A reciprocating compressor having an aperture control valve for an inlet passage. Sectional area of the inlet passage is maintained near the outlet holes of the aperture control valve, distribution of flow rates of refrigerant gas drawn into the cylinder bores during inlet stroke is even. A cylinder block is provided with cylinder bores, a valve plate opposing one end of the cylinder block having inlet and outlet hole pairs, and a cylinder head forming an annular outlet chamber and a cylindrical inlet chamber radially inside the outlet chamber. The cylinder head has an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and an aperture control valve with an inlet hole connecting with the inlet passage and outlet holes controlling the aperture of the inlet passage. The aperture control valve is disposed in the inlet chamber.