If you’ve spent any time watching Black Ink Crew Chicago, you probably think you know Ryan Henry. You’ve seen the tattoos, the blow-ups, the heartbreak, and that infamous 9Mag logo plastered everywhere. But honestly? The version of Ryan you see on a 42-minute edited TV episode isn't the whole story. Especially now, as we move through 2026, the landscape of his life has shifted so much that the "reality star" label feels a bit dusty.
Ryan Henry is, first and foremost, a survivor. Most fans remember the tragic origin story—the loss of his sister, Nova Henry, and his niece, Ava. That wasn't just a "plot point" for a pilot episode; it was the entire engine behind 9Mag. He built that shop as a sanctuary. He built it to prove that a kid from the South Side could turn grief into a global brand.
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But then, the cameras stayed on for years. Success got messy. People changed.
The Shocking Death of the Original 9Mag
It’s been a while since the doors officially closed on the 2150 S. Canalport Ave location, and people still haven't fully processed it. When Ryan announced he was shutting down the flagship 9Mag shop, it felt like the end of an era for Chicago tattoo culture.
Why did he do it? It wasn't because he was broke. It wasn't because he lost his touch with a needle.
Basically, the "shop family" dynamic had become toxic. You saw the fights with Van, the tension with Phor, and the constant friction of trying to be a boss to people who knew you when you had nothing. Ryan realized that you can't grow a business if you’re constantly babysitting grown-ups. He took the "L" on the chin, as he put it, and decided that his peace of mind was worth more than a lease on a building that no longer felt like home.
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Closing 9Mag wasn't a failure. It was an eviction of the drama.
Where is Ryan Henry in 2026?
If you're looking for Ryan these days, you won't find him sitting in a shop window waiting for walk-ins. He’s evolved. The "Health Is Wealth" era is in full swing. He’s leaned heavily into fitness and mental health—something he’s been vocal about after years of therapy and public scandals (remember the "friend's wife" situation? Yeah, he hasn't forgotten either).
He’s been doing a lot of "Crowned Skin" work and private VIP sessions. Instead of managing a dozen artists, he’s focused on high-end, private tattooing and traveling. He’s been on a national tour, bringing the 9Mag experience to people who couldn't make it to Chicago.
- Business: Transitioning from shop owner to brand mogul.
- Art: Focusing on hyper-realistic portraits and custom "legacy" pieces.
- Focus: Personal branding and behind-the-scenes production work.
He once mentioned wanting to do more producing, and we’re starting to see that pivot. He knows reality TV fame is a ticking clock. He’s trying to make sure when the clock hits zero, he’s the one holding the stopwatch.
The Rachel Leigh Saga: Are They or Aren't They?
This is the question that clogs up his Instagram comments every single day. Ryan and Rachel have been the "will they, won't they" of the century. They share kids. They share a massive amount of history.
Honestly, the most recent vibe is "dedicated co-parents." They’ve both learned that the public eye is the fastest way to kill a relationship. In 2026, they keep things way more low-key. Ryan has admitted in interviews that his past "ill decision-making" cost him a lot, and he’s been on a mission to prove he’s a changed man. Whether that leads back to a marriage or just a healthy friendship, he seems finally okay with the uncertainty.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Show
A lot of viewers think the drama on Black Ink Crew Chicago was scripted. While the producers definitely "encourage" certain conversations, the pain Ryan felt was 100% real.
The struggle to keep 9Mag alive wasn't a script. It was a man trying to honor his dead sister while his best friends were stabbing him in the back (or at least, that’s how he felt). People call him "disloyal" for firing OGs, but if you’ve ever run a business, you know you can’t pay bills with "loyalty" when the work isn't getting done.
Ryan had to choose between being a "good friend" and a "good businessman." He chose the business. And in the long run, that’s why he’s still relevant while other reality stars have faded into the background.
The Legacy of 9Mag in Chicago
Even though the physical shop isn't what it used to be, you can't talk about Chicago tattooing without Ryan Henry. He put the city on the map for something other than street violence. He showed that tattoo shops could be high-end, professional, and black-owned.
He’s currently working on the "9Mag Foundation," aiming to give families in shelters a chance to see parts of the city they normally can't access. It’s a full-circle moment. He started with a shop to honor his family, and now he’s using his name to help other families.
Moving Forward: Your Ryan Henry Checklist
If you're still following the journey, here’s how to keep up without falling for the clickbait:
- Watch the "9MagTV" YouTube channel. That’s where he’s been dropping the most honest updates about life after the shop.
- Follow the art, not the gossip. His tattooing has actually gotten better since he stopped filming 24/7. The detail in his recent black-and-grey work is insane.
- Check for "Crowned Skin" pop-ups. If you want a piece from him, you have to catch him on tour. He isn't doing $50 tattoos in a strip mall anymore.
Ryan Henry is a case study in "failing upward." He lost a shop, he lost friends, and he lost his reputation for a minute there. But by 2026, he’s rebuilt it all on his own terms. He’s not the "Black Ink" guy anymore. He’s just Ryan. And that seems to be exactly how he wants it.
To keep up with his latest projects, monitor his official Instagram for "Private Session" bookings and upcoming appearances in major cities. If you're looking for a tattoo, be prepared for a waitlist—his schedule for 2026 is already filling up with high-profile clients and international guest spots.