There are three breeders in Illinois recommended by the American Maltese Association. They will be able to refer you to other reputable breeders.
http://www.americanmaltese.org/2009_...eders_List.pdf
The Maltese shown on that website are not good representations of the breed. Reputable breeders breed to the Maltese standard. Maltese should be raised in the house around people, not out in kennels.
You want to get a Maltese from a reputable breeder, not a backyard breeder. Here's how to tell the difference:
Backyard Breeder vs. Reputable Breeder