If stumpies are too pricey, go down the food chain a bit. I picked up an early 90s rockhopper recently for $50. Also I'd focus on the running gear more than a particular model, shoot for deore quality components which means that the frame will be decent quality as well.
This is likely too large for the OP but here is a good looking stumpjumper at a very reasonable price ($145)
https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/b...977870180.html
There are 2 trek 930s listed, also likely a bit too large, at a hundred and some change.
There are some non crazy prices for old MTBs on the Chicago CL