Looks like the cheapest round trip airfare I can find to Minneapolis from Chicago this weekend would be $445.  Even if I only did a 1% fee on top of that, you'd be looking at a total of $495 in fees (total 9.9%) for a $5,000 transaction.  Sounds like EPiSKiNG is the better option unless meeting face-to-face for a cash exchange is really important.

Note:  If he's willing to make the drive (or flight), I'd be willing to meet up in Rockford, IL anytime Thursday evening, Friday, or Sunday and do the exchange there for 4% over mtGox spot.