(810 ILCS 5/3-601) (from Ch. 26, par. 3-601)
    Sec. 3-601. Discharge and effect of discharge.
    (a) The obligation of a party to pay the instrument is discharged as stated in this Article or by an act or agreement with the party which would discharge an obligation to pay money under a simple contract.
    (b) Discharge of the obligation of a party is not effective against a person acquiring rights of a holder in due course of the instrument without notice of the discharge.
(Source: P.A. 87-582.)