Red, black, purple, and yellow fruit types are available. Black raspberries tend to have disease problems, and can carry a virus disease that can spread to other raspberries. Everbearers, such as Heritage, can be pruned in early spring to the ground to produce a fall only crop. Blackberries are not dependable here in northern Illinois due to winter damage problems. If you really want to try them, look for the thorny cultivar Illini Hardy.
Blueberries have very demanding needs.
One is acidic soil, as blueberries need soils with a pH range of 4.8 to 5.2. Blueberries also need well-drained soils, mulching, and irrigation. Grapes can be grown in the backyard, but trellises will be needed to support them. American varieties are hardier and more suited for table use than European types. Among suggested cultivars for northern Illinois are Niagara, Fredonia, Concord, Delaware, Steuben, Swensen Red, and Reliance.