travel and rhum

As an adult, where can I find people who hike, if I don't have friends in the area who I can hike with?

I looked up hiking clubs in Illinois but I guess I'm a little intimidated that the people are going to be like heavy duty hikers who like climb mountains every weekend and go on 6 hour hikes, meanwhile I'm out of shape and haven't hiked in over 2 years. If anyone has any suggestions for maybe a club that's beginner friendly? Or any other ways to meet people to go on hikes with?

P.s. this might be paranoid but like I'm a 5'5" woman and I can bring pepper spray on a hike but I'm just still not sure if it's safe to go alone? Hence me wanting to go with people.