Hi JMR. I guess I'm not the only one having trouble finding other blacksmiths in Chicago (and finding a place to work can be just as difficult, though maybe easier if you're in the suburbs).
I forge at the Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center, in Rogers Park. It's great if you want some general metalworking knowledge or want to supplement with woodwork or foundry. There's more fabrication than forging right now and no blacksmith guru to learn from; but we've got a propane forge and a couple of anvils and it's a nice clean space to work in if you're ever looking for that. If you are interested in checking it out, let me know and I'd be happy to give you the dime tour.
I'm also aware of the Fire Arts Center, though I don't know too much about them.