Sign Companies in Chicago — TFA Signs, an Established Chicago Sign Company Since 1995

TFA Signs is a family-owned Chicago sign company serving businesses since 1995. TFA Signs now operates from 5500 N Kedzie Ave and offers design, fabrication, permitting, installation, and maintenance for many types of commercial signs. First Ad Signs Inc. (TFA Signs) is listed by the City of Chicago as an active Class E general contractor, license TGC101080 (as of August 11, 2026); verify current license and insurance in the City of Chicago licensed-contractor directory.

Design and fabrication capabilities at our Chicago shop cover CNC routing, metal fabrication, spray booths, and large-format printing; specialized engineering, electrical work, and remote installation may involve qualified partners. Electrical work is performed by an appropriately licensed electrical contractor for each project. When you call TFA Signs, Seung or a senior team member answers. Not a call center.

What TFA Signs Offers as a Chicago Sign Company

TFA Signs designs and fabricates a wide range of signs at our Chicago shop on Kedzie Avenue — channel letters, neon signs, vehicle wraps, monument signs, LED signs, ADA signage, dimensional letters, lobby signs, blade signs, and more. Design and fabrication capabilities at our Chicago shop; specialized engineering, electrical work, and remote installation may involve qualified partners. Our team stands behind the work — every weld, every pixel, every installation bolt.

TFA Signs has served Chicago businesses since 1995 and operates today from 5500 N Kedzie Ave. Our shop-based design and fabrication support responsive turnaround and close quality control, and we coordinate with qualified partners for specialized work when a project calls for it.

How to Choose Among Sign Companies in Chicago

When evaluating sign companies in Chicago, consider these five criteria:

• Years in business — TFA Signs has served Chicago businesses since 1995 and operates from its shop at 5500 N Kedzie Ave. A 30-year track record signals stability and accountability. Many sign companies in Chicago open and close within five years.
• Shop-based fabrication — Sign companies with their own shop can offer responsive turnaround and close quality control. Ask any Chicago sign company: "Where is my sign physically built?" TFA Signs has design and fabrication capabilities at our Chicago shop; specialized engineering, electrical work, and remote installation may involve qualified partners.
• Chicago sign permit experience — Chicago sign permits require Department of Buildings filings, structural engineering stamps, zoning approvals, and sometimes aldermanic sign-off for special service areas. Choose sign companies in Chicago that manage this process for you. TFA Signs has pulled many Chicago sign permits.
• Electrical work by licensed contractors — Illuminated signs require licensed electrical work. Electrical work is performed by an appropriately licensed electrical contractor for each project — direct accountability and proper scheduling.
• Insurance and references — First Ad Signs Inc. (TFA Signs) is listed by the City of Chicago as an active Class E general contractor, license TGC101080; verify current license and insurance in the City of Chicago directory. Ask for verifiable client references — read our reviews on Google.

Chicago Sign Companies — TFA Signs vs. the Alternatives

Chicago businesses comparing sign companies often ask: "What separates TFA Signs from other sign companies in Chicago?" The answer comes down to three things: depth of capability, length of track record, and quality of service. TFA Signs combines custom design and fabrication capabilities at our Chicago shop, 30 years of Chicago permit and zoning experience, and the personal accountability of a family business. For specialized engineering, electrical work, and remote installation, we coordinate with qualified partners as a project requires.

Sign Company Services Available in Chicago

• Channel letters — front-lit, halo-lit, combination-lit; starting at $75/letter with permit management
• Neon signs — hand-bent glass neon and LED neon flex; starting at $300
• Vehicle wraps and fleet graphics — experienced installers; starting at $1,500 per vehicle
• Monument signs — aluminum, stone-face, illuminated; starting at $5,000
• ADA signs — Braille room signs, tactile wayfinding, ADA-compliant directory systems
• Lobby and interior signs — dimensional letters, brushed metal logos, backlit panels
• Storefront sign packages — comprehensive multi-element packages for retail and restaurant
• LED message centers — programmable digital signs for high-traffic locations
• Window graphics — cut vinyl and full-color digitally printed window decals
• Wall murals — large-format printed and hand-painted interior murals
• Blade signs — perpendicular projecting signs for pedestrian visibility
• Pole and pylon signs — high-visibility freestanding structures; starting at $8,000
• Banners and trade show displays — vinyl banners, retractable stands, booth systems
• Commercial awnings — fabric and metal awnings with logo branding

Chicago Sign Companies — Neighborhoods and Suburbs We Serve

TFA Signs serves businesses throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. In the city, we are the sign company of choice for Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, River North, West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Lakeview, Rogers Park, Uptown, Pilsen, Bucktown, Old Town, Gold Coast, Bridgeport, Andersonville, Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Ukrainian Village. In the suburbs, we serve Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Orland Park, Joliet, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Northbrook, Libertyville, Waukegan, and more. TFA Signs is Chicago-based; ask about coverage outside Chicagoland.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sign Companies in Chicago

How do I evaluate sign companies in Chicago? Look for a Chicago sign company with a long track record, Chicago-shop fabrication, comprehensive service offerings, and verifiable licensing. TFA Signs is family-owned and has served Chicago businesses since 1995 from its shop on Kedzie Avenue. Our genuine portfolio includes clients such as JenCare, Rush University Medical Center, Riot Fest, Loyola University, Fatso's Last Stand, and Cermak Fresh Market. First Ad Signs Inc. (TFA Signs) is listed by the City of Chicago as an active Class E general contractor, license TGC101080; verify current license and insurance in the City of Chicago directory.

What do Chicago sign companies charge? Pricing varies widely among sign companies in Chicago based on sign type, size, materials, and installation complexity. Channel letters range from $1,500–$10,000 for a typical storefront. Vehicle wraps range from $1,500–$5,000. Monument signs range from $5,000–$50,000. Neon signs range from $300–$5,000+. LED message centers start around $4,000. TFA Signs provides free itemized estimates for all sign types — call 773-267-6007 for fast response — call for current availability.

Do Chicago sign companies handle permits? Many sign companies in Chicago do not manage permit filings, leaving the burden on the business owner. TFA Signs manages the Chicago sign permit process including Department of Buildings applications, structural engineering stamps, zoning approvals, alderman sign-offs for special service areas, and final inspections. Our team tracks every permit application from filing through approval.

How long does it take to get a sign from a Chicago sign company? Standard turnaround at TFA Signs is 2–4 weeks for fabrication after permit approval. Rush fabrication is available. Chicago Department of Buildings permits typically take 3–6 weeks for standard applications. Unpermitted interior signs (lobby signs, window graphics, wall murals) can be installed within 1–2 weeks of order.

Which sign company should a Chicago small business choose? TFA Signs works with businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, we offer free consultations, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and designs scaled to your budget. Many of our clients are single-location restaurants, salons, retailers, and service businesses on Chicago neighborhood commercial corridors. We have served Chicago small businesses since 1995.

Are there sign companies in Chicago that do vehicle wraps? Yes — TFA Signs installs vehicle wraps in Chicago using premium vinyl films. We install full wraps, partial wraps, and fleet graphics at our climate-controlled Chicago facility. Our experienced installers handle proper surface preparation, material handling, and installation technique — critical for long-lasting wraps.

Contact TFA Signs — Established Chicago Sign Company

About: Family-operated sign company | Founded 1995 | 30+ Years in Business

Licensing: First Ad Signs Inc. (TFA Signs) is listed by the City of Chicago as an active Class E general contractor, license TGC101080 (as of August 11, 2026). Verify current license and insurance in the City of Chicago licensed-contractor directory.