Here are links to people & organizations who have been working in this area:

Landmarks Illinois: “Landmarks Illinois is the state’s leading voice for historic preservation.”
Preservation Chicago: “Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture”
Forgotten Chicago: Wonderfully researched essays and projects
Chicago’s 2008 Demolition Hold List: Great Flickr set
Threatened Buildings: Black & white photo goodness
St. Boniface Info: Focused on the preservation of St. Boniface Church, 921 N Noble St.
Isolated Building Studies: Revealing Meaning Through Recontextualization: Long-standing project by David Schalliol
DUMPSITE: Enormously interesting photography
City of Destiny: Moar abandoned buildings photos. Great stuff.
Myopic Industries: Great pics of abandoned buildings, mostly in northwestern Indiana

Please hit me at danielx at gmail with additions to this list.