Since your residence is in Illinois, you must apply to a lodge sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Here are the requirements to petition (apply) to an Illinois lodge:
- Be age 18 or older
- Have resided in Illinois resident for at least six months (unless specially waived)
- Be able to read and write English
- Be of good moral and social character; and
- Believe in a Supreme Deity (necessary to take certain oaths, otherwise no obligation
would be binding upon you).
If you meet these requirements, then you can petition to join Freemasonry. You need not know any masons personally.
You can check the webpage for the Grand Lodge of Illinois at:
http://www.ilmason.org
Please send me a PM, with your name/address/email/phone, and I will assist you in locating a lodge near your residence. You will then contact the lodge secretary, and obtain a petition. You will fill out the petition form, and submit it to the lodge secretary. Then you are on your way to becoming a Mason.
Good Luck