CHI-TOWN GETS INKED AS VH1 PREMIERES THE NEW SERIES "BLACK INK CREW: CHICAGO" ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH AT 9PM ET/PT

(August 31, 2015)- New York, New York- The Black Ink Crew franchise blows into the Windy City as VH1 adds "Black Ink Crew: Chicago" to its fall slate. Premiering Monday, October 26th at 9PM ET/PT, watch as several talented tattoo artists look to find success at "9Mag" - a tattoo mecca for hip hop elites, celebrities and athletes. The series, produced by Big Fish Entertainment, follows a passionate and ambitious group of friends through the unforgiving streets of Chicago as they band together to create new identities for themselves, their families and their business. VH1's "Black Ink Crew: Chicago" premieres Monday, October 26th at 9PM ET/PT.

The cast includes:

· Ryan is the owner of 9Mag, a prominent Chicago tattoo shop. Ryan created 9Mag as a legacy to his late sister and niece. Ryan's drive and ambition are the strength of 9Mag, and he'll do whatever he can to keep his family together.

· Kat is the hottest female tattoo artist in the Chicago area. She is the "little sister" of the shop and has the guys wrapped around her finger. Phor and Kat flirt shamelessly, but Kat finds it hard to commit because of her ambitious career goals.

· Phor is a 9Mag tattoo artist, but his true love lies with music. He burns the candle at both ends, tattooing, spending time in the studio, and, of course, partying with his 9Mag family. He's quite the ladies' man, but he has his eye on Kat.

· Charmaine is 9Mag's event planner. Her flirtatious nature creates tension and drama in the shop, especially between Don and his girlfriend, Ashley. But that doesn't stop Charmaine from tearing it up on AND off the dance floor. This Southern belle is a fireball and definitely knows how to capture a room.

· Don is Phor's little brother, best friend and assistant. Don has a great sense of humor and a big heart. Though he gets into his fair share of trouble, Don tries to maintain his focus so he can provide for his girlfriend, Ashley, and their two year old son, DJ.

· Danielle is 9Mag's "good girl" receptionist who strives to keep it together when things are far from perfect. She is Charmaine's cousin, and Kat's former college roommate. While Danielle has her life together, she definitely knows how to throw down and party with the best of them. And, if you mess with her girls, watch out!

· Van is Ryan's former business rival, and got his start tattooing from his mom's basement. Over time, he developed an incredible reputation as an artist. He took it to another level when he partnered with Ryan, his previous competition. Van is the "big brother" of the group and always tries to hold it down for the 9mag family.

Be sure to 'like' "Black Ink Crew: Chicago" on Facebook, follow @BlackInkCrew on Twitter and use #BlackInkCHI to join the conversation.

VH1's "Black Ink Crew: Chicago" is executive produced by Dan Cesareo, Shelley Sinha and Jessica Antonini for Big Fish Entertainment. Susan Levison, Nina L. Diaz, Ken Martinez and Daniel Blau Rogge are executive producers for VH1.

VH1 delivers the ultimate mash-up of music, pop culture and nostalgia for adults who still want to have fun. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, the VH1 App, and @VH1, the hub for all things music and pop culture. Fans may also access current and retro VH1 programming via the VH1 App, the network's three-in-one video, new form content and co-viewing app, available for free on iOS and Android platforms. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.