I assume you're referring to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. These public pension plans usually do not offer IRA accounts. However, your contributions to the plan may qualify for the retirement savings credit.
Yes, It's an additional fund that functions as an IRA. It's separate from our pension.
In that case treat your contributions as IRA contributions.
I need to know is this a qualified retirement plan? yes or no
If it is an IRA account then it is qualified. The main difference between qualified and non-qualified plans is the qualified plan has pre-tax contributions and/or some kind of tax deferred mechanism. Non-qualified plans are after-tax. Here is a link with more discussion on the other differences.