Firearms Training in Northbrook & Highland Park – Personal Defense Training

At Personal Defense Training, we offer more than just firearms training—we teach confidence, awareness, and responsibility. Based in Northbrook and Highland Park, Illinois, our program is designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on instruction for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you're a first-time gun owner or someone looking to renew your concealed carry license, our courses ensure you're prepared, both mentally and physically.

With over 40 years of shooting experience, our lead instructor brings a unique blend of military, law enforcement, and martial arts expertise. Every class is structured to empower students with practical knowledge, safe firearm handling, and the tactical awareness needed to respond effectively in real-world situations.

At the core of our program is the belief that education saves lives. That’s why our curriculum goes beyond basic marksmanship. We teach how to assess threats, de-escalate danger, and take decisive action when absolutely necessary.

Our most popular offerings include:

16-Hour Illinois Concealed Carry Course

This two-day course is mandatory for Illinois residents seeking their Concealed Carry License (CCL). It covers:

• Safe firearm handling and operation (semi-automatic & revolver)
  
• Illinois and federal firearm laws
  
• Defensive tactics and situational awareness
  
• A liv qualification shoot on Day 2
  

It’s more than a certification—it’s a mindset shift.

3-Hour CCL Renewal Class

Concealed carry licenses in Illinois expire after five years. Our renewal class ensures you stay legally compliant and confidently prepared. You’ll receive:

• Legal updates on Illinois gun laws
  
• A refresher on firearm safety and handling
  
• A 30-round qualification shoot
  

It’s more than a certification—it’s a mindset shift.

NRA-Certified Pistol and Rifle Safety Courses

We’re certified to teach the NRA’s Personal Protection in the Home and basic firearms safety classes. These foundational courses are ideal for new gun owners or those looking to safely secure their homes.

Tactical Firearms Training

For advanced students, we offer tactical courses that simulate high-pressure scenarios. Learn:

• Movement while shooting
  
• Defensive shooting from concealment
  
• Home defense techniques
  

Whether you're preparing for a threat outside or inside your home, tactical training builds real-world readiness.

Your instructor is certified in Illinois and Utah as a Concealed Carry Instructor, as well as an NRA Pistol and Rifle Safety Instructor. With decades of accolades in both pistol and rifle shooting competitions, his expertise is matched by his passion for teaching.

His professional background includes:

• Military service, instilling discipline and structure
  
  
• Law enforcement, providing legal insight and real-world applications
  
  
• Martial arts instruction, promoting situational awareness and self-discipline
  
  
• Years of coaching unarmed self-defense, making this training well-rounded for all forms of personal protection
  

This unique combination of disciplines helps ensure every student not only learns how to shoot, but understands when and why defensive actions are justified.

In our classroom sessions, students train with laser pistols to master grip, stance, aim, and trigger control without live ammunition. This allows for repetition and correction without risk.

Once you’re ready, we head to the range.

If you don’t own a firearm, no problem. We provide:

• Ruger SR22 pistol (.22 caliber) – lightweight with minimal recoil
  
  
• Ammunition and targets
  
  
• Eye and ear protection
  

We create a supportive learning environment that’s friendly to beginners, veterans, and everyone in between. You’ll never be rushed, ignored, or overwhelmed.

We operate out of two convenient Illinois locations:

• Northbrook Training Site: 1818 Illinois Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
  
  
• Highland Park Classroom & Range Access: 461 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035
  

Our primary classroom is located in the A.O. Fay Masonic Lodge Building, easily accessible with nearby parking. Range sessions take place at approved facilities nearby, and you’ll be notified of your specific schedule upon booking.

We host small class sizes to ensure quality and personalized feedback. Weekday, weekend, and evening classes are available to suit your schedule.

We believe that quality training should be accessible. Here’s our current pricing structure:

16-Hour Concealed Carry Course:

3-Hour CCL Renewal Class:

8-Hour CCL for Military Veterans (Day 2 only):

We accept payments via PayPal, debit, or credit card. Class fees cover all instruction, materials, and use of our training pistols and targets. Students may bring their own firearms if preferred.

There are plenty of places to get firearms training in Illinois. But here’s what sets us apart:

• Real-world experience from military, law enforcement, and martial arts disciplines
  
  
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction
  
  
• Hands-on equipment for students who don’t own firearms
  
  
• Proven, certified instructor with decades of teaching and competition experience
  
  
• Flexible scheduling every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  

We don’t rush you through a course just to hand you a certificate. We train you to walk out smarter, safer, and more confident than you came in.

Call or Email

Reach out to Doug directly to discuss available course dates, ask questions, or reserve your seat.

Upcoming 16-Hour Concealed Carry Dates

• Day 1: Sunday, September 8, (847) 728-8558:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
  
• Day 2: Sunday, September 15, (847) 728-8558:00 AM – until range qualification completed)
  

Need a renewal instead? Contact us for upcoming 3-hour CCL renewal class dates.

Contact Us Today to Begin Your Firearms Training Journey

At Personal Defense Training, our goal is to help every student become a responsible, prepared, and confident firearms owner. Whether you’re protecting your home, preparing for a concealed carry license, or simply improving your marksmanship, we’re here to guide you through it—step by step, safely and thoroughly.