They have lots of items. A great variety of things - all very cool stuff. The staff was helpful as needed.

Selection was amazing and staff so friendly we found exactly what we were looking for. Prices are unbeatable too. Highly recommend for outerwear and gear. read more

I've been going here for Years when I Worked Security. Was great to pick up some gear for work and BDU pants. The pants helped carrying my work with me. Now I'm a little older but I need different stuff they have in their store the most places don't carry. Keep up the great work, I can't wait to return soon read more

Very nice people trader John's to go for surplus these guys are very friendly and they have quality products the service is great they will do all they can h Help you and they value your time please visit trader John's best surplus store in Illinois read more

Had the netted hats we were looking for. They either have it or they don't. The workers were nice and knowledgeable. I suggest you try it. The price is good. read more

I like this place for all things military. In the mood for some camo clothing? They have it. Lookin' for some 550 cord to tie something up? They got it. Need some combat boots? You'll find 'em here. Its just a cool place to browse thru and find all sorts of treasures. read more

This is my second time here...I love this place...so organized and orderly. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable and I can see people dropping a lot of cash in here...whether for hunting paintballing prepping or Halloween. Prices here were...pretty awesome compared to some of the others I been to. (Not knocking other stores either with this comment, but with what I bought here it would have cost more elsewhere.) Pics I will take. read more

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Terrific Army Navy store! I have been there many times and purchased many items over the last 4 years. The staff is very friendly and great to work with, they have a good solid supply of varied merchandise. From striking up a conversation with Anthony ( great guy, new friend of mine), I discovered WW2 re-enacting, which is superb! I didn't realize that existing ( only thought Civil War was done), but now understand both WW1/ WW2 are as well. Definitely give them a try and keep great small businesses like this run by good people going strong! #GodBlessOurVets ! #USA! read more

Great place for getting warm clothing at good price. I was on a quest for a warm hat and gloves found it here. read more

Absolutely loved the place. Everybody was very nice and helpful. I had a great experience over all it was just like sensory overload. There was a great selection of everything and I will definitely be returning! read more

Trader John's Army Surplus - Military Surplus Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

Been awhile since stopping,never left with out some merchandise purchased,that wasn't able to find at other surplus stores. Everyone friendly,very clean and catagorised throughout the store. Recommend to and and all. Being a Marine Vet,highly recommend to vets and familys of vets. read more

It's been awhile since I've stopped in and wonder why it took so long. Great inventory of militariana and outdoor gear. Stop in for a good deal on equipment! read more

This place is great! I have been shopping here for years. The inventory can change so you never know what you may find. Great deals on boots. I usually go there with my sons and they always find something. The staff is awesome and very helpful as well. read more

This place is like a historic landmark for me I was going to work my first day in S. Elgin and I was like holy cow Trader John's is still open, I was going here over 25 years ago, before I joined the Army and toured the world so a Couple days ago it decided to rain, and all my jackets are in storage, so I stopped on my way to work and got a jacket and some tactical pants for work really good people here with good service and even better prices read more

I come into this place once every 2 weeks or more for survival gear or clothes that were made to last. And let me tell you about the people who work here. Jim: at first he seems like he's in a bad mood but he's just a tough face to read and is really helpful and gets to the point in explanations. Cut and dry. But him and I did have conversations about how things worked and that I shouldn't prep for end of the work SHTF event but that I should plan for personal SHTF events. Then there's Scott: there has never been a day where I haven't been greeted by a smile and how ya doing from him. He's been able to explain things and give his opinion on items and even if he uses them for his medical kits or camping trips! But just a few days ago I came in asking about a large ALICE bag with a frame. He said he had em in stock and I'd stop by Thursday to get it. This guy went above and beyond and went through his stock and dig out and put aside a clean ALICE bag and he spent 15 mind putting the straps tied to it before he'd let me walk out. Then we found that a button for the middle pouch was never sewed on (frankly that doesn't bother me cause it could still clip down just not tight down) and he was actually bummed about it and thought he found the perfect bag and gave me the shelf add on for the frame half off. If you are in the area stop in and get an MRE or two (if you do the 3rd low sodium is free) and stay to talk to these guys. 5/5 rating is far far to low for this place. read more

A great selection of items from all branches. My hubby was in marine Corp and missing some pieces to put up on display these people have it ! read more

Whether you are a veteran like myself or just want a great deal on some camping/survival gear- this is a great place to shop. From boots to hats to uniforms to insignia, this place has it all! Knives, camping supplies or military relic oddities! All at very good prices. Nice attentive staff. Whatcha waiting for? Go check this place out! read more

Great selection of surplus gear. Good prices on a variety of products. Friendly staff.

I will start with saying I am a longtime fan of the Army surplus store, but really have grown to hate how they have become urban chic with the prices that brings. So coming upon John's was a breath of fresh air for me. The selection is definitely more function than fashion, which I prefer. The real kicker was the prices, dirt cheap. I saw some kick ass paratrooper boots for at least $50 less than some place on Belmont in Chicago would charge, not to name names. From uniforms to Boots and Knives, hell they even had a General cap, when the hell do you see that? I'll definitely be back here, and probably sooner than later. read more

This place rules.. When I was a kid, my dad would take my brother and I here and we would run wild! Usually we would look for actual used gear, with the bonus of any blood stains. Or I'd blow my lawn mowing money on army food...I still go back from time to time just to check it out. A South Elgin staple! read more

Satuarday 20th February 2016 Trader John's just lost me as a customer. I have lived here all my life and had a lot of fun in this store. I had some items to sell for ounce. I came into the store at 10am when they open. I asked about them buying some items from me. The guy behind the counter says the guy that does buying isn't in and don't know when he will be in. I can wait if I want. I had other things to do. I left and called later was told he was not in but he should be there at 1. I stopped in at 230 and was told again that his is not in and have no idea when he will be in. All day I've been blown off with a lie. I am never coming back. read more

Good place and a very nice owner but way over priced $80 for used boots! And they have fake Chinese stuff thats sold there and even that's expensive. I think blankets were 20$ I drove from Chicago to there and didnt find anything worth buying so i find the ratings reviews to be unfair and misleading I wouldn't go there again simply because its not worth the drive if it was next door it would be different read more

I try and make my way here at least once a month. The only negative thing, which really isn't too big of an issue, is that the shop can get a little cramped if more than 5 or 6 customers are inside, especially up front. This place is awesome though, it is the kind of small town shop where almost every time i am in there i end up making conversation with other customers or the staff. The prices are more than fair, and even if i drop in with the intent of just browsing, i almost always end up seeing something i want and buying it. They have a great selection of different cammo types, so if you are into hunting, paintball, airsoft, etc, they will probably have a cammo pattern you like. If you are planning a camping trip its worth stopping in here as they have everything you will need, and at a fraction of the cost you will pay at placed like Cabelas or Gander Mountain. read more

This place is a true military surplus store , very organized and Scott is very friendly and helpful, good selection of all kinds of new tactical items, and old military collectors items. read more

This place is fantastic. The staff is extremely nice and will strike up a conversation and are very knowledgeable about the gear they sell and just about war history in general. It feels very confined, especially when you reach the back of the store, but that's what makes it feel so unique. You lose sense of the outside world for a bit and fall into an environment related to all the war products on the racks. The prices are very reasonable and the selection is extensive from specialty suits, all kinds of boots, quality peacoats, etc. It's definitely the best military surplus store that I'm aware of in the general vicinity. read more

I love this place the owner, James knows my dad and is always really great when it comes to pricing. Every time I've shopped year I've spent a pretty good amount of money so he would occasionally take a couple bucks off here and there. I bought camouflage tops and bottoms, I bought combat boots, really fine leather gloves, paracord, knives, winter jackets and hats, when I was a child I used to buy toys here. They just have a variety for all of your military needs! James actually owns a tank, along time ago I was able to sit in it has a kid! However the city of South Elgin has specific laws regarding his ability to pull it out based on boundaries, so he doesn't pull it out or anything like that anymore which is the city's fault not his. But I digress, great place very kind owners. You don't have to take my word for it go check it out for yourself and you'll see! read more

this place is the best of its kind in the chicago-land area (maybe larger) although the selection in my size was depleted, the selection is great, but the best part is the prices..... they made my jaw drop in comparison to similar stores especially the ones in Chicago run by hipsters. this place makes me want to take stars off my reviews of previously reviewed military surplus stores. read more

Awesome place. Everything you need is there. Staff quite helpful as well. I recommend this store for armed force equipment.

This store is wall to wall military. Pretty much anything you could want or need they might just have it. The majority of the items are reasonably priced for military gear. read more