Illinois Gun Pros | Concealed Carry Training in Bloomington

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01 // DETAILS

#01

Business Details

Full description and what we offer

#01

Concealed Carry Training That Covers Multiple States

Illinois Gun Pros handles the confusing parts of Illinois concealed carry so you don't have to. Their 16-hour courses cover the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, justifiable use of deadly force, unlawful use of a weapon, drawing from a holster safely, ammunition selection, concealment options, and shoot/no-shoot decision-making. You walk out with a three-ring binder and completed worksheets—not just a certificate.

Here's the standout part: finish your training with Illinois Gun Pros and you automatically qualify for Illinois License to Carry plus non-resident permits for Utah, Arizona, and Florida. That's legal carry in 32 states.

#02

Training That Actually Sticks

Mike Bius, the chief instructor, spent 20+ years as a corporate trainer before moving into firearms instruction. He's a former Army Infantryman and NRA Certified Instructor. His co-instructor, Gigi Callaway, is a retired Navy veteran and American Legion Post Commander.

Their approach isn't lecture-only. You interact with instructors and other students in the classroom, train with laser pistols indoors, then move to the range. The class covers:

•How to draw your gun from a holster quickly and safely
•What type of ammunition and firearm work best for self-defense
•Concealment options and best practices
•Shooting without using sights (called Natural Aiming Area—critical in actual defensive situations)
•When to shoot and when not to shoot
•Illinois law specifics, including recent changes

"I took Mike's class and it was EXCELLENT. Highly professional attitude towards safety. It was also lively and fun. Mike has a great sense of humor and is an awesome teacher. Even if you've owned guns for years, you will learn new things." – Bill Henderson

#03

Flexible Class Options

Not everyone needs the full 16 hours. Illinois Gun Pros offers:

Class Option	Duration	For Whom
Full Illinois License to Carry	16 hours	New applicants
Second Half Only	8 hours	If you have first 8 hours from prior training
Reduced Requirement	12 hours	If you have partial credit from another state's CCW
Renewal Class	3 hours	Current licensees renewing their permit
NRA Basic Pistol	8 hours	Beginners or those needing refresher on fundamentals

#04

Training Credits You Might Already Have

You may not need the full 16 hours. The law allows credits for:

#05

8-hour credits:

•Military service (active duty, reserve, or veteran)
•NRA Basic Pistol Course certificate
•NRA Personal Protection in the Home
•NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home

#06

4-hour credits (each):

•Illinois Hunter Safety Course
•Utah, Florida, Nevada, Missouri, Kentucky, or Michigan concealed carry permits
•Chicago Firearms Safety Course

#07

Locations and Registration

#08

Bloomington/Decatur Area (Central Illinois)

•Classes held around Bloomington, Decatur, Springfield, and Peoria
•3-hour renewal classes scheduled regularly

#09

Chicago Area

•Serves Chicago Western Suburbs and surrounding regions
•Mike Bius still teaches here regularly despite relocating to Central Illinois

#10

In-Home Training

Illinois Gun Pros also offers private, in-home instruction for those who prefer one-on-one coaching.

Personal Shooting Coaching and Basics of Gunfighting classes are available beyond the standard concealed carry curriculum if you want to continue developing skills.

#11

About Illinois Gun Pros

Mike Bius moved from the Chicago Western Suburbs to Logan County in Central Illinois but continues serving both regions. He's been shooting for over 30 years and brings practical experience alongside professional training credentials.

Gigi Callaway brings Navy discipline and community leadership (she's an American Legion Post Commander) to her instruction.

Both are NRA Certified Instructors who understand that good firearms instruction means people actually retain what they learn—not just sit through a class.