Jed, about 90 miles East of Chicago, and pretty accessible, is South Bend, Indiana. There is a venue there that is very supportive of "folk" and "celtic" (their words, not mine). The name of the venue is Fiddler's Hearth and the lady of the house is Mrs.Carol Meehan. She and her son,Sean, would be the one or ones to speak with about getting a gig. You can tell them Eileen sent you if you like. I've often set up bands there before...usually folk who are catching a gig between festivals.
http://www.fiddlershearth.com/