Seattle to Chicago area, mid-November (plans changed)

I'd originally planned to stop for a visit in Chicago on my way to an east coast state. However, I'm now going to be living in the Chicagoland so if someone has room for me, my cat, and her small accoutrements (not much): Let me know. I'll have my laptop bag plus a bag for clothes (duffel) and another for toiletries (med hard-sided case). That would be about it for us. I can split gas and pay for myself. Also, I can help drive if you have an automatic. : ) Feel free to ask any q's. We can drive straight through or stop for a night; I prefer drive through though especially if there are 3 of us who can drive. Just about anywhere close to Chicago is fine for a drop off point, my sister (lives in East Chicago,IN) will pick me up. Start Point: Pacific Northwest. End point: Midwest.