When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Creative Concealed Carry
Why Creative Concealed Carry is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Creative Concealed Carry offers comprehensive 16-hour concealed carry classes designed to fulfill Illinois state requirements for obtaining or renewing a Concealed Carry License (CCL). With locations such as Chicago and others across Illinois including Villa Park, Waukegan, Decatur, and Springfield, they provide accessible training that emphasizes firearm safety, situational awareness, and defensive tactics. The courses run over two days (typically Saturday and Sunday), combining classroom instruction from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and practical range time. Instructors deliver thorough education on shooting fundamentals, defensive shooting techniques, self-defense strategies, legal aspects, physical and verbal de-escalation, use of less-lethal weapons, police interactions, and home defense. Additionally, the company offers renewal classes, instructor training, and first-aid/CPR courses. The program includes necessary equipment for range training, such as firearms, ammunition, eye and ear protection, easing the burden on students. Parking is available at the training sites, and no FOID card is required to attend the classes. The mission of Creative Concealed Carry is centered on public safety education and responsible firearm use, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to meet legal requirements while acquiring practical knowledge in a supportive environment.
Here's what people think of Creative Concealed Carry
As of recent, Creative Concealed Carry holds a 4.8-star rating based on 145 reviews.
The user reviews for Creative Concealed Carry are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 145 reviews. Many students praise the knowledgeable and patient instructors who effectively teach both the legal and practical aspects of concealed carry, making the intensive 16-hour course engaging and comprehensible despite its length. Positive feedback often highlights the hands-on range experience, the comprehensive curriculum that covers physical self-defense and verbal de-escalation, and the convenience of all necessary equipment being provided. Moreover, customers appreciate the straightforward scheduling and location with ample parking, along with clear communication from staff. On the other hand, some negative remarks focus on the strict no-refund and no-reschedule policy, which some found inconvenient if unforeseen events arose. A few commenters mention that the weekend classes can be long and demanding, especially the Sunday sessions when class sizes are larger. Despite these minor criticisms, overall satisfaction remains high, with many customers recommending the business for those serious about obtaining an Illinois Concealed Carry License in a professional and thorough manner. The reviews suggest that Creative Concealed Carry successfully balances legal requirements, practical skills training, and customer service to deliver value in concealed carry education.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sergio A
I waited to write a review until the whole process was finalized and done. I took the Class at this location on 5/18/2025. As some others have said, I was very skeptical that the whole class and instruction was free, you don’t ever hear that as now everywhere you go ppl wanna charge $200+, plus the range plus gun rental ect! I just moved here to IL earlier this year from Las Vegas. It’s Open Carry in Nevada, but here in Illinois it’s a different story. I wanted to make sure that I was completely legal to have my Guns, my FOID card and my CCL in Illinois. I signed up for this class because I figured well It’s a free class, what can I lose right? I’m super glad I did these guys are not BS!!! My instructor was Najee, and he was amazing. My class was pretty decent size it was maybe about 25 people. He made sure he was very thorough and very informative about everything he taught us. He paid attention to everybody’s questions individually and made sure that we were all very comfortable and understood 100% of everything that we were being taught whether you were a first timer or a current gun owner. The way he handled everyone in the class was great, also the day we took our shooting test at the range and how careful he was with everybody was nice to see. There was a few handful of people that have never even held a gun before. And Najee was so patient and calm with them, that by the end of the day EVERYONE passed! We did get to meet Conceal Scott, the main man himself and it was great to have him come in to say hi during class with his cheerful and happy personality, cheering us up with his mic skills and how positive he was about making sure we deserve the right for our 2nd amendment. And how passionate he is about us having that right in this country. And why his classes ARE FREE, he really believes in this. I also reached out to Conceal about a siatiation with a friend and how he can help him with his record and Conceal recommended a person who is helping my friend get his 2nd Amendment rights again. These guys are really amazing at what they do, and how they do it, and why. Loved the class, as I said the class is free you just pay the range fee and that’s it! Thai is the place to go if you’re serious. Also I’ll add at my location, they do have a team (Above Biometrics) who come in the second day to offer their services so that they can do all the paperwork and application and fingerprints for you. I paid them to have it done, and just yesterday I got an update on my ISP profile that 100% a CCL holder, I’m cleared and ready to go. A huge shoutout to the Conceal Carry LLC team and family, and everything they do for the people to uphold the 2nd Amendment. PLEASE SIGN UP, yes it’s free (just pay range fee), yes it’s real, they have many locations. A+
carlos z
I was a bit skeptical at first, but after doing some research and reading the positive reviews, I decided to give this course a try—and I’m so glad I did. One of the first things I appreciated was the convenience. Classes are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, which is perfect for those of us who work a Monday-through-Friday schedule. That flexibility alone made it accessible. What truly stood out, however, was the professionalism and knowledge of our instructor, Najee. From the very beginning, the class was informative, engaging, and hands-on. Unlike some other courses that rely heavily on long, drawn-out videos and lecture-style teaching, this course was well-paced, interactive, and never boring. You’re not just sitting in a room for 16 hours—you’re actively learning. Najee made the material approachable and clear, emphasizing not just how to use a firearm, but how to do so safely, responsibly, and legally. I walked away not only with a solid foundation in concealed carry basics but with a genuine interest in continuing my training—possibly even becoming an instructor myself someday. For anyone who’s on the fence about taking this course: don’t hesitate. Sign up. You won’t regret it.
Alberto brito
Creative Scott lives up to his name. He is one of the most imaginative persons i have ever encountered. He cares for his students and shares lots of his personal experiences. I not only learned about ccl but I left his class with more motivation for life. You not only get a ccl instructor, you also get a preacher, motivator, comedian, poet and rapper. Highly recommend any of his classes.
ChrisA1102
First off I want to say the class was nice & very informative . My problem is that I’ve been reaching out for months trying to get help with receiving my actual conceal & carry permit. I’ve emailed! I’ve called and I’ve been doing this since April and not once has anyone taken the time to call me back to assist me or point me in the right direction to get the assistance I’ve been waiting for! It’s frustrating and not cool I don’t even see my payment I made in class in the Application portal I only see the one o made in 2023 for my FOID I TEXT and I can see that my text are being read but not one response. We’re in July this is why I am skepticism about supporting black businesses You can’t get help without an attitude or being ignored this has been my experience. I have a receipt with payment made and it was taking from my checking account however nothing is showing and the information I have isn’t going through. SMH very disappointing
Amar Ahmad
I loved this class. I love the way he teaches. He’s an amazing instructor love his energy as well. Definitely would recommend anybody looking to take a CCL class would definitely recommend taking this instructor he charges $75 that is only for the range portion. The classes is free. He’s a really nice dude and I know you might think it’s in a barbershop or stuff but the area is pretty clean well organized amazing staff also have inside parking
How to reach Creative Concealed Carry
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Why Creative Concealed Carry may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Creative Concealed Carry with your friends?
Gathering a group of friends or family for an experience that is both educational and empowering can be rare, but Creative Concealed Carry in Illinois offers just that. This venue combines comprehensive firearms training with a supportive, safety-first environment, making it an ideal spot for a meetup that’s both fun and meaningful. Not only do you get to learn valuable skills related to self-defense and responsible firearm handling, but you also share an experience that builds confidence and mutual respect. The group setting fosters camaraderie as everyone tackles the same course content together, creating natural conversation and bonding opportunities. With a high rating of 4.8 from 145 reviews, it’s clear that past participants appreciate the professionalism and quality of the instruction, which makes it a trusted place to gather. Unlike typical social venues, this setting elevates your meetup with a unique purpose: becoming safer and more knowledgeable together. Whether you’re close friends or extended family, this shared learning experience can strengthen your relationships through positive teamwork and mutual support.
What activities does Creative Concealed Carry offer for groups?
Creative Concealed Carry primarily provides an intense and thorough 16-hour Illinois Concealed Carry License training course that spans two days, typically over a weekend. This schedule suits groups who want to dedicate their Saturday and Sunday to mastering essential firearms skills and safety protocols in one comprehensive session. During the class, participants receive instruction on firearm basics, including stance, grip, aiming, trigger control, and loading and reloading, all under expert supervision. Additionally, the course covers real-world defensive shooting techniques and decision-making scenarios, empowering attendees to be prepared in practical situations. Beyond shooting skills, the class teaches physical and verbal de-escalation tactics, physical self-defense, and the use of less-lethal weapons, providing a well-rounded personal protection education. The program also delves into Illinois-specific laws regarding concealed carry, use of force, police interactions, and home defense, which is crucial for legal and safe firearm ownership. All necessary equipment—firearms, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and targets—is supplied by the instructor, making it easy for groups to focus solely on learning without logistical hassles.
Why is Creative Concealed Carry perfect for group meetups?
Creative Concealed Carry stands out as a perfect meetup spot because it emphasizes group learning in a safe, professional, and structured environment. The two-day format naturally encourages group cohesion as participants move through the curriculum together, providing plenty of time for discussion, sharing perspectives, and practicing skills side by side. For those who value turning their leisure time into something productive, this program transforms a weekend into a chance to gain lifelong practical knowledge—something that typical social outings rarely offer. The accessible locations in Illinois, including Chicago and Waukegan, mean groups can easily gather from various parts of the region. Moreover, the business’s focus on safety and legality provides peace of mind that the environment is professional and respectful. Being part of a group helps participants feel more comfortable, especially for those new to firearms or personal defense training. The rating of 4.8 with over 145 reviews reveals how reliably high the customer satisfaction is, indicative of well-executed classes that people trust and recommend.
What makes the training at Creative Concealed Carry stand out?
The training at Creative Concealed Carry is distinguished by its comprehensive curriculum and commitment to safety and legality tailored to Illinois state requirements. Unlike basic shooting ranges, their courses specifically prepare participants for the Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), making it a practical, goal-oriented choice for attendees. The inclusion of both classroom instruction and live-fire range time ensures that participants not only understand theories but also build hands-on competence. The tailored curriculum includes physical and verbal de-escalation, which is often overlooked but critical for responsible gun ownership, helping attendees manage confrontations without immediately resorting to firearm use. The instruction in police interactions and legal use of force helps participants navigate complex scenarios with confidence and awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Given that gear is provided, beginners face no barriers, and the structured class times (9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) outline clear expectations that help groups plan their time effectively. This combination of thoroughness, safety, and legal grounding genuinely sets Creative Concealed Carry apart.
How can Creative Concealed Carry accommodate various skill levels within a group?
Creative Concealed Carry welcomes attendees of all experience levels, from complete novices to those renewing their licenses or refreshing skills, making it well-suited for groups with diverse backgrounds. Since the class covers fundamentals like proper grip, stance, and trigger control alongside advanced topics like defensive shooting and clearing malfunctions, each participant is challenged appropriately within the course framework. The presence of experienced instructors allows for personalized guidance and support throughout the two-day session, ensuring that no one feels left behind or overwhelmed. For groups with mixed experience, the class format encourages peer support, where individuals can learn from each other as well as the instructor. The focus on safety ensures that beginners gain confidence in handling firearms carefully, while more advanced students refine their techniques. Additionally, their 3-hour renewal classes offer a faster refresher course path, giving groups flexibility if some members only need updates and others require full licensing instruction.
What are the logistical details groups should know when planning a meetup?
When planning a meetup at Creative Concealed Carry, groups should arrange their schedule carefully since the core 16-hour concealed carry course spans two consecutive days—usually Saturday and Sunday—from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both days. This requires a full weekend commitment, so it is important to consider attendees’ other obligations. Transportation to the firing range must be arranged by participants themselves; range time is conducted only during class hours and cannot be completed separately, so the entire group needs to be present for all sessions. All equipment is provided, so attendees only need to bring a valid state-issued ID and any personal comfort items such as lunch. There are no refunds or reschedules, which means once the group commits to a date, they must be prepared to attend. This policy encourages serious participation, assuring a focused and dedicated environment. Groups can also transfer their seats to others if someone cannot attend, allowing some flexibility without losing the slot. The central locations in Chicago, Waukegan, and other Illinois cities ensure accessibility for groups coming from various parts of the region.
What benefits does a group gain from choosing Creative Concealed Carry over other meetup options?
Choosing Creative Concealed Carry provides a powerful blend of education, empowerment, and community-building not typically found in standard social outings. Unlike casual meetups at restaurants or entertainment venues, this setting equips group members with essential self-defense knowledge that can enhance personal safety in today’s environment. The shared challenge of completing a rigorous two-day program together fosters trust and mutual respect, enriching relationships through collaborative learning experiences. Additionally, attendees leave with not only a legal concealed carry certificate but also an understanding of how to act responsibly and ethically as firearm owners, contributing to safer communities overall. The high customer satisfaction and professionalism confirm that groups are investing their time in a service that delivers real value and positive outcomes. Moreover, the comprehensive hands-on training with expert instructors helps reduce anxiety around firearms, creating a sense of accomplishment and confidence that lasts well beyond the weekend. This type of meaningful interaction makes Creative Concealed Carry a refreshing and impactful choice for a group meetup.