Swanky Gun Club Emphasizes Safety As It Applies For Liquor License

LAKE FOREST, IL — A new gun range in unincorporated Lake Forest has been receiving rave reviews from customers who praise it as being especially clean, spacious and professionally run. NorthShore Sports Club, 28392 Ballard Dr., opened in May and has sought to create the feel of an elite country club.

It boasts a burger bistro, air-conditioning, extensive safety and security features, a variety of specialized training, self defense classes, machine gun rental by the hour and martial arts training at its dojo. Some of the members-only perks include secure lockers, use of a lounge anytime and for events, as well as events with experts focusing on historical firearms.

The club has simply tried to meet the community's expectation of quality, according to director and co-owner Todd Morgan.

"We're talking about the country club demographic without the country club prices," he said.

Strong local demand around Lake Forest inspired the opening of the club, Morgan said. Market research determined more than 50,000 homes within a 12 mile radius contain at least one gun, but area firearm owners had to travel to Crystal Lake or further for a space to train.

Annual memberships start at $4,000 per year, although special membership prices are available for law enforcement, emergency services and active or retired military. Introductory packages including training start at $150, and lane rental is $30 per hour. The club had around 30 members before opening and been steadily growing ever since with an eventual goal of becoming a members-only affair.

Another inspiration for the club's membership model has been to create a space to help veterans use some of the skills they have accumulated over the course of their career that do not easily translate into civilian life, Morgan said. The club offers opportunities for veterans to to build relationships with local business leaders that may begin with firearm training and evolve into a seat at the table.

"Introducing them to a guy who can make those hiring decisions inside a corporation is a great networking opportunity for them," Morgan said. There are currently more than two dozen employees of the club, of which at least seven have military experience.

The club has also applied for a license to serve alcohol along with artisan meals its Nighthawk Burger Bistro, which Morgan said has become a destination of its own.

"We're not planning on being a bar, we're only open until 9 p.m.," Morgan said. He said the club has extensive controls against anyone ever entering the shooting range area after consuming alcohol. "We're attracting a group of clients who are a little more sensible than somebody that goes to a bar every Friday, Saturday night."

The Lake County Liquor Control Commission has tentatively set a hearing date of July 6 at 9 a.m. to consider the club's application, according to a County spokesperson.

Location of North Shore Sports Club (Google Map)

Top photo courtesy of NorthShore Sports Club