I'm a new Instructor. Any ideas about where I can conduct the classroom portion of my CCL classes as an independent contractor?

[Manhattan]

I recently got my instructor certification from ISP. I have an arrangement with a couple of local ranges for the shooting portion of my classes, but I'm sort of stuck when it comes to finding a place to teach the classroom portion. I can't do them in a library. Am I left only with renting a hotel conference room? Any ideas besides this? 

 

(I am doing this as an independent contractor with my own LLC, so I'm not looking to become an employee at an FFL.)

 

I'm on the southside of Chicago. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Jeffrey]

My first class was in a spare room at the LGS.  Do any of the locations you've secured for the live fire have something they could offer?

[3ddiver]

We rent an empty building from a local guy on a per class basis who always has space for rent.

[Tango7]

Originally I used the meeting hall at a local church, but then they posted, thinking the "Pursuant to ILCS 66/65" would prevent hood rats from carrying on the property.

 

I use the community room at a local fire department. Providing them with a copy of my NRA instructor insurance smoothed the way, as did guaranteeing that no loaded firearms would be carried or on property during training. 

[Manhattan]

On 11/12/2025 at 5:49 PM, Tango7 said:

Originally I used the meeting hall at a local church, but then they posted, thinking the "Pursuant to ILCS 66/65" would prevent hood rats from carrying on the property.

 

I use the community room at a local fire department. Providing them with a copy of my NRA instructor insurance smoothed the way, as did guaranteeing that no loaded firearms would be carried or on property during training. 

Yeah, I'm waiting to get approved for my new LLC. Once that's in effect, then I'll move on to the insurance. That does matter to the ranges at least. You think it's worth going to a local fire station then? 

Do they charge you?

[Manhattan]

On 11/12/2025 at 2:54 PM, Jeffrey said:

My first class was in a spare room at the LGS.  Do any of the locations you've secured for the live fire have something they could offer?

I can check, but I'm pretty sure they don't want me using their classrooms because they offer the same classes. I just help them by renting the ranges at $25/head. 

What is the LGS you referred to?

[Manhattan]

Would it make any sense to ask a local gym to use one of their private rooms? 

[Black Flag]

On 11/12/2025 at 5:49 PM, Tango7 said:

Originally I used the meeting hall at a local church, but then they posted, thinking the "Pursuant to ILCS 66/65" would prevent hood rats from carrying on the property.

Well, technically, does the "posted" sign preclude instruction?

 

[Jeffrey]

On 11/12/2025 at 8:36 PM, Manhattan said:

I can check, but I'm pretty sure they don't want me using their classrooms because they offer the same classes. I just help them by renting the ranges at $25/head. 

What is the LGS you referred to?

Article 2 in Plano

[Tango7]

On 11/12/2025 at 8:35 PM, Manhattan said:

Yeah, I'm waiting to get approved for my new LLC. Once that's in effect, then I'll move on to the insurance. That does matter to the ranges at least. You think it's worth going to a local fire station then? 

Do they charge you?

Mine doesn't, but I work here.

 

That said, they don't charge for other community based groups that wish to borrow it.

[Tango7]

On 11/12/2025 at 8:48 PM, Black Flag said:

Well, technically, does the "posted" sign preclude instruction?

 

 

As long as the firearms aren't fully or partially concealed... 

 

The archdiocese made it evident that they disliked legal guns nearly as much as illegal guns, so much as they bothered to discern the difference.

 

They signs eventually came down, but TBH since the FD is free, I use it as my primary. 

[John Q Public]

Look at Lockton Affinity. 

 

https://locktonaffinity.com/

 

It covers you and up to three also insured, it's what you will need for gaining access to ranges, etc.

 

JQ

Edited November 27, 2025 at 07:36 PM by John Q Public

[Tango7]

On 11/27/2025 at 1:35 PM, John Q Public said:

Look at Lockton Affinity. 

 

https://locktonaffinity.com/

 

It covers you and up to three also insured, it's what you will need for gaining access to ranges, etc.

 

JQ

Yep. Had a moment's hesitation when we got a new Fire Chief, but it's amazing how a CoI will unbunch panties.

Edited December 1, 2025 at 01:58 AM by Tango7

[John Q Public]

I'm not sure what yo mean, but you are directly in competition of me, but I gave you the best info I could. I'm not sure what your statement means....

[Lou]

Check out your local VFW or American Legion

[Molly B.]

Local Farm Bureau in the area? Sometimes they have meeting rooms to rent for a small fee. 

[Sev]

not sure if this is allowed but

I have a full classroom set up currently seating 20 but can seat more. Has all of the USCCA safety posters up (not promoting them or their curriculum just utilizing their posters) about 10-15 yellow training guns, full-size target stand and deep enough room to be able to show students the qualification distance. Big screen TV (80”-95” I believe) for presentation materials to be connected to. I will try and attach pictures here. 
 

I would be willing to try and work something out with anyone needing classroom space for classes or any other meeting needs as long as the terms make sense. Availability is pretty open right now. 
 

Location is in Oak Forest between 147th and 159th and Cicero. Close to a few ranges for qualifying students both Eagle Range and Sporting Arms & Supply are within 15 min drive. You would have to get Range access and Insurance with the respective range you use. 
 

Email me at info@apesservice.com

 

[AlphaKoncepts aka CGS]

On 11/12/2025 at 8:48 PM, Black Flag said:

Well, technically, does the "posted" sign preclude instruction?

 

It doesn't make sense to give your money to your enemy and anyone who wants you disarmed is your enemy. I also believe anyone who takes spiritual advice from a person who thinks it is morally superior to be a victim is an idiot. 

Spend your money elsewhere. Honor the intent of the sign. 

[Black Flag]

On 1/20/2026 at 1:14 PM, AlphaKoncepts aka CGS said:

Spend your money elsewhere. Honor the intent of the sign. 

 

Roger that.