adam and berry are the dynamic duo .the class was informative while interesting! [especially when adam goes on a rant ]i am a type A person yet i was nervous at first.i haven't shot in 40 years and had a new gun i never shot.last time i had to sit and listen was 15 yrs ago in college. they made everybody comfortable quickly!!!.and, i would recommend this business to any body interested in buying a weapon or taking a class in ccw.[their prices are very competitive..hands down]YOU will do the 16 hrs so be prepared. bring a cushion.. after a while the seat feels like a cement stoop.there are periodic breaks to stretch or smoke .people PLEASE when on break treat it as such its brief .if you disappear they will hold up the class until your rude ass comes back.there is a lunch time. if you need bring a drink or chips they supplied bottles of water...besides the initial cost of the class.. if you want to get your fingerprints and picture done there [65.00]... pay fee to il state police [160.00]call to find out current fee prices.they don't up charge anything for the fees.. you pay what they are! if you pay in cash [no c c fees] you get a smile.they are fairly new business with a very experienced crew.adam spoke of trying to get approval and funds to open a range.i wish him/them the best of luck.i will be stopping in there occasionally to check out the new stuff...sorry for the long review but i had to listen to adam for two days!! this is a payback.thanks guys read more

My Father and I had taken the class together while classes were at a very big discount (which at the time of typing this review is still happening). we had Chosen Blackhawk Tactical due to a couple of reasons, those being it was very close by, the price at the time, and due to a previous visit we had taken there a couple years ago when it was also a FFL Dealer which left a good impression on both of us. while like many people we were not looking forward to staying in the class for 16 hours in total. However, we actually enjoyed being there. Adam the instructor, kept the class actively engaged with learning and even going through some fundamentals and advice for carrying, home application, recommending brands and even helping us understand the laws regarding conceal carry and home defense, especially mentioning scenarios to help understand better. I have also witnessed how he treats new shooters and saw he had carefully handled things to be able to help teach them firearm safety and of course the Range portion of the class not to mention being extra informative for whatever new shooters wished to ask. Overall i highly recommend Blackhawk Tactical for Conceal Carry/Renewal Classes for both New and Experienced Shooters alike. read more

I signed up for this class based on the referral from a prior student. He had nothing but good things to say about this class, but I was still expecting to be bored to tears for most of it. Boy was I wrong. Adam Valentine is an awesome instructor and kept the class very interesting by keeping it real, speaking in layman's terms and giving plenty of real life examples and stories. He covered everything the state requires, and much more. He works with you individually if you need it and tells it like it is, without sugarcoating anything. His staff, Michelle, Dan, etc, are also very helpful and just great people both in the classroom and at the range. I can't even believe the class was 16-hours. I could have sat in there much longer and took in more of what he had to teach. Adam's teaching made it go by really fast, and for $150? Great deal. I can't wait to sign up for the intermediate course. If you are wanting your CCW, look no further than Blackhawk Tactical. You will NOT regret it whatsoever. read more

Adam and his staff go 100% above and beyond making sure you are knowledgeable and ready stepping into the world of concealed carry. From the moment you walk in there is definitely assurance that, no matter what skill level, you're going to walk out learning something new that can save your life and possibly that of someone else. From the legal aspects and SAFETY, to proper technique / accuracy (+ a lot more in between) I left that classroom not only more experienced but humbled and importantly, ready. Adam's approach keeps you zeroed in on every topic and the course is going to make you a well informed and responsible carry citizen. If you are on the fence about CCL, ask yourself why you've considered lawful concealed carry. Is it protection for your family, yourself or just being prepared for the worst? If you are serious about any one of those, please take his class, you will not be disappointed. read more

Just completed the 01/08/2017 class, far exceeded my expectations. If you are reluctant due to the 16 hours don't be, it's fun, friendly, interactive, intuitive, educational and the time passes fast. Michelle is a great check/balance to Adam and a very good range officer. There are hands on sections, life lessons, some video but mostly real time training/education experience. All of your needs will be met, class time has question and answer at any time. Come sign up and spend some time with your piers, learn and be a better shooter, there is always something to learn. No experience is necessary, the training team will take time to see to your individual needs to make you comfortable. Don't cheat yourself, don't delay take the class have some fun, gain some knowledge, some training, some safety and if you test well and pass the Illinois State Police background earn a CCW license. read more

First I would like to mention, I always use yelp to check out things first, but never written a review until today. I thought Adam sounded great on the phone and very helpful so I decided to sign up. When another student and I arrived early he was setting up and was a pleasure to deal with from the beginning. When everyone else arrived we got down to business, the class was very informative yet entertaining at times, it was nice to see a wide variety of Americans male and female young to more seasoned adults come together and have a great day learning how to be safe with our firearms and what to expect from ourself when confronted with different situations. I can type all day about how much I enjoyed this class,but the bottom line is this was best dang class I been apart of and Adam and his staff is a huge part of making the class flow with ease.... read more

I said it five years ago and I'll say it again today. Adam and all the people associated with Blackhawk tactical are the most professional and knowledgeable people I've ever trained with. From military to civilian life these guys will bend over backwards to help their students out. If I ever move away from Cook County I will travel back just so I can take Adam's class. If you're on the fence about the CCL class I highly recommend you call Adam or speak with any of the students that have rolled thru the classes so you can get first-hand info of how good it is. Adam will work with his students to make sure every I is dotted and T is crossed. He personnel worked with me when I needed some help with getting my class done. Can not say enough good things about Adam and his crew. Thanks to all of them for being stand up men (and woman)! read more

I wanted to take a top rated class for IL CCW. Excellent reviews here on Yelp caught my eye for Blackhawk Tactical. Not the closest class near me but well worth the additional drive. Adam and crew are indeed awesome and the 16 hours of training flew by. I've had my FOID for years and sent a lot of rounds down range during this time. Although well experienced going into the class, Adam taught me many things I greatly appreciate. I want to thank all the prior Yelp reviewers, Adam and his team at Blackhawk Tactical for this outstanding time. Big thanks to all fellow students in class with me for making this time so enjoyable. I highly recommend this program from Blackhawk Tactical to you for your CCW certificate. Nothing here to intimidate anyone at any level. Very welcoming atmosphere with friendly folks who have your success in mind. read more

I found Blackhawk tactical purely by accident and I'm so glad that I did. I went in there just to get a price on a gun and I was interested in and Adam ended up giving me the best deal I could find on my new 9mm. When I saw the reviews of the concealed carry class I definitely had to check that out. The price alone was amazing and the class itself far exceeded my expectations. Having a small law enforcement background myself I figured I would sleep though this class, however Adam made the class sooo interesting and entertaining I couldn't help but be amazed. It's a long class but your fully engaged. Adam is a very knowledgeable guy but not in a boastful way at all. He loves his 2nd Amendment and his strawberry daiquiris Great class and even better staff. It's like a little family in there and he makes u feel part of it! read more

I grew up around firearms and because of my son's interest in hunting, began to get back into firearms. This year, I decided to take the concealed carry permit class. I looked at different classes on the Southside and Blackhawk Tactical had the best reviews by far. The instructor Adam, along with the staff, made the 16 hours informative, engaging and practical. Adam is charismatic and funny who makes the class flyby. This class is great for folks new to firearms and also those who have grown up with guns. Everyone will benefit. One last thing that stood out was the diversity of the class--economically, educationally, racially, age, relational status, and gender. If you are looking for a class where you will be comfortable, this is it. I Can't wait to take other classes that Blackhawk Tactical offers. read more

If you're thinking about signing up for a class I might save you lots of time. I researched for a month, over 4 dozen places. Blackhawk Tactical is by far the place that offers the most advanced training with lots of 'extras' that go far beyond what's required. You will leave with a 16 hour certificate knowing you learned more than anywhere else. You will learn how to handle yourself, defend yourself, and understand your surroundings. They are that good and knowing what I do now I would have driven 2 or 3 hours from home just to take this course instead of one in my own neighborhood (and there's a bunch nearby me). I can't recommend them enough, go here. You will be trained far beyond what's needed, even if you've never held a gun in your life. read more

This class was EXCELLENT and I did tons of research before I signed up with these guys and after talking with bout 8 of their competitors it took about 45 seconds on the phone with Adam to realize these guys are the real deal! The entire experience was hands on, beyond informative and they answered every single question asked, to say it was an impressive display of professionalism is an understatement. My friends have taken courses elsewhere and when we discussed and compared what was taught and learned through Blackhawk versus what these guys learned from their competitors I wish every single person in Illinois had to attend these guys training. Thank you guys :) read more

Blackhawk Tactical was recommended to me by a friend, saying Adam will take care of you. Adam and his staff did just that. They handle the paperwork, they help everyone on the range, they provide the information you need to understand for being responsible with your firearm and ccl. The classes flew by. A lot of information mixed with real stories and situations to help you understand potential real life situations. Adam goes through the laws, basics like gun care, and use of a firearm. He's passionate about educating gun owners, new owners and life long owners alike, and it comes through in his approach. i hope to be able to take more of the classes the offers. read more

Adam was a phenomenal instructor. I've had family and friends throughout my life teaching me gun saftey. This man knows the laws. He had an answer right away with everything we threw at him. I thought it would be a boring 2 days he kept you up on your seats. By no way do I like sitting in class. But I'll tell u what it was worth it. And then there is the shooting portion. If he is not in the range... which he wasn't for me he hires top notch instructors. All have their criteria. And all of them know what their doing without a doubt. The see you shoot. They help you. And they correct you. 5 STARS ISNT ENOUGH. This company will make the world a safer place read more

The class was really informative and taught me stuff about the current Illinois law that I wasn't previously aware of. I like the instructor (Adam Valentine) made sure to clarify any questions that we had. I also like how he asked us scenario questions so we can be smart about handling potentially dangerous situations in the event that we had to use our guns on someone. I highly recommend if you go to sign up for the USCCA membership that is offered by Dominick because I think it will be a good investment towards protecting your rights as a gun owner. Plus Adam made the class really entertaining too. read more

I can't say enough about this program! I have taken a few NRA courses throughout the years and while I may have learned or picked up a few tips here and there Blackhawk Tactical taught me more in 16 hours than I ever though possible! We had such a mixture of experience levels in our class and both of our instructors brought every single person in that classroom to the same level full circle! It took me a year to decide where to go for training and I can promise you this is the place! See you guys in the sharpshooting program this summer but for Illinois Concealed Carry there is no other place! read more

It may not look much from the outside but I highly doubt you'll be able to find any other shop/class that will give you the amount of knowledge and guidance as the Blackhawk Tactical crew. A1 experience and instructors. The team at Blackhawk Tactical are extremely straight cut and knowledgeable. They truly want each and every student that comes in to grasp the concept of safety, rules and regulations when handling firearms; no matter the age. Great camaraderie, amazing people, an abundant amount of knowledge, and overall an extremely satisfying experience. 1000/10 would do business again. read more

Attended the 16 hour course over the weekend. Easy to find location, with plenty of free parking. Facility is super clean and comfortable (we had half normal class size b/c of Covid seat spacing). They went the full distance with all the current Covid precautions, and people were great about it. Adam is a great instructor, engaging and knowledgeable. Range experience was easy and efficient. Adam is deadly serious about handgun safety and skills, but his great sense of humor makes the long days pass by quickly. Definitely a recommended experience, and I'll be going back for more training! read more

Wow.. This is the VERY BEST there is. Great instructor. Very knowledgeable. Answered everyone of my questions fully. Friendly, Put everyone at ease. They know the laws. They were very helpful during every phase of the training process. I could not have asked for more. Adam and his group know their stuff and are very willing to share it. The 16 hour class flew by. He keeps it upbeat. Right up front with all the costs. NOTHING hidden. VERY affordable. Told some friends that had taken training else where and they were shocked and jealous. I give them my highest rating AAAAA +1 !!!! read more