Actually, you CAN carry a pistol in Illinois as long as it is in a separate container (like a zippered pouch). There is a “loophole”, if you will, in the law that allows this. I don’t have a link for it but maybe someone less-lazy than me can provide it.
That 'loophole' wasn't a really 'loophole' and anyway, no longer exists. It was 'closed' a few years ago.
It did pertain to a gun in a zippered pouch (fanny pack) with the magazine in a separate partition of the pouch. But the Cook County States Attorney, notorious gun grabber DICK DeVine, warned all that no one better try it as he'd prosecute anyone to the fullest extent of the law (more so than a gang banger). Then the IL General Assembly closed the 'loophole' with more exact language as to how a gun can legally be transported and Fanny Packs are now a specific no-no.
btw, The org that was pushing this 'carry loophole' was Concealed Carry, Inc. and is now out of business due to legal fees (he had a good idea but was fighting a losing battle).
My understanding is...it has to be in a carry case of some kind, with the ammo in a different location...and must be in an area of the auto that cannot be accessed without first having to exit the auto. (like the trunk). Not sure what the rule is if it’s in a van or a pickup truck regarding that requirement.