Jon Thompson

Instructor # 381976 | Riverside Sporting Gear

Certified with the USCCA since 12/26/2013

Certification Renewal Date 9/18/2025

Elk River, MN, 55330

4.9

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USCCA Certifications

  • Concealed Carry & Home Defense
  • Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals - Training Counselor
  • Countering the Mass Shooter

My Biography

When choosing a firearms instructor, start with their credentials. After all, you are spending your time and money to educate yourself so be sure the instructor you choose has the background and experience to successfully teach you. The picture in the top left cameo is of Mike Seeklander (right) and Jon Thompson. Mike's ability to instruct is exceptional. It makes a difference!

Jon Thompson has over 15 years of experience in the firearms field. His credentials include:

• Serving multiple times as an associate instructor for John Farnam in pistol and rifle. • Receiving Mag 40 Certification from Massad Ayoob (considered by many the top law enforcement expert on the use of lethal force in the US). • Attending and passing classes conducted by Robert Vogel (one of the top Pistol shooters in the World) and Ben Stoeger IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. • Completing Defensive pistol classes taught by Mike Seeklander. • One of a few NRA instructors to hold the Advanced Pistol Instructor designation. • Classified by the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) as Expert in Stock Service Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Back Up Gun and Pistol Caliber Carbine. (2019 ratings) • Classified as Sharpshooter for Revolver by IDPA (2019 rating).

Jon is also a graduate of Pine Technical College one-year Gunsmith program and has received armorer certifications from ArmaLite, Glock, Smith & Wesson, and SIG Sauer. Jon has learned how guns work, from manufacturing to use.

In addition, Jon has a master’s degree in Special Education, making him a vetted teacher and the best choice to learn the ins and outs of instruction and use firearms. To see a further list of Jon's qualifications go to: https://www.riversidesportinggear.com/about-us or call Jon at: 763-263-9587.

The background and skills of your instructor does matter. Don't get short changed. Jon has spent the past 15 years building his resume and investing in his education to help you become a well instructed and responsible user of firearms.
Took the Instructor course with Jon and would highly recommend! He was knowledgeable and kept the class interesting all the way throughout. With classes sizes kept small, it felt like I got more than enough time to interact on a personal level and left his class a better instructor. Thank you, Jon! Christopher A. 2021

Jon Thompson was an amazing instructor. The USCCA Certified Instructor's Course was very informative and I feel I've been provided with the tools to be a valued instructor for my students. I hope to bring the same amount of knowledge and professionalism to my course that Jon has provided. I learned so much and won't hesitate to go back and learn more from Jon. It really was a pleasure.

Thank you Jon, - Clarence, 2021

“Jon Thompson is an outstanding instructor! He has a wealth of knowledge and knows how to transmit it effectively to his students. My 2-day USCCA Instructor Certification with him was packed with great information. It has helped to improve my teaching methods and content for my permit to carry classes. I highly recommend Jon!”

C. Albert 2019

“Jon provided an excellent learning and training environment which allowed me and my fellow student to excel. He is a master of the material but more importantly supplemented the class with additional insights as well as suggesting improvements to our presentation style. I would highly recommend Jon and can say you will get your money’s worth from his course. —Don Z.” 2019

I recently took the USCCA instructor course from Jon and I have to say, the quality of instruction was top notch! Jon was thorough while still keeping on schedule. He was patient with us as we were learning to be instructors and he provided insight and information that I am confident I would not have received elsewhere. I would highly recommend Jon for the USCCA instructor course as well as other training needs. -Rebecca 2020

Recently I took the USCCA Instructors Course from Jon. Before taking the course I did some research looking for the best curriculum and a great instructor. I selected USCCA and Jon Thompson. After completing the course I'm happy to say I selected the right curriculum and found a great instructor and new friend. Jon's experience, professionalism, attention to detail, presentation materials, and subject knowledge makes him an excellent instructor. I'm confident anyone who takes any course from Jon will have a great experience.

Thank you, Jon! Pat C.

Jon,

Thank you for the excellent training this past weekend.

I feel confident in my understanding of the course material and am excited to train the USCCA curriculum for firearms carry permit eligibility.

You have prepared me to deliver course content that goes far beyond the ability to exercise our rights under the 2nd Amendment.

The prework, classroom presentations, discussion and the range instruction related to defensive shooting was informative, thought provoking and challenging.

I highly recommend you as a trainer and look forward to attending future classes offered by Riverside Sporting Gear.

Your instruction is sure to enhance my understanding and ability to be my very best as a firearms owner, a carry permit holder and an instructor of the USCCA Concealed Carry course.

Thanks again. Respectfully, S. Peterson

I came in a couple weeks ago with my neighbor, Laurie to find a pistol to fit me. I want to say Thank You so much for focusing more on my shooting form! I’m shooting so much better and more consistently after your great advice.

Still planning to go to the range in the next month or so and rent the pistols you suggested and get back to you on ordering one.

Again, thanks so much for your time & advice. It’s helped me so much and I really appreciate it!

Enjoy your day! Erin S.

I took the USCCA Instructor Certification for Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals with Mr. Jon Thompson in August of 2020. Please let me emphasize that I cannot say enough positive things about Mr. Thompson’s character or his training. Mr. Thompson puts all his energy and focus into helping his students succeed. I am confident that Mr. Thompson will both meet and exceed student expectations on the topics of firearms and self-defense training. Consequently, I would highly recommend Mr. Thompson and Riverside Sporting Gear for your training needs. Keep up the great work!

Mike

Jon is a great instructor. He made accomodations for my schedule. Content was presented in a consistently professional manner. Jon had facilitated a class that I attended years back and have crossed paths with him at various competition events but, this is the first time I have been a student of Jon. Will definitely look to jon for further instruction. Will be watching for his Countering the mass Shooter class. Well done, Jon. Thank you.

Submitted on Dec 13, 2020 by Craig H.

Jon was very thorough and a true subject matter expert. We went through the material at a pace everyone was able to comprehend very well. I would recommend Jon as an instructor.

Submitted on Dec 12, 2020 by Gary M.

"Jon is a consummate professional and has perfected the art of defensive firearms instruction. It was a distinct honor and pleasure to learn from him and I look forward to attending future classes that he offers."

Best regards,

C. Hoivik 1-27-2021

Current Classes Available

4.9

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122 Reviews

What Students Are Saying

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    Class taken on Sat, Jan. 25, 2025
    |Taught by

    "Jon did a great job informing myself and the other students in class of what is expected and how to go about it. He used some great training tools and made sure we were well prepared for the tests "

    Submitted on Sun, Jan. 26, 2025 by Josh W.

    "Josh, Thanks for taking time to write a review. We had great discussion in this class."

    Submitted on Mon, Jan. 27, 2025

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    Class taken on Sun, Dec. 29, 2024
    |Taught by

    "Jon is very knowledgeable, thorough and helps you understand all aspects of a basic firearm. Great class, especially for beginners!"

    Submitted on Sun, Dec. 29, 2024 by Deb R.

    "Deb, Thank you for the review. This information is very helpful."

    Submitted on Mon, Dec. 30, 2024

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    Class taken on Sat, Nov. 2, 2024
    |Taught by

    Submitted on Tues, Nov. 5, 2024 by Brian S.

    "Brian, Thanks you for the review. Your feed back is important."

    Submitted on Tues, Nov. 5, 2024