Up at the top of this page is a tab called "resources". When you open that up there is a drop down menu that contains a heading called railroad groups. When you click on that there will be a directory of model railroad clubs. You can search for clubs in Illinois. Maybe there's one in your area.
Regards
Google can be great help, too. Try "Model railroad club illinois" and see what comes up.
While you're there, "train show illinois" will give you other information. Train shows often feature club layouts, and there may be handouts at the door for clubs looking for members. Your local train shop will also have this kind of information.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
If you're a member of myspace there are a few groups there as well.
Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R. My patio layout....SEE IT HERE
There's no place like ~/ ;)