We specialize in personalized private sessions, and also provide traditional open enrollment courses. We believe in the mastery of the essential skills you need to win the fight before, during and after a deadly force encounter. Located in Lincolnwood, IL at the Shore Galleries Training Center, the Aurora Sportsman Club in Waterman, IL and at The Compound in Crete, IL. We have something for everyone, beginners and beyond. We also understand the importance of having a broad spectrum of skills. That is why we host other instructors throughout the year.
Open enrollment classes are priced based on location. A private session starts at $125/hr. Children under 18 free with paid adult for 1st class.
Meet the Owner
Hello everybody, my name is Erik Tweedt. I am the owner of Archetype of The Gun. In a past life I was, technically still am, a Paramedic. I am medically retired from the Chicago Fire Department. Here come those dreaded words…”I’ve been shooting my entire life.” That statement is useless when used for validation. I simply mean what it says, and I love it. I have always been one to seek out as much quality information as possible. Early in life my education came from books, my elders and my peers. Some of it good and some of it bad. I began taking dedicated gun courses when I realized I had plateaued in my firearms education. After a while people started asking me to teach them, so I did. I soon realized that if I was going to continue that I had a responsibility to give them the best start that I could.
Archetype of The Gun was started to offer training to individuals that needs weren’t being met by the standard offerings. Individuals that are unable to take 2-5 days out of their busy life to attend classes. We offer private and small group lessons that are personalized for you; as well as what you would expect from other instructors or schools. Class topics and schedules are designed and progress around you. Whether you are just starting or have been shooting your entire life we have something for you.
About your teacher- I have been teaching in some fashion my entire adult life. I enjoy teaching as much as I enjoy doing, this truly is a passion for me. My teachers include Tom Givens of Rangemaster, Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch, Massad Ayoob of LFI and MAG, Dave Spaulding of Handgun Combative’s, Bob Houzenga and Andy Kemp of Midwest Training Group, Varg Freeborn of One Life Defense, and Robert Militello of Tactical Medical Concepts, and many more. I pride myself on constantly learning so I can provide you with a well-rounded and in-depth learning environment. I firmly believe that what you learn here is “A” way not “The” way.