FWIW, Chicago is ranked No. 13 on the list of America's Best Cities for Barbecue by Travel+Leisure:
http://bit.ly/1pkPEHo. The entry notes, among other things, that "Chicago has made its own mark on the BBQ world, often by way of rib tips, taken off the ends of St. Louis–style spareribs. County BBQ gives shout-outs to East Carolina, West Texas, St. Louis, and Memphis in its approach to slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and burnt ends..."