Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

There are several legal clinics around town -- law schools especially. Also there are firms that may be able to take the case "pro bono" (for free); you should check through the Chicago Bar Ass'n lawyer referral service. If the mother is refusing you would need to establish paternity and parental rights -- that also will carry with it parental obligations like child support. You may have to do this in Gary; not enough facts to tell. Short of that you may want to try any family connection, church or other persons who might be able to "mediate" the situation, unless you already have. Best of luck.