My name is Don Griffin and I am a UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS veteran.

I have received my USCCA certification as a TRAINING COUNSELOR in order to certify USCCA instructors I became a USCCA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR and I hold classes in Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals (Illinois 16hr CCW Certification class) Illinois CCW Renewal Classes (3Hrs), Women’s Handgun and Self Defense Fundamentals, and also Countering the Mass Shooter Threat, and have added even more classes over the years. I am also a Range Safety Officer.

I have taught several hundred students, and I have developed a well-rounded curriculum to help every level of shooter (from Novice to Advanced) to be able to hone their skills to become Safe and Well-Trained Shooters. Not only well-trained with the ability to shoot a firearm well, but also with the mindset that’s necessary to be a RESPONSIBLY ARMED AMERICAN. I have been USCCA CERTIFIED and love educating others to become responsible firearm owners in a growing segment of our society! I have over 150 Five-Star reviews on USCCA and am very proud of my ability to educate my clients appropriately.

Thank you for your consideration,

DON GRIFFIN

Here's some recent reviews!

For those with a short amount of time to read reviews: Please come here, and don't give anyone else your money unless you're willing to answer for it in court.
Don and Jaime are the two instructors who run this class at the date of publishing of this review. They are both so knowledgeable and so helpful with every little aspect of gun ownership. I was in this class to obtain my CCL. They answer every question with a "no bs" and real world answer. I feel like I am not only more knowledgeable, but also a more responsible gun owner because of these two. Their prices are deceiving. The old adage of "you get what you pay for" doesn't apply here. You're paying the lowest prices compared to this whole area, for the best training out of this whole area.

I am thankful for Don and Jaime. I will continue to come to this academy to learn more and be better equipped to protect my family, and protect myself from the legal fallout that goes with protecting yourself. If you value your life, your finances, and your family and everything that you've built, come here. Two days—$100—answers to your questions—and the facts to back it up. They are clearly here to help you, and they truly to care for you the second you step into their classroom to even after you leaving.
I will not allow my family to go anywhere else but here. Thank you Don, and thank you Jaime.

Submitted April 11, 2026 by Devin S.

Don and Jamie did absolutely amazing. Everything was great

Submitted on Nov 2, 2025 by MARC C.

Don is a great instructor. I highly recommend everyone take his CCL class. He encourages you to ask questions and makes sure everyone feels comfortable asking any question. I walked away well informed and confident in my rights and responsibilities as a CCL holder. In today’s world, I feel it is imperative that we know how to protect ourselves. I loved the real life scenarios we ran through. They were eye opening!

Submitted on Apr 10, 2024 by kris b.

great experience, very informative and the shooting range was very safe.

Submitted on Aug 5, 2024 by Lance D.

Don was very informative, Easy to understand, and conducted his class very proficiently. Would so recommend his class to everyone.

Submitted on Feb 24, 2025 by HAROLD G.

I’m really new into guns but I’m really thankful to have met such amazing instructors as Don and Jaime . They teach with passion and do their best to keep you informed on anything regarding conceal carry tips and laws regarding having a conceal carry. I would definitely recommend 100% Thanks again guys

Submitted on Jan 18, 2026 by Louis B.

This class was by far the best class that I have ever attended! I would recommend anybody to this class. In fact, I would take it again. 10 stars!

Submitted on Jan 4, 2026 by CHRISTOPHER A.

This class was my New Year’s resolution & the tail end of a personal journey. Don & Jamie will not treat you as just a number. It was important to me that I learn everything I could possible know about the regulations of C&C. It’s up to me to follow up & continue on improving and educating myself. With that said, Don & Jamie will be there for you after the training. They are truly passionate about what they teach you and they don’t bs their way to just push you through. They offer a cheaper option because they really are passionate about what they do and want YOU as a citizen to be educated and informed as much as you can. I was never bored and I really felt like I was learning all the way through. You will get what you want out of this class as much as you put into it. They will give you every tool you need to feel confident. As a female who has endured some pretty traumatic experiences with a firearm, this was my liberation. I did it. These instructors support a woman’s right to carry and protect herself. I am beyond blessed that these two helped me with my journey. I truly appreciate them so very much that they could never understand. Trust me, they are the BEST.

Submitted on Jan 18, 2026 by MELISSA M.

Very professional, thorough, and Don and Jamie seemed to be very sincere in their interest in training students to properly handguns in a safe manners and did not cut corners to save time, not to mention Don charged less for the 16 hours of trading than most other trainers in the area. Don made it extremely clear that his class was not to train how to shoot someone, but to avoid when at all possible, and the only justified shooting is one that could not be avoided and you or someone else is in eminent danger.

Submitted on Nov 2, 2025 by DALE E.

Don was absolutely fantastic. He makes sure that you're understanding the content and will answer honestly all the questions you have for him. Super professional, would highly recommend to anyone unsure about gun safety or CCW. He's got a simulator with so many different scenarios designed to truly make you think. The value provided is excellent, it's 100% worth it. This is where I will be renewing from now on. Keep up the great work, Don!

Submitted on Apr 16, 2025 by SPENCER W.

Just completed my CCL class with Don and Jaime, Wow!! I will day my expectations were exceeded. If anyone is looking to get their CCL or renewal call Don or Jaime

Submitted on Jan 4, 2026 by BRADLEY M.

Don and Jamie were great instructors! My dad brother and I and took the class together. I personally enjoyed it and learned a lot more than I thought I knew. You go into thinking you are just gonna take a class and get your license and move on with your life but I went home thinking and preparing for the next step. Don and Jamie are a great team. They have an awesome simulator that they allow people to come back and use that puts you in real life situations that you may not be ready for! Jamie gave me great pointers and help me become a better shot as well. I will be going back for my renewal when it’s time and I highly recommend them to anyone!

Submitted on March 11, 2026 on google

Just had my ccl class today with Don and Jaime amazing people!! Would highly recommend going to them. All around great people best around I guarantee you won’t find any better instructors around anywhere. Best prices and they know what they are talking about. Thanks again guys!

Submitted March 2026 by Zach

”This was my second class because first instructor cut corners. I was glad to get the real 16 hour training. Our instructor was all about safety first and that was most important to me. He was great to explain in more detail for those of us who were less experienced with weapons. I was grateful for the encouragement he gave me on the range. It is easy on the range to get nervous shooting when the other students are more experienced. This class was an amazing experience. I learned so much. Originally I never intended to carry a weapon. I was taking the class because my husband has concealed carry. However after the class I am a little more confident that someday I just might actually carry myself. I highly recommend this instructor. He answers your questions and encourages students. I considered myself a beginner, I was treated equal to the experienced men in the class. If you need a class or just want to learn a little more about gun safety and the Illinois concealed rules you need this class.”

- Anonymous 7/26/2021

Don and Jamie are absolutely amazing! They present the information in a clear way and don't move on until we all understand all of the information. I learned so much in the classes and am more confident as a gun owner now. 10/10 recommend anyone to take a class from Don and Jamie, whether a beginner or someone more experienced. I definitely will be back for more training!

Submitted on Aug 18, 2025 by Kaylin D.

Exceptional Class with Don and Jamie! I can't say enough good things about Don and Jamie as instructors. Their professionalism, knowledge, and passion for safety and responsible firearm ownership were evident from start to finish. They created a comfortable and respectful learning environment, making sure everyone—from beginners to more experienced shooters—felt confident and informed. What really stood out was their ability to break down complex laws and procedures in a clear, relatable way. They welcomed questions, provided practical real-life scenarios, and ensured we left not just with certification, but with a solid understanding of what it truly means to carry responsibly. I highly recommend the full 16 hour class to anyone considering their conceal and carry even if you are prior military. Don and Jamie are top-notch instructors who truly care about their students’ safety, success, and confidence. Thank you both for a great experience!

Submitted on Jul 20, 2025 by GREGORY V.

If you want knowledge and experience Don and Jamie are the best hands down. Highly recommend for CCL classes and renewals you won't be disappointed. I couldn't ask for a better experience and a team that has passion for what they do. Go with Griffin Training Academy.

Submitted on April 11, 2026 by Vincent

Just finished my CCL class with Don and Jaime and it was a great decision to come to Jerseyville. They were very knowledgeable, considerate, respectful and safety oriented.
While we have had different instructors in the past, Don and Jaime both gave us plenty to think and talk about. We discussed laws, real life scenarios and so much more. I will be back for the women only classes to get more comfortable with a bigger caliber gun.
I highly recommend both Don and Jaime, they really are a wealth of information. Thank you both!

Submitted by Jasmine April 2026

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