Review of Spartan Tactical CCL training class. This is one of the best training programs you could ever attend. I've talked about this class with many other CCL holders and no one else has said the program included all the great things that are part of the experience at Spartan Tactical. I attended a 2 day class at Alpha Range . This was a long drive for me but was totally worth it. Alpha Range is a private facility, not open to the general public, but rather members only. However it is available for Spartan classes. This is so important because you will be trained on things that no public range will let you do. Spartan CCL requires student to bring 250 rounds to class. They don't just talk about things in the classroom. There are lots of live fire drills. You will get training on drawing from concealment AND firing. John and Alan are extremely good teachers. They made sure everyone got lots of individual attention and feedback. Don't be nervous about live fire drills. Alpha is set up for this, and safety is constantly emphasized. We were trained on clearing malfunctions with snap cap dummy rounds randomly distributed in our magazines. This was also incorporated into the final test. State requires 10 rounds at 5, 7 &10 yards. Spartan plan ups the degree of difficulty, by breaking this into six segments of 5 rounds. Each scenario beginning with drawing from concealment, and shouting commands to Stop to the B-27 target . There is a dummy round in each segment, the pistol will fail to eject and you must clear the round , while keeping your eyes on the threat. Then finish your remaining rounds. Does your CCL class do that? Sounds intimidating, but these instructors will take your skills to levels you might not have even thought of. I remember John addressing the class and stating his goal was to not just get us to pass the test and get a license, but rather teach us how to win a gunfight. Not only gun handling skills but knowing the law and maintaining situational awareness. I learned so much, and they worked on my grip, stance, trigger control, sight picture. My accuracy dramatically improved thanks to their instructions. I would like to attend additional advanced classes with them. I highly recommend Spartan Tactical. read more

SPARTAN TACTICAL ROCKS! As an intermediate shooter, I was reluctant to take a Spartan class because of the prerequisite to have completed a Spartan entry level class. I am very glad that I did. Having taken several classes with John and Al, I now understand that all of the classes build on the basic foundations that they teach. Some of which are very different from my other past instructors. This fall I attended Spartan's Speed on Steel Class. An outdoor pistol class in which we sent more than 2000 rounds down range in two days. Rather fatiguing because about 30% of it was in the rain. Both John and Al were right there beside us in the cold and rain. The second day went a little longer than planned, but it didn't stop them from completing the entire curriculum. They could have easily called the class for darkness, but they didn't. We shot everything that we were promised, and a little more. John earned a new level of my respect that day. John's use of the instructional philosophy of EDIP is outstanding. John makes certain that every shooter regardless of ability or place in a line, clearly understands instructions and drills. He truly is an outstanding instructor, regardless of the subject matter. JUST TAKE THE CLASS! You won't regret it. read more

I had a chance to attend the Introduction to the AR-15, which was my first formal firearms training. I'd previously scratch built an AR, but the first day of reviewing the details of the weapons platform and guidance on laws was very helpful. I gained a lot of insight on very basic things that I had not known, regardless of the amount of research I had done. Additionally, though I hope to never use my weapon in defense, John's training material and teaching gives confidence that someone wil have my back if I follow the guidance of an experienced teacher, which is probably the most "valuable" aspect of this class, if you talk potential financial burdens of court costs. The second day brought great practice over, and repeatedly practicing, the basics of shooting and AR manipulation. Despite some very high temperatures, John and Al ran a great class and were patient with those of us with little experience who needed a little extra time on some the tests. (Yeah, that was me.) Looking forward to getting into their Self-Aid and Pistol classes next. read more

If you're looking for the BEST firearm training go no further! Krup who is a former marine and a CPD officer in the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago is the best trainer you can find in the Chicagoland area and probably nationwide. I took several of his classes and they are challenging and will push your knowledge of firearms. Your aim will definitely improve and you will learn to use your firearm effectively to defend your life as well as those of your loved ones. Most importantly you will learn to do this safely! This is very important !! The classes are fun and can be physically demanding ... you will also get a healthy workout while squeezing out lots of rounds !! There's lots of guys out there that provide firearms training but none even comes close to Spartan. The other cool thing is that in many classes you train side by side with other LEOs. That's a big plus. read more

I was looking for a formal training course to learn how to use and operate my handgun for home defense and found Spartan Tactical Training Group. I attended their 3-day Defensive Handgun Course and found this course to be the most comprehensive and professional firearms training experience I have ever completed. From learning how to safely operate the handgun during loading, unloading, reloading and clearing malfunctions, to deploying the handgun live-fire from the holster, this class exceeded my expectations! From start to finish, this class was informative, professional and fun and I HIGHLY recommend this class to anyone that is looking to make the transition from general hobby shooting at the range to learning how to use a firearm for personal defense applications. Check them out, you won't be disappointed! read more

Krupa and his team at Spartan Tactical Training Group are among the very best in the business. I've had the pleasure of participating in countless courses with Team Spartan and many other terrific trainers around the country. Their courses implement modern tactics while maintaining an incredibly safe environment at all times. From their basic courses for AR/Pistol/Shotgun to their advanced dynamic entry and low light courses there are always more classes available to allow you to hone your skills. Another terrific benefit to Krupa and Team Spartan is the incredible group of alumni you meet. Fantastic people all around! Enough reading and go become a Spartan! read more

Spartan Tactical Training is the best training I have found hands down anywhere in the Midwest. I have taken a lot of training courses over the years and I must say that the attention to detail, methodology and above all safety is second to none that John and his crew provide at very reasonable prices. I have taken the basic pistol course, low light pistol course, introduction to the AR15 course, emergency self-aid course and the tactical shotgun course twice! They were all phenomenal courses, my favorite being the tactical shotgun hence why I attended twice. Give Spartan Tactical Training a look. You will not be disappointed! read more

I've taken several firearm training classes in the past and when I was referred to Spartan Tactical by a handful of people I could tell they were very passionate about them. I have now taken a few of their courses and completely understand why those that referred me to Spartan felt that way. Hands down the best training I've ever been a part of! Not only is it educational, but you are made comfortable yet you are pushed to explore your limits. Also, these guys are just fun to be around and as an alumni you feel like you are part of a family. I look forward to taking many many more courses with them! read more

Whether you are just getting into firearms or been doing it for years Spartan Tactical has something for you. Their programs are unique because the build on each other in a linear fashion that allows students to step into higher classes as their skills increase. I have also been able to leverage the previous classes I took at Spartan Tactical and the reputation that John Krupa has in the industry to "test out" of lower level classes with other organizations so I could get right into those organizations higher training classes. Prices are fair, class size is just right, and training is top notch. read more

Thorough, Intense, Professional I have attended three sessions with John Krupa's group, including Tactical Pistol training. My Spartan experience was everything I had hoped for in firearms training, especially LOTS of trigger time. I will tell you that when he recommends you bring XXX rounds of ammo, bring that and then add on another 10-20%. I say that, not because I get my jollies going PEW! PEW! PEW! It's because John's range time sessions are intense drill for properly employing a firearm, and putting rounds on target. read more

I've done several classes and will keep coming back for more. There is no better training available. From firearms, martial blade concepts and first aid, they have you covered. Their prices are very fair as well. Oh, and the instructors are nice, I guess. I mean, I probably wouldn't let them date my sister but you could easily hang out and drink a beer with them. read more