Paul at Illinois protect and conceal is a man of his word. He will keep you there for exactly 960min, but I have to admit it was the most painless 16 hours of my life in a classroom. I have been dreading taking this class for a long time (especially because I have not been in a classroom for 10+ years) but I have to emphasize, what a breeze it was. Paul is very knowledgeable, extremely friendly, and has a great sense of humor. Whether it be your first time holding a gun or your ten-thousandth round shot you will learn something here. Pull the metaphorical trigger and take the class! read more

Paul is a good man! He's easy to talk to. He works with your schedule. Very accommodating. Learned a lot from taking this course. By flexible, I mean REALLY flexible. Walked in at 10am and he didn't have a class. But still chose to give 2 hours -- one on one training. Came back later that evening and knocked out another 6 hours of class. Two days later did another 6 hours! I could have really finished the whole CCL course in THREE days! Backtobacktoback! But I had a huge brain fart and missed the scheduled shooting range because I lost track of time. But you get the point. 5 stars for Illinois Protect and Conceal! read more

I took my CCL here and the instructor Mr Paul was awesome!!! He taught the class in a calm and understanding manner. His skills made you understand the laws and made you feel comfortable, not Intimidating at all. Furthermore, I was able to take my class in 4 classes instead of 2 8hr classes. Awesome across the board! read more

When I was researching for a CCW class in Chicagoland area and I happened to find Illinois Protect And Conceal right down the block from me. So I figured I'll just show up since they accepted walk ins. Paul is an awesome instructor. Very knowledgeable guy. He goes above and beyond expectations. He answered every single of my question. Classroom was small so it was pretty personal which was good. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to get their CCW. read more

Illinois Protect and Conceal - Not bad for a first time shooter? Thanks to Paul! - Firearm Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Heard about Paul and his classes from a friend. Real pro who doesn't take himself too seriously. Great weapons training for all experience levels. Classes are convenient to your schedule. Arranges range times for you and will take you through the whole confusing process. Really fair prices. Look no further for a concealed carry class. read more

Paul is extremely flexible with hours and this was the main pulling point for me. I was recommended by another student and wasn't disappointed. Fun, hands-on, thorough training is what you can find here. Clean and comfortable classroom environment. Will refer to all. Highly suggest checking Illinois Protect and Conceal for all your learning needs. Myriad of training available. read more

I have taken the CCL certification course as well as a level II class and a 1:1 with Paul. I started out as a complete novice and became extremely comfortable with handguns (and not a bad shot either). Paul is a talented instructor. He is knowledgeable, patient, and makes safety the top priority. I can't imagine having a better experience. Highly recommended! read more

Just finished this class, I all I needed was 8 hours, but the class was so interesting that I decided to come back for the full 14 hours.. Paul the instructor knows his stuff, and makes the class very interesting.. 5 stars all the way. read more

My boyfriend and I took this class together. Before we signed up we researched many different options and this location offered the best prices and the best times available to take the class. The idea of sitting through an 8 hour class did not appeal to me nor did it work with my work schedule. Paul's class allows you to break up your 16 hours into 2, 4, 6, or 8 hour classes. He also provides individualized attention so you always feel like you're a part of the class. He's very thorough with the information provided and he makes the class fun. If I had to do this class all over again I would go back and take it with Paul. read more

Awesome class very informative and very flexible with hours. Instructior was very intelligent and very easy to work with

WOW !! Great course...Great Instructor !!! Paul was fantastic !! Highly recommend !!!

Paul DeMartino is a passionate gifted teacher! If you so happen to choose his classes, you will discover that some one upstairs was smiling on you. He does what he does not just for you, but for the sake of generating responsible concealed gun carry owners for all of us. If you want to sit in class watching videos, please don't wast your time hear. This is for people that really want to understand what they are getting into with concealed carry. The classes are engaging, demanding and enlightening. Paul works with you to accommodate your schedule. Wow, a person that really get the idea of customer service. All the sessions are broken down into 2 hour increments. We all have time commitments, he works with you days and evenings. I thank God I stumbled into Paul DeMartino as a teacher, I truly feel fortunate You will too, if make him your chose. read more

Paul is an amazing instructor. He goes far and beyond to bring his students to a level of comfort and responsibility with a weapon. His classes offer keen and up to date knowledge concerning gun ownership and use. Paul had provided me and his students equal attention so that we were able ask questions. I highly recommend his classes to anyone who Is interested in self defense and conceal. read more

Paul is a fantastic instructor , he teaches you exactly what you need to know , shows you what you need to do. Paul makes himself open to his students to learn new things and strength their skills even after the class is over. highly recommend his class. read more

Paul is a very knowledgeable and great person. He really knows what he's talking about. I would highly recommend him if your looking for a great learning experience! Thank you for you're time and giving me the proper knowledge of all laws in Illinois and "Crook County"! read more

I had other classes in Security and arms training at other schools (2 different Instructors). So you can be confident when I tell you Paul at Illinois Protect and Conceal is one of the best instructor around. He goes above and beyond to make sure you comprehend and understand . His training technique keeps you interested and sharp, not a boring copy this down and read it like I have experienced with other instructor. He has shown me technique in firearms that would be invaluable if the need ever arised. I know he is showing firearms handling tactics above and beyond what most other instructors would show you. I am a proffessional USCG Licensed Captain and deal with crew and staff training on a daily basis so I know, what it takes to be a quality instructor. Paul sincerely does his training with the intention he wants you to be the best informed and safety minded person when you graduate out of his class. His bios and certification tells it all he is not a fly by night get your money and go operation, there is a lot of those out there . I personally can tell you this is where you want to go, learning with Paul is also very enjoyable, I had a great time and look forward to taking other classes with him. Thanks Paul and IPAC. USCG licensed Master Captain Ken F. read more

Take this class! Very knowledgeable and Paul is a great instructor! He's very flexible and is always willing to accommodate you! You won't be disappointed. read more

Paul is a Great Conceal & Carry Instructor as well as other non lethal options! He's a hands on straight to the business instructor who's passionate about his work! If you want the best in Conceal Carry, Illinois Protect And Conceal is the Best there is!! I will Definitely refer anyone I know who is interested in these services to Paul!! Thanks Again! read more

Paul is an excellent teacher. He takes his time and provides as much individual attention as a student may want or need. His prices are VERY fair and his hours are flexible. And he will provide updates and additional future guidance at no charge. I chose to take the required two days of class work and evening of range time back-to-back, and with Paul's skillful instruction training obtained my Concealed Carry Firearm Training Certificate in two days. Paul is the ultimate professional and loves what he does. I couldn't recommend him more highly. read more

The other reviews for Paul are accurate so I won't repeat the same things. Paul goes a great job and I am very glad I chose this class versus one at Gander Mountain or Cabela's. Tips: 1) Call or email the day prior just to be sure you can get the number of hours you want the next day. (Weekends you can usually get 8 hours no problem, some weekdays could be range days or cut short a bit for range time.) 2) It is as flexible as everyone says. Paul can have multiple people doing different topics at the same time. 3) I did this in one 6 hour day, one 8 hour day and one two hour range time. I believe this is as fast as you could do it unless you can schedule range time on one of your days - which is probably tricky to do. 4) You can bring lunch and probably should if you're staying all day. 5) The range day costs $25 to simply shoot to qualify (21 out of 30 in the target). Depending upon availability, you can pay $55 and get more shooting time practicing some interesting things with Paul (one handed shooting, each hand, double taps, rapid fire from ready position, etc.) If you have not shot a lot, or even if you have, and the extra $30 is affordable, I enjoyed this portion and I know everyone else did as well. 6) Submitting fingerprints with your application is optional. However, if you don't, Paul indicated the average wait time after application was close to 120 days. If you do, the average wait time is closer to 42-45 day. He can have a fingerprint guy come to the classroom and do your prints for $65. If they already have your prints for something else (adoption, bonding, etc.) it doesn't matter, you still need to submit new prints. 7) All-in, I spent $199 for the class, $55 for the range and $65 for the fingerprints. $319 total all paid on first day. Print guy will take a credit card but the rest is cash. (Plus ammo - 50 rounds if just qualifying, 150-250 rounds if taking the extended shooting option) a) The online Illinois State Police fee is $150 + $3.53 processing, you can use a credit card. Total with application was $472. Skip prints and extra range time and you can be all-in for $377. Last comment - the primary thing you learn in this class is how much responsibility getting your CCW carries. "You are liable for every bullet that comes out of your gun." is something Paul will mention multiple times. If you fear for your life, you should feel confident to use your weapon. If you are a hothead or want to be Dirty Harry, you should probably skip getting a CCW. read more

Great Instructor, good price and very flexible. Very informative and helpful in understanding the law. I was completely new to this but he explained everything to my understanding. Paul makes you feel welcome and comfortable. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Both days went by quickly because he keeps you engaged. Never felt bored or sleepy, which was my worry. Definitely recommend. read more

I found Illinois Protect and Conceal because I was seeking a ccw class that would be flexible enough to work with my schedule. What I found was not only a class that was extremely flexible, but an instructor who made what I've heard folks who took their coursework elsewhere extremely boring, quite interesting and informative. Paul is a great instructor and a great guy. He has genuine concern that the students understand the material and (as mentioned in other reviews here) he is a hands-on type of instructor. Don't plan on just sitting at a desk and being fed information. Paul gets you involved in the class and provides a lot of really great advice. I would highly recommend this course for anyone seeking to secure their ccw license. Thanks Paul! read more

Highly recommended. Paul and his staff not only covered required material but went well beyond with real life scenarios and answered every question we could come up with. The hands on training was fantastic all the way to the last day at the range. I took the 16 hour conceal and carry class and Paul really helped me make the most out of it. My thanks to him and his staff. read more

Paul, the instructor and owner of the business, is extremely knowledgeable and doesn't just teach you the laws or "enough to get by", he goes through scenarios and interpretations of the law that really help you understand the responsibility of carrying. It's a very laid back classroom setting, and you're able to ask as many questions as you want. I've spoken with other people who have their carry conceal license and it sounds like Paul's class is about the best around based on my experience in his class. The range portion is done on a separate day. read more

I wont bother to repeat the other reviews except to say that i made lots of inquiries at lots of different places until this one beat them all cold with everything i was looking for: the schedule was flexible, the location (two blocks from the blue line at harlem) was easy, they accept walk-ins and the price was competitive. I also liked that they didnt try to upsell me to the the utah or florida CC. Paul is a better adult educator than just about any other that i've encountered. The only wrinkle was my own misunderstanding that the range portion was not a daytime event within the Sat/Sun course schedule. We qualified at a privately booked range outside the city on a Monday evening. This was a really good choice.. read more

Paul is very helpful and would answer any question you have or clear doubt with certainty. he is also conservative which i do appreciate. we worked out a time to make up my classes due to time conflict, thank you paul! read more