My question involves criminal law for the state of: illinois

Somebody instigated a fight (made lude hand gestures; documented in arrest report) with me. I told him to just walk away; he refused. He reached behind his back for (what I assumed was) a weapon; I started walking away. he said something to me as i was walking away, and, as I turned around, he swung at me (my friend witnessed him swing first).

I partially pinned him down. He went for my neck so I bit his hand. I fully pinned him down and told him I would let him go if he walked away. He agreed. He got up and screamed, "That was awesome!".

I walked away and was pulled over down the street. It seems he called the police and said I assaulted him. The police seemed to agree with me, but they said they had to arrest me since he called first. The charge is simple assault for the hand-bite.

What should I do? If he doesn't show up to the court date, will it automatically be dismissed? Should I go to the first date without a lawyer and see what happens (ask for dismissal)? Can I speak with the DA myself to explain the situation (self-defense) to try to have it dismissed? With the evidence, does it sound like I should fight it all the way, or just take a bad beat and plea? How far behind the ball would I be if I take this to trial without a lawyer?

Any other advice?

TIA