Here in Chicago..

[AjBalls]

Brian Potter owner of Chicago Reptile House, probably one of the biggest breeders in Chicago. He is also the organizer of the NARBC Tinley show.

Organizer of all the NARBC shows actually. The one in Texas (Arlington?), Anaheim, Tinley Park, and Chantilly. He's the drunk guy at the auctions and what not.

[JeffFlanagan]

I haven't met Brian yet, but can confirm that Scott, Mark, and George are all good people to do business with, and have some beautiful animals.

I'll second Jason in recommending the Chicagoland Animal Expo http://www.allanimalexpo.com/
Lots of snakes and other critters, and the $5 entry is worth it just to see the animals.
There's so much to see and so many people to talk to that I've never gone there just to pick up rats.

Like Jake, I'm just getting started here in Bolingbrook, but I plan to be involved in the hobby for many years.
I don't think we have anything like NERD, but we have plenty of mid-sized breeders with very nice collections.

[blackcrystal22]

I haven't met Brian yet, but can confirm that Scott, Mark, and George are all good people to do business with, and have some beautiful animals.

I'll second Jason in recommending the Chicagoland Animal Expo http://www.allanimalexpo.com/
Lots of snakes and other critters, and the $5 entry is worth it just to see the animals.
There's so much to see and so many people to talk to that I've never gone there just to pick up rats.

Like Jake, I'm just getting started here in Bolingbrook, but I plan to be involved in the hobby for many years.
I don't think we have anything like NERD, but we have plenty of mid-sized breeders with very nice collections.

Interesting! I was looking at that expo. :]

Sewerfest is out of my reach this year, I can't make it that far north either.

Thanks for the all information guys! It's really appreciated.
It's almost scary, but a few years ago back when I lost my corn snake, I went to a show on the southwest side of Chicago and just looked around. I was probably looking like some dumb kid but still, it's weird that maybe someone on here could've been there.