makes a tough decision.

The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee

Sparks fly when Ashley is pushed to the edge and explodes after failing to sort out her issues with Don.

Some People Like Cake, Some People do not Like Cake

Ashley reveals the real reason she left Don.

Don's Latest Snapchat Video

Episode 11

Rumor Had It

When a romantic video of Ryan and Rachel vacationing in Mexico shows up on social media, a jilted Kitty bares her claws. Former Chicago Bull Eddy Curry gets a memorial tattoo. 2nd City Ink hosts an open call to expand the team.

Chicago Ain't That Big

Char's false alarm forces her into early maternity leave. Kitty's determined to prove to Char that she can handle the shop in her absence. Over at 9MAG, Draya and Phor forge on to keep the tattoo community unified while tensions at 2nd City rise between Kitty and Char's not-so-new hired help.

Mucus Still Plugged

Char struggles to find balance between the shop and maternity. Back at the shop, Kitty's caught off guard by Jess' surprise to elevate things at 2nd City. At 9MAG, Ryan and Rachel finally come to terms with their relationship

Other Side of the Pond

The Shutdown

Ready to Reclaim Our Time

Second Episode, Second City

What Happened With Us

Always and Phorever

Pros and Conventions

Steven balances his friendship with Kitty against a guest spot offer at 9MAG, Prince feels unappreciated at 2nd City Ink, and Ryan calls a meeting of both shops to unify the crew

This Platform Is Black Ink Crew

Follow the tattoo artists at 9Mag in Chicago as they band together to create new identities for themselves, their families, and their business.

The Best Seasons of Black Ink Crew Chicago

The Best Seasons of Black Ink Crew Chicago

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7