I received a text from this number offering to send a check for something on craigs list. Then after I cash it they will have a private shipper pick it up. Shipping for this alone to Chicago would cost way more than the item. I feel it is a scam so I declined to give my address.

Good job not falling for it.  It's one of the many Craigslist Scams.  You can read about them here:

http://www.fraudguides.com/internet/craigslist/

Report Craigslist Scams here:
http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx