February 26, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – February 26, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Not All Heroes Get Medals
I have had the privilege to meet a lot of heroes… from local WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, and veterans of other wars to the actual Band of Brothers. Not all heroes got medals and not all heroes served in the United States military. Some took risks in facing down civil authorities for the causes of individual liberty and freedom.
When you take on state governments and local municipalities, sometimes decency goes out the window. Somehow, some people who get elected as mayor, or to local city, town or village councils, contract “God Syndrome” and think they have free reign to do anything to anyone. This is when suing a municipality might become a necessity. It can be a risky business. Particularly when the Second Amendment comes into play, it seems rules are disregarded when you sue a municipality.
Years ago, there was a gun shop in the City of Chicago that the city wanted to shut down. They hadn’t done anything wrong, but that didn’t matter. Every other year, the city building inspector would inform the gun shop owner that the window in the gun shop needed to be removed and bricked up. Then, a year later, they would come back and tell the owner that the police wanted the gun shop window replaced. An expensive project each time.
In addition, city government minions often tampered with business licenses, bathrooms don’t pass inspection, even though the owner remodeled them the way the city wanted a year or two before, and random unsubstantiated complaints against the store increase, causing more problems. Individual homeowners have similar problems if they get on the wrong side of an almighty mayor or councilman. Your garbage might not get picked up, pot holes in front of your house may not get fixed, or you might get a never-ending construction project blocking your driveway. The list of hassles can be endless.
Unfortunately, citizens who sue municipalities take a risk and have little protection from reprisals. That is why they are ranked as heroes in my book. They receive no commendations, medals or plaques on a wall some where to validate their valiant deeds. Some may get some satisfaction and brief recognition, and that is enough.
One such person is Otis McDonald. There were three other plaintiffs in the McDonald v City of Chicago case. All had courage but Otis McDonald was the tip of the spear. The tip of the spear gets dented, damaged, and marred, but wears it’s scars proudly. Otis was an outstanding citizen, a good husband, a good father, a veteran and a leader in his labor union. He was also on the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy Advisory Board (CAPS). Despite that, when he called the Chicago Police because of things going on behind his house, it took two hours to respond. On several occasions, they never showed up. Despite the risk, Otis McDonald decided to act and became the lead plaintiff in what was to become the McDonald v City of Chicago lawsuit. Otis was a hero. We were comrades in arms and friends.
The Illinois State Rifle Association was proud to help Otis and the other three plaintiffs in the McDonald v City of Chicago.
Otis McDonald, et al v. City of Chicago was a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court case which struck down Chicago’s ban on residents possessing handguns for self-defense in their homes. In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled states could not impede their citizens’ rights to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment, and that the Second Amendment not only prevented unlawful infringement by the federal government, but also by state and local governments. In doing so, the Court “incorporated” the Second Amendment to the states and municipalities through the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause, and held that Chicago was bound to respect the Second Amendment right to possess a handgun for home defense, which was held – in the Court’s 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller decision – to be at the core of the individual Second Amendment right. The McDonald case has formed the basis for numerous subsequent Second Amendment challenges to various state and local firearm restrictions throughout the United States.
The Illinois State Rifle Association will never back down in our pursuit to protect the Second Amendment rights for the law-abiding citizens of Illinois and across the country… but we cannot do it without YOU!
If you would like to help the ISRA to fight for our Second Amendment rights, CLICK HERE.
To Join or Renew Your ISRA Membership, CLICK HERE.
Get Ready For IGOLD 2026!
IGOLD 2026 is set for April 15, 2026, and we need you in Springfield!
The Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) will be held at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois. Doors open at 10:00 AM. This is your opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands of law-abiding gun owners and send a clear message to lawmakers:
WE WILL DEFEND OUR RIGHTS.
This year matters more than ever. We are behind enemy lines. There is no question about that. When you are behind enemy lines, all like-minded groups must stick together. This includes gun rights groups, hunters, gun collectors, gun shops, gun clubs, shooting ranges, FFLs, manufacturers and YOU.
The so-called “Responsibility in Firearm Legislation” Act (RIFL Act), a bill under consideration in the Illinois House and Senate, would eliminate the sales of new firearms in Illinois by establishing an over-the-top licensing fee for manufacturers to be able to sell firearms to retailers (FFLs) in Illinois. The RIFL Act is the anti-gunner’s dream. If this legislation were to pass, no manufacturer would participate in this scheme. No manufacturers means no merchandise, no more retailers, no more firearms sales. Remember when they said that they are not against hunters, shooting clubs, individual law-abiding gun owners? Well, that was all a lie, all along. That is why IGOLD is so important this year and your participation is crucial!
Remember what Benjamin Franklin said (attributed to him during the signing of the Declaration of Independence): “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Our special guest this year is David McDermott, founder of McDermott Law Group. With over 27 years of courtroom experience and national recognition as a self-defense expert, David brings insight, energy, and a fighter’s spirit. You won’t want to miss his message.
IGOLD began in the early 1990’s as Illinois State Rifle Association Lobby Day, and became IGOLD, Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day, with input and assistance from other gun groups in Illinois. The goal was to put a face on Illinois gun owners. In 2013, more than 8,200 gun owners filled Springfield. One early attendee was Otis McDonald, whose US Supreme Court case, McDonald v Chicago, changed the nation, and helped pave the way for Illinois Conceal Carry. IGOLD proves what happens when we stand together.
Now it’s our turn again.
Please take a moment right now and:
Click the Facebook event link HERE.
Click “Going.”
Click “Invite” and invite all your friends.
Share the event to your profile.
Let’s pack the Bank of Springfield Center.
Set up carpools. Organize your club. Sponsor a bus. Bring family and friends.
Politicians notice numbers. The media notices numbers. And numbers send a message.
We will support those who support our rights. We will oppose those who don’t. And we will never apologize for exercising the freedoms guaranteed to us.
Mark your calendar for April 15, 2026.
Doors open at 10:00 AM.
Springfield, Illinois.
Let’s make this the biggest IGOLD yet.
We teach safety. We stand for freedom. We never back down.
See you in Springfield!
To Join or Renew Your ISRA Membership, CLICK HERE.
Legislative Update
The General Assembly reconvened on 2/17.
You can find the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Litigation Update
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – At this time, the State of Illinois has submitted their answers to the Supreme Court Conferences of the Justices.
The court has asked for more information, which is a very good sign.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Turkey Season Around The Corner
Turkey hunting has become very popular in recent years. This is just a reminder that turkey season is not far away. Youth permits go on sale on March 3rd. The special youth seasons are March 28-29 and April 4-5. The Southern Zone regular turkey season begins April 6-10. Illinois has a split season, therefore you need to check with the IDNR for dates where you decide to hunt. With turkey season around the corner, be sure you have you gear ready.
Please take pictures of your turkeys and submit them to the Illinois Shooter. Email them to editor@isra.org .
Quote Of The Week
“It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
2026 NRA Illinois State Indoor Pistol Championships – Bullseye
ELGIN ILLINOIS – Elgin Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
405 Ramona Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
9:00 AM, 12:00 & 3:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026
HIGHLAND ILLINOIS – Highland Pistol & Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
At the intersection of Iberg and Bellm Rds., approximately 1.3 miles Southeast of Highland, Illinois, near St. Louis, Mo.
9:00 AM & 11:30 Sunday, March 22, 2026
Match Fees:
Adults $35
Juniors $15
Matches (Standard indoor course of fire):
Rimfire Centerfire
Match #1 20 shots SF Match #6 20 shots SF *
Match #2 20 shots TF Match #7 20 shots TF *
Match #3 20 shots RF Match #8 20 shots RF *
Match #4 30 shots NMC Match #9 30 shots NMC *
Match #5 AGGREGATE Match #10 AGGREGATE
Match #11 Grand Aggregate
Note: Juniors will shoot .22 in the centerfire portion of the match, but
will compete only amongst themselves. An 1800-all-fired with the .22
will determine the junior championship.
If you are unable to make the relay, please notify us 48 hours in advance so another
competitor can take your place. Additional relays will be scheduled only if needed.
Rules: Current NRA pistol rules will govern. Course of fire: Standard indoor course.
*Note for match 6 and slow fire in match 7, only 5 shots will be fired on each target.
Note also that rules (22.1) .22 Caliber Only Aggregate Match. Also, any local range
safety rules will apply, and the deputy match director will be responsible for enforcing
them.
Targets: B-2 slow fire, B3 timed & rapid-fire target. Tuning targets will be used.
Competitors: You do not need to be an NRA member. Competitors must have
equipment that meets all rules and match specifications. All record shots must be fired in
the same relay, i.e., you cannot shoot a 900 in the morning and a 900 in the afternoon or
the next day, etc.
Classification: NRA classifications will be used, and current NRA rules will apply. It is
the competitor’s duty to have their current classification card when entering the
tournament. Unclassified shooters will obtain a temporary score record book from the
match director and shoot in the Master class for the first match.
Awards: A .22 Pistol will be given away at both the Northern and Southern Championship events.
Contacts:
For Elgin Ralph Wilson – rawilson@rawilson.net – 224-828-1322
For Highland John B. LaBusier – jblphoto@yahoo.com – 618-246-6648 (before 9 PM)
Aurora Sportsman’s Club Hosts “Bullseye 101” Class
Are you curious about Bullseye? Wonder what it is? Wonder what it takes to shoot it? The ASC Bullseye Department is hosting a “Bullseye 101” clinic on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This clinic is intended for new-to-Bullseye shooters and will hopefully answer all your questions about the game, equipment, matches, and basic shooting process. The clinic will also include some range time to allow you to practice what you learn as well as get the feel of an actual bullseye match.
The clinic includes:
This clinic is free and open ASC members and invited guests. Shooters of all ages (over 10yrs) and skill levels are encouraged to attend.
Come join us for a fun day!
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
Gently-Used Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2® Raffle
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $10
3 Tickets – $25
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
For more Information, CLICK HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
For other questions on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
IGOLD Expert Grade M1 Garand Raffle
9 Additional prizes include Glock 43 MOS (3), Glock 42 MOS (1), pistol cases (3), and rifle cases (2)!
Ticket prices:
3 Tickets – $30
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
40 Tickets – $250 85 Tickets – $500
For more Information, CLICK HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
For other questions on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
NOTICE: Massad Ayoob – Mag 20 Class Coming up in May!
If interested in attending, please CLICK HERE.
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
March 21 & 22 (Saturday & Sunday) Concealed Carry Class – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
March 22 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
March 29 (Sunday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 11:00pm
May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) Massad Ayoob – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Massad Ayoob – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00
August 26 – 30 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG80 – ISRA Range, Bonfield (more info TBA)
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
ISRA Members: To view the
Illinois Shooter – Winter 2026, click HERE.
If you would like to donate to us, please click HERE.
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, click HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Tidbits
February 26, 1919 – US Congress establishes Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
February 27, 1827 – Mardi Gras was celebrated for the first time in New Orleans. Prior to that time, it was forbidden to wear masks on the streets of New Orleans.
February 28, 1993 – The ATF raided the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. The Branch
Davidians were used to being cited for firearm violations and explosives violations. This began a siege that lasted until April 19, when the FBI led a final assault on the compound.
The combined ATF handling of the raid and the FBI’s actions to end the siege has been described as being anywhere from incompetence to premeditated murder. Multiple studies and documentaries have been made and this incident reverberates to this day.
February 29, 1940 – At the 12th Academy Awards, hosted by Bob Hope, “Gone With The Wind” wins eight Oscars. Vivien Leigh won “Best Actress” for her performance in the David O. Selznick film. Hattie McDaniel won “Best Supporting Actress,” the first Oscar for an African-American. The movie itself was the first color film to win “Best Picture.”
My mother and father went to see “Gone With The Wind.” I still have the original program that they bought.
March 1, 1917 – The news breaks on what would become known as the “Zimmerman Telegram”. This telegram, between the German Ambassador in Mexico and German officials, was an attempt to create a military alliance with Mexico against the United States, offering Mexico the return of the territory they had previously lost to the U.S. in the Mexican-American War. They hoped this would encourage Mexico to enter WWI by urging them to launch an attack on the U.S.
The telegram was intercepted by the British and given to the Americans. Upon hearing this, Mexico, now finding itself in a sticky situation, declined to reply to the offer from Germany. After the contents of the telegram were published in U.S. papers, anti-German sentiment roiled as calls for the U.S. to enter the war increased. The U.S. eventually entered WWI on the side of the Allies on April 6, 1917.
March 2, 1836 – Texas declared independence from Mexico. General Santa Anna had been attacking the Texas garrison at the Alamo. On March 6, Santa Anna and 3000 troops overran the defenders, killing all but a handful of civilians. The seige of the Alamo had distracted the Mexican army and allowed the Texas army to organize. Six weeks later, the Texas army would defeat the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto.
March 3, 1931 – President Herbert Hoover signs a congressional act making the Star-Spangled Banner the official national anthem of the United States.
March 4, 1793 – George Washington’s second inauguration as US President at the Senate Chamber of Congress Hall, Philadelphia. His was the shortest inaugural speech of any president with only 133 words. Hmm… I think it would be a good idea for today’s candidates to limits their words also.
Gun Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
Mar. 7 – Mar. 8, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Mar. 8, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleville, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 11 – April 12, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
April 18, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
April 19, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
May 16 – May 17, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept. 12 – Sept. 13, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Other Events
Mar. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, Illinois
April 11, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – 4th Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Madison County – 1st Wednesday of the month – Piasa Armory, 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd., East Alton, IL; Doors open at 6:15pm; Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Cooper’s Bar and Grill, 15158 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Visit: isra.org/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
PO Box 637
420 E Locust St
Chatsworth Illinois 60921
USA
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