Meet your instructors

Chip Eberhart

Illinois State Police Approved Instructor, NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, United States Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor, Utah BCI Certified CCW Instructor, National Range Officers Institute Certified Range Safety Officer
Member - Illinois Tactical Officer's Association - Internatinoal Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association - International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, ASP Certified Baton and Handcuffing Instructor, Hapkido Black Belt, a contributing writer to Concealed Carry Magazine, and as of 2021 has a monthly column in the magazine titled "City Limits"

Chip is a former law enforcement officer, and current USPSA and IPSC competition shooter. Chip has participated and won competitions in the US as well as represented the USA in Brazil, Jamaica, and Thailand. In addition to training law enforcement officers and civilians, Chip has had the honor of training special units at the Norfolk Naval Base, and received a rare challenge coin from the commanding officer in recognition of his expertise in training. With experience as an Expert Witness, Chip is one of handful of Illinois firearm instructors with real world experience assisting the defense of a justifiable shooting.

Tara Poremba

20 years as a Police Officer; Marine Veteran; NRA Certified Instructor; Illinois State Police Approved Concealed Carry Instructor; NRA Distinguished Pistol Award; CMP Presidents 100 recipient, Police Top Gun Award, FBI Top Gun Award; USPSA Competitor, Champion Bullseye Shooter, Numerous State and Local Championships including Camp Perry...the list goes on.

Oh, and she was a competitor on History Channel's Top Shot TV Show (season 1)

Tara is one of the most accomplished instructors and shooters in the USA. Through her time in the military as well as time in the police department, she's honed her skills to the level of excellence. When she's not on duty or raising her family, she's on the range or instructing a class. Tara's firearm familiarity is too extensive to list, but she says her favorite firearm is whichever one she's shooting at the time.

Al Young

Veteran Police Officer; Marine Veteran, NRA Certified Instructor: Basic Pistol , Rifle and Shotgun; Utah BCI Certified Instructor;
Illinois State Police Approved Concealed Carry Instructor; SWAT Team member;
USPSA Competitor

Al is a career Law Enforcement Lieutenant with over 20 years experience as a Law Enforcement officer and is one of the most knowledgeable instructors in the Illinois area. (full bio coming soon).

Eric L. Webb

Marine Veteran, NRA Certified Instructor: Basic Pistol ; Illinois State Police Approved Concealed Carry Instructor; Completed FEMA "Active Shooter" Course; USPSA Competitor

Eric was a Combat Marine serving in Viet Nam with CAG (Combat Action Group) and then later served as Marine Corps attachment on the U.S.S Coronado in the Mediterranean completing operations in multiple countries.
Once Eric received his discharge from the Marine Corps Eric gained experience as an Executive in Insurance and Advertising. Eric’s background includes Management, Operations, Sales, Training, Development and Marketing. With over forty years of business and military background, Eric looks forward to sharing his knowledge with others.
Eric's father taught him how to shoot when he was around twelve and he carried that same training over to his six children. He has experience with many types of firearms and weapons. His favorites are almost any Sig Sauer, Colt 1911’s and the AR15.

Ernie Velez

Marine Corp Veteran, NRA Certified Instructor for Basic Pistol, NRA Range Safety Officer, Illinois State Police Approved Concealed Carry Instructor.;

While in the Marine Corps he was with the 2nd LAR, and took part in Combined Arms Exercise. He successfully attended and qualified for Jungle Operations.
Ernie was also attached to the 24th MEU (SOC) and spent 6 months on the U.S.S. Nassau taking part in Operation Provide Comfort (Kosovo), and Operation Desert Thunder (Persian Gulf) at which time they also provided security at the American Embassy in Tirana, Albania

Firearms have been and are an important part of his life. He enjoys training and training others to safely use a firearm in their daily routine.