Have you thought of applying to one of the graduate programs run by more established firms such as drw, citadel, ritchie etc?
Hey dude, there are a lot of Prop Groups in Chicago. You can try Wolverine Trading, Group One, Infinium, SKTY, SMW Trading so on and so forth. If your still having trouble, just go to the exchanges and look at the jackets as people walk in and out! You really have to think creatively. . Good Luck..