1998 Chevy Van Ignition switch & new key

(From a Lady) Please help. We bought a van for our yard guy to help him out. The key sticks in the ignition and you cant get it out without wiggle. We got a new ignition switch with keys. We installed it no problem but it wont start the van. We called Chevy dealer and we have to go have them put a chip in the key. They want to charge us $100 - $700 to rekey it. We only paid $2000 for this work van. Is there any other option? A good deed is turning into a costly project. Van runs great and was checked out by our mechanics.