It seems impossible to get a court reporter for small claims court in Chicago , the people I have talked with say they don't work with pro se litigants , any have? insight on this issue.

As stated in the course, most WILL work with you if you pay them in advance to cover their time. If they work less than you pay them for, they should refund the unused amount. They will NOT work with a pro se who will not pay them up front, because they have no recourse if you decide later not to pay. Just as stated in the course. Keep studying AND URGE OTHERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD A LAWYER TO DIG INTO THEIR WALLETS AND BUY MY COURSE INSTEAD OF GOING TO COURT UTTERLY BLIND JUST TO SAVE A FEW DOLLARS!