Firearm Mentor
Illinois Concealed Carry Certification & Renewal Classes
Firearm Mentor offers Illinois Concealed Carry Certification & Renewal Classes for first-time applicants and current license holders who need renewal training. Learn from experienced instructor Marcus Melnick and complete your certification or renewal training in a supportive, student-centered environment.
Our courses cover Illinois law, firearm safety, defensive mindset, and the required live-fire qualification.
Meet Your Instructor
Marcus Melnick, The Firearm Mentor
Students attending our Illinois Concealed Carry Certification & Renewal Classes receive instruction from experienced trainer Marcus Melnick in a supportive, student-focused environment. His practical approach combines real-world experience with a commitment to safe and responsible firearm ownership.
- Certified Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor
- 25-year experienced risk manager and consultant
- Student-centered teaching approach
- Practical, real-world instruction
- Dedicated to safe and responsible firearm ownership
“Having done both the CCL permit and the renewal courses, really enjoyed the very casual atmosphere and the tremendous amount of detailed information. Marcus's expertise is second to none and his ability to teach is amazing.”
Rick Dusing Jr.
Telephone: 224-507-5139
Email: Marcus@FirearmMentor.com
Upcoming Illinois Concealed Carry Certification & Renewal Classes
View upcoming class dates and registration information here.
Initial Concealed to Carry Certification
Saturday, November 14 at 9:00 AM · RMG Guns and Ammunition
Concealed to Carry Renewal Certification
Sunday, November 15 at 9:00 AM · RMG Guns and Ammunition
Initial Concealed to Carry Certification
Saturday, December 12 at 9:00 AM · RMG Guns and Ammunition
Concealed to Carry Renewal Certification
Sunday, December 13 at 9:00 AM · RMG Guns and Ammunition
To schedule one of these courses for your organization, contact Firearm Mentor.
What You Will Learn in Our Illinois Concealed Carry Classes
In our classes you will learn:
Personal safety through risk management
Personal safety through risk management.
Illinois Laws and Regulations
Understand the legal requirements and responsibilities.
Safe firearm handling and storage practices
Learn safe, responsible handling and secure storage.
Situational awareness and defensive mindset principles
Develop awareness and skills to make better decisions.
Range qualification requirements
Receive instruction and complete your range qualification.
Steps for applying for or renewing your Illinois Concealed Carry License
We guide you through the process from start to finish.
“I had an excellent experience with Firearm Mentor. Marcus was an amazing teacher-he was incredibly informative, very easy to follow, and explained everything in a clear, approachable way. He also brought a great sense of humor to the class, which made the learning experience fun and engaging. His teaching style made the material feel comfortable and approachable. The time honestly went by so fast. I learned a lot and felt much more confidently by the end of the course. On top of that, the range itself was very nice, clean and well maintained, which made the overall experience even better. I would highly recommend Firearm Mentor to anyone looking for high-quality instruction in a great environment.”
Courtney Simon
11,500+ students trained. Classes are for beginners and experienced shooters.
Many renewal students cannot remember their initial certification instructor or company. We are not just trying to deliver a one-time certification class. We care about our customers’ long-term safety and education, and provide continuing education through our YouTube channel, Facebook page, and newsletter. Once you take a class from us, we have a relationship for life.
The Personal Safety Show
Tune in for Firearm Mentor’s radio show, “The Personal Safety Show,” Sundays at 11 a.m. on 95.5 FM. This is a low-power station. If you cannot receive it at home, you can stream it online.
Miss an episode? Listen on the Firearm Mentor YouTube channel.
As seen and heard on: CBS, WBBM-AM, NBC, WYCC, WTTW, WGN Radio, WGN, SVET, WYML, The Mid, and Merit Street.
Illinois Concealed Carry Classes
Our Illinois Concealed Carry Certification & Renewal Classes meet state training requirements for both first-time applicants and license renewal students. Courses include classroom instruction, Illinois firearm laws, safety training, and the required range qualification.
For private groups, we can come to your home or place of business for classroom training, followed by the qualification at a range.
Curriculum
The Concealed Carry Curriculum offered by Firearm Mentor meets the minimum requirements to obtain an Illinois concealed carry permit. The first part resembles an NRA Basic Pistol Course. The second part covers statutory law, including the Illinois Concealed Carry Act, FOID Act, and Gun Control Act of 1968, relevant case law affecting concealed carry, and scenario-based discussion.
The third part consists of range qualifications. The order of topics is dynamic and subject to change. Questions may drive discussion of topics earlier than scheduled, moving topics around different time slots to accommodate student interests.
If you knew the day you would be a victim of a violent crime, you would schedule an appointment with the police. Until criminals provide advance warning, you are on your own. Learn to protect yourself. Enroll in a firearms self-defense class today.
Private Classes
Looking for a more personalized training experience? Firearm Mentor offers private firearms instruction for individuals, families, and small groups. Training can be customized to your experience level, goals, schedule, and specific areas of interest.
We can come to your place of business or home and deliver the concealed carry curriculum to private groups. Contact us to arrange a class.
If a date is reserved for a private class and the participant does not respond seven days before the reserved date, the class will be considered canceled. Future dates can be scheduled.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are for individuals or groups and can be tailored to individual needs. Each course is different, and all courses cover basic firearm safety.
Firearm Lesson Experience Levels
- First-time firearm owners
- Concealed carry preparation
- Personal protection strategies
- Firearm safety fundamentals
- Home defense concepts
- Firearm care and maintenance
Additional Training & Educational Programs
Firearm Mentor’s training extends beyond firearms instruction. Through Stress2Logic, Marcus Melnick provides educational programs that help individuals and organizations improve safety, awareness, and decision-making.
Active Shooter Response & Survival
Learn practical response strategies based on the FBI’s Run, Hide, Fight framework, enhanced through interactive stress-inoculation exercises.
Managing Agitated People & De-Escalation
Training for businesses, healthcare professionals, educators, and organizations seeking to improve communication and conflict management skills.
Personal Safety & Situational Awareness
Develop the mindset and skills needed to recognize threats, avoid dangerous situations, and make better decisions under stress.
Scam Prevention & Street Smarts
Programs designed to help seniors, professionals, small business owners, and community members recognize scams and reduce their risk of becoming victims.
Overcoming the Hot Stress Mess
Based on Marcus Melnick’s TEDx presentation, this program teaches techniques for managing stress and improving decision-making during challenging situations.
Illinois Concealed Carry Classes FAQs
If you’re considering Illinois Concealed Carry Classes, you likely have questions about eligibility, training requirements, equipment, and the licensing process. These answers explain what to expect before class.
1. Do I need a FOID Card to take a concealed carry class?
No. A FOID card is not required to attend the class, but you will need a valid FOID card before applying for your Illinois Concealed Carry License.
2. What are the requirements to obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License?
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid FOID card, meet state eligibility requirements, and successfully complete the required 16-hour firearms training course.
3. Do I need my own firearm for class?
No. Firearm Mentor can provide firearms and ammunition for training. Students are welcome to bring and qualify with their own firearm if they choose.
4. Is there an online concealed carry class?
No. Illinois requires concealed carry training to be completed in person, including classroom instruction and live-fire qualification.
5. What does the Illinois Concealed Carry Class cover?
The course includes firearm safety, handgun fundamentals, Illinois firearm laws, self-defense concepts, and the required live-fire qualification. The training meets Illinois State Police requirements for obtaining a Concealed Carry License.
Registration and Class Policies
If you cannot make the regularly scheduled range time for this or a following class, there is an additional $30 charge. You may take the class and qualify in a subsequent month for no additional charge.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.
Class fees are non-refundable. If you are denied a concealed carry permit by the state, miss class, or do not complete the training, refunds are not given, similar to buying a ticket to a sporting event and missing the event.