Mike,
I have belonged to a club for about 12 years now called C.A.R.S. in Miniature and it works well for me. They meet in Crystal Lake on the second Saturday of the month at 7 p.m.. Call the prez John at (815) 451-3403. As far as contest goes, there was one in St.Charles on the 1st of August, one in Crystal Lake yesterday and there will be one at the Rosemont Convention Center on Nov. 20th & 21st. If you need anymore info, send me a message off board.