I hate to sound like a loser, but I'm the only one in my group of friends that rides and I think I'd enjoy it, so where did you all meet other people to ride with?  Are there forums that are set up to meet people to ride with?  I don't know of any other people on this site that are Chicagoans,  you Seattle/SoCal guys/gals have it easy.
-Brian

Check our Meet N Greet forum out.  Most sportbike forums will have a similar area.

Group riding makes the experience 10 times better IMO.

I've learned a lot on the few group rides I've been on. I find them on my local sportbike forum. Ask around and look around, and I'll bet you'll find some local folks to ride with! 

A simple Google search would have solved this little dilemma.  Thanks guys!   http://www.chicagolandsportbikes.com   

You're in Chicago...there's all kinds of riding clubs in the Chicago area.

Try this joint:
http://www.chicagolandsportbikes.com/forums/index.php

ha doug beat me to it...