Chicago is a tough IT market. It's the first market where I've had to walk away from jobs because companies refuse to remove their non-compete agreements. I've never signed a non-compete, you shouldn't either and here's my reasoning why:

https://penguindreams.org/blog/...

It really depends on the type of non compete.

The one I signed is also a protection for me. When I quit I can't work for a direct customer from my current company. I can work for myself or a non customer. All the above is for a year.

When they fire me all of the above doesn't count.