Newbie Looking For Group in the Rockford Area

I've been listening to D&D podcasts for around a year now and have always been curious about how to play, but I don't know anybody experienced in playing. Even with all of the helpful guides on this site, building a definitive character is a struggle :/

I'm looking for a player or a group that's willing to teach me. I'm in the Rockford area, but am also open to online discussion, and am free most nights after work(around 6:30). I have some ideas as to what sort of player I want to be, and all of them lean towards the casual side of playing, like a forager or druid perhaps, but I am open to everything :)

Game: D&D 5e
Group preferred: Both online or Face-to-face
Experience: New af
Location/Timezone: Rockford, IL 
Availability: Evenings all week, after 6:30pm
Preferred role: Player
Game style: Casual, Roleplay-centric, Not used to combat situations

Hello, 

You still interested in playing in a group. We are currently looking for people but we are more towards the loves park/Machesney park. Is that ok?

I know this post is two years old, but I'm from Byron and would love to join a D&D group. I've been playing for a few years and I've done some minor DMing. Willing to give DM a go if needed. I have no problem traveling to Rockford/Loves Park/etc.