Illinois concealed carry laws may be on the verge of a major shake-up. In early 2025, the state’s Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could change how residents get their concealed carry licenses. The case—People v. Tyshon Thompson—challenges Illinois’ requirement that gun owners have both a FOID card and a separate Concealed Carry License to carry a firearm in public. 

Thompson’s legal team argues this setup goes too far, referencing a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down overly restrictive gun permit rules in New York. 

If the court agrees, it could mean big changes for anyone trying to meet Chicago concealed carry permit requirements.

As Illinois reconsiders its approach to concealed carry, Concealed Carry Safety for Personal Defense Inc. (CCSPD) remains a trusted resource for anyone seeking clarity, training, and up-to-date guidance on what these legal shifts could mean.

This article breaks down the key issues in the Thompson case, explains how Illinois’ concealed carry laws could change in 2025, and highlights what gun owners—especially in the Chicago area—need to know to stay compliant and prepared.

Background: Understanding Illinois’ Current Gun Laws

In Illinois, legal firearm ownership and public carry are regulated through a two-tiered system involving a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL). Both are issued by the Illinois State Police, but they serve very different purposes.

The FOID card is the foundation. Illinois residents must have one to legally purchase or possess firearms and ammunition. 

It acts as a baseline eligibility check, verifying that the applicant meets legal standards, such as not having a felony conviction or certain mental health issues, that would prohibit gun ownership.

The Concealed Carry License (CCL) goes a step further. It allows individuals to legally carry a loaded, concealed firearm in public. 

To obtain a CCL, applicants must first have a FOID card, then complete 16 hours of approved training. This includes classroom instruction on firearm safety, state and federal laws, and conflict avoidance, as well as a live fire qualification to demonstrate safe and accurate firearm handling.

This layered licensing system—FOID for possession, CCL for public carry—is central to Illinois’ gun laws and is now at the heart of legal debate over whether it imposes unnecessary barriers to exercising Second Amendment rights.

The Legal Challenge: People v. Tyshon Thompson

The case at the center of Illinois’ current legal debate is People v. Tyshon Thompson. 

This ongoing case began in 2022. Thompson was convicted under Illinois’ aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (AUUW) statute after he was found with a firearm in his vehicle. 

Although he held a valid FOID card, he did not possess a CCL, which is required to legally carry a loaded firearm in public under state law.

Thompson’s legal team argues that this two-tiered licensing system is unconstitutional. 

Their position draws heavily from the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which struck down New York’s “may-issue” concealed carry system. 

That ruling emphasized that states must align gun regulations with the nation’s historical tradition and not impose excessive burdens on the right to bear arms.

Citing Bruen, Thompson’s attorneys claim that requiring both a FOID and a CCL amounts to an unconstitutional restriction, especially since the state cannot point to a clear historical precedent for such dual licensing. 

The outcome of this case could set a new legal standard for how states are allowed to regulate public firearm carry, as the Illinois Supreme Court reviews People v. Tyshon Thompson.

The Heart of the Debate: May-Issue vs. Shall-Issue and Open Carry

At the core of the Thompson case is a legal distinction with major implications: the difference between “may-issue” and “shall-issue” concealed carry laws. 

In a may-issue system, authorities have discretion to approve or deny applications, even if the applicant meets all stated criteria. 

In contrast, a shall-issue system requires that a permit be granted as long as all legal requirements are met.

Illinois classifies its concealed carry framework as shall-issue. The state argues that it does not exercise discretion beyond verifying eligibility and training, placing it within the bounds of what the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in Bruen.

“The court said in no uncertain terms that shall-issue licensing regimes, including explicitly Illinois, are constitutional,” Assistant Attorney General Garson Fischer told the Illinois Supreme Court.

But Thompson’s defense team argues otherwise. Because Illinois requires both a FOID and a CCL—plus 16 hours of training and fees—they claim it resembles a may-issue system in practice. 

“There’s simply no historical analog to show a double licensing regime,” said defense attorney Eric Castañeda.

Castañeda also challenged Illinois’ complete ban on open carry, arguing that such a categorical prohibition may not withstand scrutiny under Bruen—though it’s unclear if Thompson’s case directly supports that broader challenge.

What This Means for Gun Owners in 2025

The outcome of People v. Tyshon Thompson could have significant consequences for gun owners across Illinois, especially in Chicago, where permit requirements are already viewed by many as among the strictest in the country. 

If the Illinois Supreme Court rules in Thompson’s favor, it could force the state to eliminate the dual licensing system that requires both a FOID card and a CCL. 

This might simplify the process for legal concealed carry, reduce costs, and shorten timelines for applicants.

On the other hand, if the court upholds the current law, the FOID-plus-CCL system will remain intact. 

This would reaffirm Illinois’ authority to require comprehensive training and multiple layers of vetting before a person can legally carry a firearm in public.

Either way, the decision will likely influence how other states interpret and apply the Bruen precedent. 

For residents in the Chicago area—and for those receiving instruction from established training centers like CCSPD—the ruling will directly impact what steps are necessary to remain compliant with state law. 

It may also shape the broader conversation around the balance between public safety and constitutional rights in Illinois and beyond.

Navigating Concealed Carry in 2025: What to Know and What CCSPD Recommends

While the courts deliberate, Illinois law remains unchanged: residents must still obtain both a FOID card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to legally carry a firearm in public. That means proper training, documentation, and compliance are as important as ever.

Concealed Carry Safety for Personal Defense Inc. (CCSPD) supports residents through every step of the process—from understanding FOID eligibility to completing the state-required 16-hour training. Classes are led by Marc Jens, a retired Cook County Sheriff’s Police Officer with over two decades of experience, including 10 years as a lead instructor at the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy. His law enforcement background ensures that students not only meet state requirements but also receive professional, real-world instruction focused on safe and responsible firearm use.

As Illinois’ legal landscape evolves, CCSPD remains a trusted source for up-to-date information, practical training, and community support. Whether you’re new to firearms or a long-time permit holder, staying informed is key. We encourage gun owners to subscribe to updates, ask questions, and plan ahead.

Ready to take the next step? Register for a class, explore our alumni resources, or contact us for personalized guidance. At CCSPD, we’re committed to helping you stay safe, skilled, and legally prepared.