Yes it will dieback each season .

My experience -

Here about 1 hour south of Chicago i planted a potted 10 year old hardy chicago 3/4 years back in open area no protection in winter and it does die back each season near ground level.

Some limbs die completely but i always bend several down at end of season and shovel dirt on top to insure its survival with a spare plant in 30g container.

Its survived the harsh winter every one was talking about a few years back uncovered with lowest temp 23 below zero but again much dieback.

Last season i cut it down low and threw a tarp over i for winter and it looks much better and figs will come not so late tjis year. It did have dieback but not as much.

Back in the 1960s grandmother lived near Midway airport in Chicago had a single trunk plant that was tall and each year my uncles would dig a trench and knock tree over into it and place plywood over it then dirt so as to not damage it when taking dirt off it spring .

Looked like a fresh grave.

We always had many figs to eat.

Martin

Thanks Martin. Sounds like I'll be keeping it in the pot then. I have several options to keep them alive but Its too much work for me.