I will be there visiting family in mid-July. I grew up in the Chicago Western Suburbs- Elmwood Park to be exact. Most of the Nurseries I was familiar with are no longer around. You'll have to Google or look through phone book for local nurseries. Cicero (Capone's hang out), Melrose Park, Elmwood Park, River Forest, Franklin Park, Schiller Park, River Grove- big Italian communities in the Western Suburbs.
Sometimes Caputo's Italian Market will carry plants including fig trees. They have several locations. Good luck! I'm curious to hear from anyone that could help you too. Martin, any suggestions?