Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi
Last inspected: Jul 8, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi seven times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Jul 8, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around nine violations each, up from closer to five violations before.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi is comfortably above that bar. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 8, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11-- WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT THE EXHAUST HOOD. MUST REPLACE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
90
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
7 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO SOAP AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISE OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE SERVED AND PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: BOTH FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. SUSHI PREP HAND SINK WITH TOWELS AND TOOL STORED INSIDE. REAR PREP/DISH HAND SINK WITH A BASKET OF SOY SAUCE PACKETS INSIDE. REVIEWED HAND SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE REMOVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2603047 ON 9-18-24 NOT CORRECTED.#37- OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).#49- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS AND FREEZERS.#51- OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF LEFT FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.#55- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (MILK CRATES,BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ETC.) DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT FROM REPORT #2603047 ON 9-18-24 NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY NOTED POSTED IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHERE CUSTOMERS HAVE NO ACCESS. TODAYS SUMMARY REPORT POSTED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK.MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: SOILED LINENS IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE FLOOR AND IN AN OPEN BUS PAN IN THE REAR PREP. MUST STORED IN A SEALED CONTAINER.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED THE INTERIOR OF AN UNUSED ONE DOOR COOLER AT THE FRONT PREP EXTREMELY DIRTY.----CLOTH CURTAINS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE KITCHEN BADLY STAINED AND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERIOR OF BOTH TOASTER OVENS AND TOP OF THE GAS STOVE WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS.---INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREA DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED A HOSE ATTACHED TO PIPING UNDER THE REAR DISH HAND WASHING SINK WITHOUT A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. MUST INSTALL.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN THE FRONT STORAGE ROOM AND THE FAR REAR STORAGE CLOSET NEXT TO THE EXIT DOOR MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING AND ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT THE EXHAUST HOOD.----MISSING CEILING TILE AT THE REAR FREEZER STORAGE. MUST REPLACE ALL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FRONT PREP FLOOR MATS IN EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION AND UNBALE TO CLEAN. MUST REPLACE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
33
Sep 18, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2584232 DATED:10/27/2023 #58--2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION WHILE (TCS FOODS) RICE,SUSHI ETC.IS BEING PREPARED/HANDLED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE,THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD IN THE FRONT SUSHI PREP AREA BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF LEFT FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (MILK CRATES,BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ETC.) DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
52
Oct 27, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
58
95
Oct 20, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 49-51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE STORED AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 10 POUNDS OF FISH, 1 POUND OF CREAM CHEESE, AND 1/4 POUND KIMCHI. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE IS POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN BLOCKED BY BOWL STORED IN SAID HAND SINK AND BY HOSE HOOKED UP TO HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT HAND WASHING SINK IS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES AND IS USED FOR NO PURPOSE OTHER HAND HAND WASHING ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK FROM BOTTOM PIPE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS RUN, THE PIPE LEAKS INTO THE BUCKET; OBSERVED LEAK FROM LEFT FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER IN STORAGE ROOMS OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND DISCARD ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID PEST HARBORAGE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
58
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.
1
43
Mar 29, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL PREP SINK (1 COMPARTMENT SINK) ACCESSIBLE TO FRONT PREP AREA WHERE SUSHI WILL BE PREPARED, MADE TO ORDER.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
82
Feb 22, 2022
License
6 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
25
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PH METER ON SITE OR LETTER FROM LABORATORY INDICATING RICE USED FOR SUSHI HAS HAD PH REDUCED TO RENDER IT NON-TCS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN EITHER PH METER OR SUSHI RICE LETTER AND MUST MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
29
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C)
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SANITIZING TEST STRIPS (FOR CHLORINE) AVAILABLE FOR DETERMINING SANITIZING CONCENTRATION AT 3 COMPARTMENT SANITIZING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE AT ALL HANDSINKS.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE ACCURACY.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND AT MOP FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL PREP SINK (1 COMPARTMENT SINK) ACCESSIBLE TO FRONT PREP AREA WHERE SUSHI WILL BE PREPARED, MADE TO ORDER.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL RAW WOOD SHELVES BEHIND FRONT SUSHI PREP COUNTER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SIGNAGE REQUIRING MASKS. INSTRUCTED TO POST THE REQUIRED SIGNAGE AT EACH PUBLIC ACCESIBLE ENTRANCE TO THE BUSINESS AND AT LEAST ONE LOCATION INSIDE THE BUSINESS.
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: FOUND NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES. VIOLATION 2-112-340
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNAGE POSTED AT THE ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE TO THE COVERED LOCATION AND AT LEAST ONE LOCATION INSIDE PREMISES THAT IS CONSPICOUSLY VISIBLE, INFORMING PATRONS OF THE FULL VACCINATION REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO POST SIGNAGE. VIOLATION 2-112-340
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING PER PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER EXHIBIT A. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. VIOLATION 2-112-340
64
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi on file is from Jul 8, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi.
Has Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Wajo Cups — Wajo Sushi is inspected around two times per year on average.
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