Illinois Eviction Process Questions

[Kyle Cortez]

I know I should have hired a lawyer, but I'm young, assumed my tenant would not show so now I am representing myself Pro Se in an eviction case in McLean County Illinois. 

Here's the backstory:

Currently in the middle of an eviction lawsuit against my tenant for non payment of rent. I followed the basic steps thus far. I served a five day pay or quit (which I had notarized), I waited until the 6th day and began eviction proceedings at the county courthouse, and filed for "forcible entry and detainer."

After getting my paperwork approved by the county clerk, I took the copies of the court summons and of the complaint to the sheriff to have the tenant served. 

At the court date, we appeared informally in front of the judge who basically asked if we could work it out on our own, or if it needed to go to trial. I assumed that at this date I would prevent evidence for non-payment, etc. but instead a trial date was set.

So what next? Does anyone have any experience with this? Will this "trial" be just as informal and will we just stand at the bench and not sit at the tables like in Law and Order? What evidence should I bring and do I need to submit paper evidence beforehand?  (So far I've collected a copy of my deed, bank statements, and accounting.) Any advice (other than to go get a lawyer) would be immensely appreciated. 

Thanks,

Kyle