In 2023, there were a record-breaking 58 tornadoes in the NWS Chicago forecast area, surpassing the previous record of 30 in 2015. Surprisingly, tornadoes occurred in January, February, and March, which is unusual for the area. July 2023 saw a record number of tornadoes (27), with all 23 counties in the forecast area experiencing at least one tornado. There were also three days with more than 10 tornadoes, a first for the area. Illinois as a whole had 120 tornadoes, tying for the second most in a year. The increase in tornadoes is attributed to advancements in meteorology, including improved detection and understanding of storms.
https://www.weather.gov/lot/2023tornadoes