Well, I just want to know if there are any cross country bike races near Chicago. Also if there are any cool trails in Chicago.

http://www.cheqfattire.com/

8 hours away though. the closest trails i know of would be in the kettle moraine state park outside of milwaukee, but thats still 4 hours away.

CAMBR (http://www.bicyclesetc-il.com/cambr/openingPages/cambr.html) has a great website with trail info and a race calendar.

I ride Deer Grove in Palatine often and I also head down to Palos a bit. Let me know if you'd like to come out for a ride. We have a good group of regulars that shows up at Deer Grove.