Go to modelaircraft.org. On the home page, under Media/Resources, there is a link for Find A Club/Flying Site. It shows a dozen clubs within 15 miles of 60176 and provides links to get in touch with the clubs. Many of them will offer free flight instruction for new comers. You may have to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and/or the local club but it is well worth the investment. Modern training techniques/equipment make learning to fly pretty much crash free. They can also make sure your equipment is air-worthy before committing it to the skies. Not always the case with pre-owned items.