Lightning Defense Academy
Your Instructors
John Hernandez
OWNER / INSTRUCTOR
Hello, I’m John. I originally grew up with my parents in communist Cuba. I later moved to the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago quickly becoming interested in martial arts around the age of 10. Falling in love with self-defense as a young man, I achieved the rank of black belt and competed in the United States Karate Association ranking top 10 for three consecutive years. Later in life I moved to South Florida to pursue my passion for martial arts and open multiple karate schools to train students competing nationally.
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During adulthood, I gained a passion for firearms. After taking classes and undergoing training, I decided it was time to become a USCCA Certified Instructor so I could teach students about firearms and self-defense. I quickly outgrew the classroom in my home and in June of 2022, we opened our storefront in Crystal Lake, IL. ​
Certified
USCCA
Instructor
Concealed
Carry
Instructor
Emergency
First Aid
Fundamentals
Women's
Handgun
Fundamentals
Range
Safety
Officer
Countering
The Mass
Shooter
Concealed
Carry
Counselor
Ian Hernandez
INSTRUCTOR
Hey, I’m Ian, the other half of Lightning Defense Academy. I’m the 3rd oldest of 6 children. I was born in Miami Florida in 1998 and grew up in district 158 very active in karate, wrestling, and football. My three main interests are cars, motorcycles, and guns but not necessarily in that order.
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I’m a USCCA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer. While I may not teach as much in the classroom, I’m sure to never miss a range qualification! I enjoy teaching students and helping new shooters along their firearms journey. You’ll find me managing the retail side of Lightning Defense Academy on the day-to-day. Stop by our store and say hi!
Certified
USCCA
Instructor
Concealed
Carry
Instructor
Range
Safety
Officer
Mili Hadzic
INSTRUCTOR
U.S. Navy Veteran/Maritime Security Specialist
With over 16 years of experience in Global Security and Crisis Management, Mili has extensive experience operating in hostile environments around the globe with a specialization in maritime security/anti-piracy operations.
Certified
USCCA
Instructor
Concealed
Carry
Instructor
Emergency
First Aid
Fundamentals
Women's
Handgun
Fundamentals
Range
Safety
Officer
Countering
The Mass
Shooter
Erin Rae
INSTRUCTOR
With a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Masters in Public Administration, Masters in Literacy, and a doctorate in Curriculum Leadership, Erin has been a lifelong career teacher and school leader for 25 years. When given the chance to teach one of her favorite hobbies and passions, Erin began a firearms training and safety business out of her home and rental spaces, specializing in providing confidence and competence to female students. She is excited to join the LDA team! Erin teaches firearms safety, basic handgun/pistol, CCW/CCL, situational awareness, and many female only courses.
“I look forward to the opportunity to share all that I have learned and experienced with couples, families and other ladies, in a family and female friendly environment. I enjoy the process of helping women overcome potential firearm related fears, to watch them gain confidence in their daily lives, and to be as safe as possible with children in the home.”
Certified
USCCA
Instructor
Concealed
Carry
Instructor
Women's
Handgun
Fundamentals
Countering
The Mass
Shooter
Children's Firearm Safety
Jayson Kurtz
INSTRUCTOR
Jayson spent most of his youth hunting, fishing, camping, and shooting, combined with practicing martial arts and competitive sword fighting. His professional career path as a leader and trainer naturally merged with his personal passions, leading him to become the instructor he is today.
He has taken instruction from some of the best in the business and is eager to learn every chance he gets. Jayson takes safety, self-defense, and personal responsibility very seriously, but wants every student to enjoy their time with him, and he makes those relationships a priority. His goal is to see the same faces over and over again and really enjoys watching people progress.
Certified
USCCA
Instructor
Concealed
Carry
Instructor
Jose L. Rebolledo Jr
INSTRUCTOR (ESPANOL)
Hello, my name is Jose Luis Rebolledo Jr. I'm a firearms instructor at Lightning Defense Academy. Born in Chicago, Illinois, I spent my childhood in Guerrero, Mexico, where my father and grandfather began teaching me firearms handling at the age of eight. I returned to Chicago at age 20, obtained my concealed carry license, and continued to hone my skills and knowledge of Illinois firearms law. I've been immersed in the world of firearms for nearly 20 years.
As a USCCA Certified Instructor and Shooting Range Safety Officer, I'm passionate about helping my students succeed in both their written and shooting tests, enabling them to obtain their concealed carry licenses. When you call Lightning Defense Academy, be sure to say hello! I look forward to seeing you in the classroom or on the range.
Certified
USCCA
Instructor
Concealed
Carry
Instructor
IN LOVING MEMORY
Fred Eiselstein
12/10/1969 in Somers Point, NJ - 03/11/2025 in Harvard, IL
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved instructor and dear friend, Fred Eiselstein. Fred became one of our instructors soon after we began holding classes and with his extensive experience as a 20-year veteran of Woodstock Police Department, as well as his clear passion for teaching others, he quickly stood out as one of the finest members of our team that we have ever had the pleasure of working with. Always reliable and willing to help the team and students alike, he is deeply missed by the LDA team and we will always cherish the time we had with him. We love and miss you Fred, Rest in Peace.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS