Does anyone know if gate-checked luggage on Air Wisconsin to O'hare (United Express) is handed to you at the arrival gate or do they insist upon checking it through to a final destination..

I'm flying on an international flight and I want to carry on my backpack (camera gear) and a standard carry-on Rollerboard.
Unfortunately, my first flight is united express Air Wisconsin which says they do not take ANY rollerboards in the cabin and green-tag them.
That's OK if I am guaranteed to get my bag at the GATE so I can then bring it to my international flight(s)
I've heard horror storied of GATE-CHECKED luggage being checked to a final destination and never heard of again or at least for a few days.
This trip is too important to not have my luggage.