Regional Touring Spots?

I'm trying to have my heavy alternative rock band play shows in random small towns surrounding Chicago. Thinking spots like Harvard, Lafayette, DeKalb, Naperville, Lake Geneva, McHenry, Joliet. Have you ever played in any of these areas or ones similar to them? Where did you play, how did it go? DIY is preferred, but we'll play random bars if they'll take us. Not picky. All thoughts and opinions welcome, thank you.