Rowan is all about ears. We offer a fun, celebratory and safe piercing experience for everyone. All our piercings are done by licensed nurses and all our products are hypoallergenic. When we say “Piercing for All”, we mean it. Everybody is invited to this ear party.
Many customers praised the staff for being friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, particularly highlighting individual piercers like Tamira and Varynda.
Customer Experience
Overall, customers reported positive experiences, especially for first-time piercings, with many feeling comfortable and well taken care of.
Jewelry Quality Concerns
Several reviews raised issues regarding the quality of jewelry, specifically concerns about gold-plated items being misrepresented as solid gold.
Appointment Issues
Some customers experienced frustration with appointment cancellations and lack of communication regarding available services.
Cleanliness and Environment
The shop was frequently described as clean and welcoming, contributing to a positive atmosphere for customers.
AF
Alexa Freeman
2 days ago
5.0
Varynda did such a good job! They were so kind to stay open late for us because everything was blocked off on Michigan Avenue!
CC
Clare Camblin
Nov 15, 2025
3.0
Went with my friend to get her doubles, and even though the piercing looks good, they were not transparent with the price at all after asking several clarifying questions. She got the cheapest earring options as well, and her total was $250+. I got my doubles done with gold flat backs and a pro piercer at a tattoo parlor for $58 last year, not including tip. You’re paying for the girly vibe and experience I guess. Would be better suited for a 12 year old who was getting their first piercing ever
MM
Mackenzie
Nov 7, 2025
1.0
Very disappointed. Just changed out my piercing for the first time. I put in light weight medium size hoops. One hoop faces straight forward and one turns out away from my face. The pin on the backs of both earrings are perfectly straight. I tried two more pair and all of them do the same thing. This means the “licensed nurse” isn’t properly trained on how to pierce ears. I chose this place out of the dozens of options in downtown chicago because ear piercing is all they do, so they must be the best, right? WRONG. The angle of the piercing wasn’t done correctly on the one ear, that’s why all my earrings angle outwards. Now I have to wait 6 months to a year for my holes to completely close (if they ever do) and pay to have them pierced again. HORRIBLE.
ZZ
zoe zhou
Nov 1, 2025
1.0
I had a TERRIBLE experience at Rowan today. I went in to get a conch piercing, and the piercer marked the spot and started the procedure. It was extremely painful, but I thought it was just part of the process—until the piercer suddenly told me they had pierced the wrong location. They said the spot was too close to the cartilage and couldn’t go through, so they stopped halfway, pulled the needle out, and wanted to pierce again.
At that point my ear was bleeding heavily, and the pain was unbearable, so I had to stop. The piercer originally told me they would waive the piercing fee because of the mistake, but when I went to the front desk, they said the fee would only be waived if I got repierced immediately. If I came back another day, I’d have to pay again.
That’s completely unacceptable. It was their error, not mine. My ear is now swollen and inflamed, and I left without even getting the piercing I wanted. I have never had such an unprofessional and painful experience at any piercing studio in my life. Rowan should take responsibility for their mistake!!!!!
GM
Gabrielle Mesa
Oct 12, 2025
5.0
Just had my best piercing experience thus far! Tamira was a great piercer, and the first one to take into account my anatomy for the perfect placement. She walked me through all the steps and was swift. I’d love to see her again next time I’m in the city!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower
Do you accept walk-ins?
Appointments are encouraged, but we welcome walk-ins.
Do you pierce babies?
We pierce babies as young as 2 months old. We require one DTaP vaccine for children ages 5 and under.
How much do piercings cost?
Piercings start at $35 each + the cost of piercing jewelry.
What piercing placements do you offer?
Rowan offers lobe, upper lobe, mid helix, helix, forward helix, flat, conch and tragus, however, piercing placement availability may vary by studio location. We do not pierce the daith, industrial, nose or other body parts beyond the ears.
Do you accept cash?
We are a cashless studio.
Do you accept walk-ins at Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower?
Appointments are encouraged, but we also welcome walk-in customers.
What are the operating hours of Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower?
The studio is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.
What types of ear piercings are offered at this location?
They offer lobe, upper lobe, mid helix, helix, forward helix, flat, conch, and tragus piercings. Availability may vary by studio location.
Is Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower a cash or cashless studio?
They are a cashless studio and do not accept cash payments.
Can babies be pierced at the studio, and are there any requirements?
Yes, babies as young as 2 months old can be pierced. Children ages 5 and under require one DTaP vaccine before piercing.
Where is Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower located?
It is located at 435 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
What are some nearby places of interest around the studio?
Nearby places include the Chicago Tribune Media Group, the RedEye monument, and the Shops at Tribune Tower shopping center.
How can nearby transit options help me reach Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower?
You can use the CTA Bus Stop 6585, located nearby, to conveniently reach the piercing studio.
Are there any entertainment or cultural venues near Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower to visit before or after your appointment?
Yes, nearby venues include Method Studios cinema, The Theater Loop theatre, and The Crown event space for arts and entertainment.
What kind of products and services does Rowan Michigan Avenue - Tribune Tower offer?
They provide ear piercing services including children's piercing and various ear placements, as well as selling earrings, necklaces, 14k gold jewelry, and piercing aftercare products.