Some people say you will develop bad habits when there's no real money at risk.
But I say using the play chips is a brilliant move. No, you won't be playing against the toughest competition in the world, however, since it doesn't cost you anything, you can experiment with your strategies and try different things out. And just by playing a million hands, you will learn the game to a very deep level.
I highly recommend play chips, I spend much of my poker time on the play chip side of Poker Stars (since it's the only part of Poker Stars we Americans are allowed to use). All of my real-life friends think it's a waste of time, so we have a big difference of opinion on it. But I don't care what they think or what they say. I call them stupid for having that attitude!!! Best wishes.