SARAP wrote:
...what agencies in Chicago are legit?...

Model and Talent agencies in IL are required to be specially licensed as a Private Employment Agency. 

Requirement Description:

An Agency license is required to engage "for gain or profit" in the business of securing or attempting to secure employment for persons seeking employment, or attempting to secure employees for employers (including "applicant paid" fee agencies, "domestic services" agencies, theatrical agencies, and all agencies that recommend individuals for placement who are under the age of 18 or who do not have a high school diploma).

A Counselor's license is required for any employee of an employment agency who interviews, counsels or advises applicants or employers, or both, on employment or related matters, or makes or arranges contracts of employment between employers and employees.

A license allows a business to charge a fee to either the employer or employee.
Conducting business without a license is a Class B misdemeanor (Class B Misdemeanors are punishable with a fine of $1 to $500 and up to six months in the county jail).
Both agency and counselor licenses are valid for one year.

You can verify if an agency or counselor is licensed by contacting:
Illinois Department of Labor
Fair Labor Standards Division/Private Employment Agency Section
160 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 793-2810

Requirements for obtaining a license can be found at http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/form … PEAA02.PDF

More information can be found at:
http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/laws/Law515.htm