Archetype of the Gun

Archetype of the Gun operates three training locations across the Chicago area: Shore Galleries Training Center in Lincolnwood, Aurora Sportsman Club in Waterman, and The Compound in Crete. Owner Erik Tweedt—a medically retired Chicago Fire Department paramedic—started this company specifically to address what standard offerings miss: shooters who can't take 2-5 days off work for traditional courses.

• •Personalized instruction beats cookie-cutter courses. Open enrollment classes exist, but Archetype specializes in private sessions tailored to where you actually are—whether that's day one or decade-in.

"My goal is not just to get you to pass a qualification, but to make sure you are competent and confident in your skills."

• •Training under world-class instructors. Tweedt's education comes directly from:
• •Tom Givens (Rangemaster)
• •Clint Smith (Thunder Ranch)
• •Massad Ayoob (LFI and MAG)
• •Dave Spaulding (Handgun Combatives)
• •Robert Militello (Tactical Medical Concepts)
• •Varg Freeborn (One Life Defense)
• •Plus dozens more through continuous education

He holds certifications from Rangemaster, Handgun Combatives (multiple levels), NRA, Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Department of Public Health as a licensed paramedic and lead instructor.

• •Private sessions starting at $125/hour
• •Small group lessons personalized around your schedule
• •Open enrollment courses at multiple locations
• •Essential Pistol, Combative Pistol, Kinetic Combat Pistol, Adaptive Combat Pistol through Handgun Combatives curriculum
• •Red dot pistol systems and sight zeroing
• •Force-on-force training
• •Low-light/reduced visibility shooting
• •Tactical medical instruction (Stop the Bleed certified)
• •Vehicle defense and counter-ambush concepts
• •Fighting from concealment techniques

Beyond firearms instruction, Tweedt brings EMS expertise: - IDPH Licensed Paramedic & Lead Instructor - NAEMSE Lead Instructor - TECC Recognized Educational Partner - ACLS/PEPP/PALS/PHTLS/CPR certified - Critical Care Paramedic (LUMC/UBMC) - Tactical EMS provider - American Heart Association Instructor

• •Additional certifications: General Dynamics Simunition instructor, UTM training specialist, Hazmat Ops, WMD incident response, USCCA affiliate, ACLDN affiliated.

Classes are designed around you, not a fixed schedule. Whether you're considering your first handgun or have a lifetime of shooting experience, curriculum and pacing adapt to your skill level and life constraints. The focus is defensive firearm mastery: the essential skills you need before, during, and after a deadly force encounter.

Archetype recognizes that "having a broad spectrum of skills" matters. They regularly host prominent instructors visiting the Chicago area, giving students access to specialized training without traveling.

Phone: (773) 354-5532 Email: [email protected] Training Locations: - Shore Galleries Training Center, Lincolnwood, IL - Aurora Sportsman Club, Waterman, IL - The Compound, Crete, IL

• •Social: Facebook and Instagram (@archetypeofthegun)