Experienced staff with military, law enforcement, and professional training backgrounds provide the ideal learning environment and class content.

Small class sizes encourage student interaction.

Comprehensive legal curriculum provided for our IL CCL class developed by a retired judge/prosecuting attorney/sheriff.

Range appointments are focused on a 1-on-1 experience for the shooter.

Build your credentials with our offered NRA training courses​.

Verify proper grip, stance, and aiming with our in-class laser pistol training before shooting on the range.

Class materials are provided and targets for IL & WI Conceal Carry Classes included.

Discuss and handle various concealment holsters and concealment methods.

Assistance in selecting the proper firearm according to its purpose, fitment, and accuracy.

Requirements vary for each class and more information can be found under their class descriptions.

Generally, minors under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Students with handicaps should notify us beforehand so we can make arrangements for accommodations.

Keep in mind, some handicaps may not allow you to shoot in the range safely and therefore cannot be permitted.

All shooters must sign a general waiver for use of 5 Star Firearm’s range and a safety waiver for Gurnee Pistol Academy that is provided at the time of class/lesson.

5 Star Firearm’s Waiver

Students enrolling in most classes provided by GPA must be 12 years or older. However, laws will prevent any person from obtaining a CCL under the age of 21. GPA does offer by appointment, child-based classes for firearm safety and range training. (if under 18, must have a parent or legal guardian present).

No. Firearms and ammo are not permitted in the classroom unless otherwise stated in pre-class emails or previous conversations with the instructor. Please leave your gun secured in a compartment of your vehicle until you have been asked to go get it.

Yes. Bringing your personal firearm to range coaching is encouraged but not necessary. Be sure to have it unloaded, in a gun case or range bag, with ammo in a separate compartment before entering the building. Please plan before your training date, to have purchased a proper gun case as the cardboard packaging rifles and pistols are shipped in are not a safe alternative.

Illinois residents are eligible to apply only after completing 16 hours of training as required by Illinois State law. GPA Phase 1 (8 hours) and GPA Phase 2 (8 hours) will satisfy this requirement. In addition to classroom training, in-person range qualification is required with our NRA Instructor in the shooting range with live fire.

Once you have applied, the Illinois State Police has 120 days from your online application submittal date to send you your Illinois CCL. Please visit the IL State Police website for further requirements as laws are constantly changing: https://www.ispfsb.com/

GPA will provide additional assistance with your online Illinois Concealed Carry application, if needed.

Wisconsin and other state residents are not recognized by the Illinois State Police are not eligible for obtaining a Conceal Carry License for Illinois.

No. If you choose to submit your application without electronic fingerprints, your application may require additional research and may take additional time for the state to process. The majority of our students submit their applications without fingerprints to avoid the additional cost associated with a 3rd party digital fingerprinting agency. For more information and monthly statistical data regarding the additional waiting period please visit: https://www.ispfsb.com/

You will be eligible to apply for your CCW only after you have successfully completed 4 hours of training containing the content required by the Wisconsin DOJ. (GPA’s Wisconsin CCW class (4 hours) will satisfy this requirement. Wisconsin has 21 days from your online application submittal date to send you your WI CCW. Please visit the WI DOJ website for further requirements as laws are constantly changing: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/

You will be eligible to apply only after you have successfully completed the 4 hours of training required by Utah BCI. GPA’s Utah Conceal Carry will satisfy this requirement. Utah has 60 days after receiving your paper application to send you your Utah CFP. Please visit the Utah BCI website for further requirements as laws are constantly changing: https://bci.utah.gov/

Most GPA classes take place inside 5 Star Firearms located at 41666 N Sheridan Rd. Zion, IL 60099. Other classes may be held at alternate locations based on preference. Contact GPA to discuss alternate location options.

Please check your email. You will receive a reminder prior to class informing you of the items that are required specifically for the class you are attending. These items usually include but are not limited to a notepad, pen, highlighter, beverage, snacks, and lunch. If you're attending a class located at 5 Star Firearms, vending machines are available on-site and time is allotted for you to go get your lunch from a neighboring restaurant.

1-on-1 range time is in-person individual training with your own NRA Instructor in the shooting range with live fire.

Range sessions are tailored to the students needs depending on your goals and prior experience. First time and experienced shooters will advance their knowledge and skills in shooting fundamentals, range etiquette, and marksmanship.

Shooting fundamentals consist of Grip, sight alignment and sight picture, stance, breath control, hold control, and follow through.

IL State Police requires all new CCL applicants and 5 year refresher applicants to qualify in-person with a NRA Instructor in the shooting range with live fire

It will consist of a total of 30 rounds into a B-27 target at varying distances.

10 rounds at 5 yards, 10 rounds at 7 yards, and 10 rounds at 10 yards.

You will be provided guidance by our instructors.

Absolutely! Current or former military and first responders receive a 10% discount on classes and private lessons through Gurnee Pistol Academy.

Please input coupon code: THANKYOU while scheduling your class.

We require a DD-214, Certificate, or ID for verification purposes. Please be prepared to upload a photo during registration or bring a copy to class.