Ex Nihilo Group

Ex Nihilo Group brings practical, defensive-focused instruction to shooters across skill levels. Founded by veterans, the company specializes in preparing students for real-world scenarios—whether that's carrying concealed in Illinois, defending a home, or building foundational shooting skills from scratch.

Most firearms training treats beginners and defensive carry as separate worlds. Ex Nihilo integrates them. Their SAF Training Education (SAFTEA) program fills a gap the industry left behind: comprehensive training for new shooters on the most common platforms—handguns, shotguns, and carbines—with defensive applications baked in from day one.

Every course emphasizes practical defensive topics: firearm selection, holster choice, use of force law, cover vs. concealment, how your body reacts under stress, and progressive live-fire drills that build real skills.

Beginner Fundamentals (F.A.S.T.) - F.A.S.T. Handgun, Shotgun, and Carbine courses (4 hours each) - Operation, cleaning, maintenance, safety—designed for complete newcomers - Women's-only classes available - Prerequisite for defensive-level training

Concealed Carry Certification - 16-Hour Illinois CCW Permit Course: State-mandated training for concealed carry applications. Flexible enrollment options (Complete, Self-Contained, Day 1 Intro, Day 2 Advanced). Out-of-state residents from Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia can train and apply. - 3-Hour Renewal Class: Meets renewal requirements for existing CCW holders (5-year renewal) - Class size capped at 2-5 students for quality instruction

NRA-Certified Courses - NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (BOPS): Two-part course (online + range instruction). Covers gun safety, revolver and semi-auto operation, ammunition selection, storage, shooting fundamentals, and qualification. - Personal Protection In The Home (PPITH): 8-hour course on defensive shooting, cover/concealment, home security, legal aftermath, firearm selection - Personal Protection Outside The Home (PPOTH): Level 1 (9 hours) and Level 2 (5+ hours) on carrying, storing, and using a concealed pistol safely. Students shoot ~100-115 rounds per level. - NRA Defensive Pistol: Advanced course on concealed carry mindset, drawing from holster, clearing stoppages, cover/concealment, mental awareness - NRA Refuse to Be a Victim (RTBAV): Crime prevention seminar covering mental preparedness, home/physical/travel security, personal defense devices, and criminal psychology

Specialized Tactical Training - Mechanics of the Draw 1 (3 hours): Safe draw/holster, presentation to target, malfunction clearance, range safety. Requires OWB holster (no SERPA's) and 200 rounds. - Mechanics of the Draw 2 (3 hours): Single-hand shooting, retention shooting, timed malfunction drills, cover shooting, Tueller theory - Pistol Marksmanship Basics: Stance, grip, aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, follow-through. 200 rounds, on-range instruction. - Defensive Pepper Spray Course: 4-hour half-day using POM Industries inert training units. OC pepper spray certified.

Private Instruction - One-on-one coaching (4-hour sessions, $130 per session) for handgun, shotgun, or carbine - Tailored to individual goals—fundamentals, speed, accuracy, or advanced techniques - Scheduled on-demand; contact for availability

Intro to Firearms - For undecided buyers who want range experience without owning a gun - Access to handguns, shotguns, and rifles in one session

Skills and Drills - Instructor-led marksmanship drills and firearms manipulation practice

Ex Nihilo's approach assumes one thing: defensive use. Their courses aren't theoretical. Students learn how their body reacts under stress, how to move and shoot from cover, legal implications of self-defense, and practical malfunction clearing—not just target grouping.

Women's-only classes are available for most courses, meeting a specific training need in an industry that doesn't always offer it.

• •Phone: 331.684.7021
• •Email: [email protected]

Courses run regularly with flexible scheduling. Check their calendar for current dates and locations across Northern Illinois.

Most courses require your own firearm, ammunition (typically 100-200 rounds), eye/ear protection, and appropriate shooting clothing. For CCW courses, they offer options if you don't own a gun yet. Details on prerequisites and requirements are listed per course on their website.