High End Quality Retailers in the Chicago, Il Area

You should point him to this website for education, and to save money. Have him read, if he truely has an interest he can learn many valuable things...and the savings is both in buying used and buying the right gear the first time.
The trouble with pointing a newbee in the direction of a dealer is the potential attitude that rub many novice's the wrong way and the high prices, if any of these 2 issues happen to bother your nephew you may never get a second chance to have him explore this hobby.

I agree establishing a relationship is key in this hobby, I just know from seeing the poor victems who go to these stores get a dose of arogance and rudeness quickly turning their feet towards the door. my main point was learn enough about what you want to not let that crap get to you.