Who We Are
Our mission at Gurnee Pistol Academy is to provide high-quality firearms training for both new and experienced shooters. We focus on building knowledge, developing skills, and fostering a safe, responsible mindset. We deliver training with integrity and honesty, ensuring every student receives the attention and guidance they need - always prioritizing the learning experience above profits.
“We look forward to meeting you and sharing everything I know, so you feel empowered and ready to protect yourself and your family in a crucial time of need.”
- Gurnee Pistol Academy
Sue Pate , Jon Stahl, and Jerry Martin
A little bit of History…
Gurnee Pistol Academy, also known as GPA, was founded in 2010 by Jerry Martin. He served in the Marine Corps, is a Vietnam Veteran, and has a lifetime of experience researching and developing training curriculum for various large corporations across the the United States. Jerry partnered with professionals that have military, police, and legal backgrounds to be able to provide the best firearm safety, marksmanship, and self-defense legal training in Illinois.
One day after lunch with his military buddies, they surprised Jerry when they pulled up to a shooting range. Hesitant to handle a firearm after so many years, Jerry gave it a try. After he fired some rounds with his buddies in the range at that paper target, he realized that it was nothing like his military experiences because the target didn't shoot back! A new love for firearms was born and the desire to help others drove him to form Gurnee Pistol Academy.
GPA started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and relocated to Gurnee Mills Mall within Bass Pro Shops, as soon as the Illinois Conceal Carry License came into law in 2014. Today, GPA operates within 5 Star Firearms in Zion, Illinois for classroom instruction and private one-on-one range lessons.