Any one using Arduino in Chicago ?

I am trying to learn the Arduino, and am having problems understanding the code/language structure. I could really use some one on one tutorial help, for I have so many questions. I have a "simple" project I am working on, and the parts to get things going, so what I need now is HELP !! I find that I can down load code and tweek it...but I want to understand, not just copy and paste.

Can any one help...in Chicago ?

Thanks