A few more things...

I forgot to mention a few things. I did use ask-an-expert, and I found it quite useful. I was able to communicate with a man who has lived in Chicago all of his life. He was able to direct me to some helpful sources. I also asked one of my classmates (thanks, Gayle!) who lived in the Chicago area for many years. She offered me some helpful tips on things she had experienced with her family when she lived there. I thought this first-hand information was especially valuable. I think word-of-mouth information always carries more weight than other sources of information because of the trust you have already established.