Barely, and not until the courts forced the Democrats to permit it a couple of years ago.
Don’t know what you mean by “barely”. I carry freely in both Chicago and all of the collar counties. There are surprisingly few of those stupid signs around.
We have a shall issue system that’s largely worked pretty well. Take your classes, pay the fees, (which are way too high and ripe for a lawsuit IMO) and you get your permit in about 30 days.
You can carry whatever you are comfortable with, permits are not weapon specific in any way. We have no AWB here, either. ARs, AKs, FN types, even Barrets can be had if you can afford them. Several high end gun manufacturers call Illinois home. Rock River, Springfield Armory, DS Arms, are just a few.
Chicago is a sewer to be sure. But it’s not the entire State.
L