ABOUT US
WHAT WE OFFER
- FFL Firearm Sales & Transfers
- Laser Engraving & Gun Stippling
- Tactical Fitness Classes
- Ground Defense/ Self Defense Classes
- In-Home/ On Site "The Vigilant Homeowner" - Home Security Development & Training Program
- Concealed Carry Class
- Confidence to Carry
- Next Level CCL
- Pistol Courses
- AR-15 (Rifle) Courses
- Master Classes
- Personal & Specialized Group Training
OUR TEAM
DAVID KIEST
David Kiest has an extensive background to include military special operations, law enforcement and private military contracting. David began his career in 1990 as a U.S. Army Infantryman where he succeeded in completing the Army Ranger Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Sniper School and then earned the coveted Green Beret where he was also a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor.
After 12 years in the Army, David joined a local Police Department where he worked patrol duties, juvenile investigations and High School Liaison duties for a school of 2500 young men and women. During his time as a police officer, he spent 4 years on the SWAT team ultimately taking on duties of the Tactical Commander and Assistant Team Commander. After 5 1/2 years in law enforcement, David went back into work overseas in combat zones in a position that only hires former Special Operations, where he is still employed to this day.
David was also one of the owners/lead instructors for Barebones Crossfit of Yorkville for 7 years while also working in his contractor role overseas. During his time as an athletic coach, David trained hundreds of clientele in fitness and nutrition with amazing results. David also ran the Crossfit Kids program where he has worked with many kids in the process of developing fitness/nutrition/mindset/self confidence.
A list of some of his training and achievements are:
- U.S. Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant
- U.S. Army Airborne/Ranger qualified
- Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor
- NRA Law Enforcement Carbine Instructor
- NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
- USCCA Basic Pistol Instructor
- CrossFit Level 1 and 2 Coach
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Coach
- CrossFit Gymnastics Coach
- CrossFit Kids Instructor
MELISSA KIEST
Melissa has always been involved in fitness and nutrition, doing everything from Aerobics classes to Yoga and lifting weights. However, it wasn't until starting high intensity training in 2009 that she actually found a love for working out and teaching others. Melissa became a CrossFit coach for the following 7 years when she and her husband Dave opened up the first CrossFit gym in the area in 2010. During that 7 years, Melissa coached hundreds of athletes, using her knowledge and training to help them reach their fitness goals. In 2016 Melissa's husband Dave began his own company teaching firearm training locally and Melissa began assisting with classes and handling the management of the company.
After taking a break from Coaching fitness classes, Melissa began to train a small ladies class in 2021. Since this time, she and Dave and brought their love for fitness and the tactical lifestyle together to create an all in one training facility, BattleFit 720, Inc.
Some of Melissa's background in fitness training include:
- CrossFit Level I Certification 2010-2017
- Bare Bones CrossFit Co-Owner and Coach 2010-2017
- Gymnastics Course 2012
- Olympic Lifting Course 2011
CHRIS BURNE
Chris is a former US Marine where he served as a Criminal Investigator.
Chris Burne is a 22 year veteran police officer in a suburban Chicago community and currently holds the rank of Commander. Previously he’s been assigned to a Gang and Narcotics task Force and as a detective.
Chris has extensive law enforcement training to include FEMA Incident Commander; FEMA Logistics Section Chief; FEMA Incident Management team; FEMA Command & General Staff; ICS 100, 200, 700, 800; Basic Investigation Skills; Gang Enforcement; REID Interview & Interrogation Techniques; AR-15 Armor; Concepts of Management for Law Enforcement; Juvenile Officer Course; DEA Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Course; Breath Alcohol Operator; Burglary / Robbery Investigation; CPR certification; Homicide Investigations; Ethics for Law Enforcement Supervisors; Leadership Skills for Street Supervisors; Legal Aspects for Law Enforcement Management; child abuse injury reconstruction; Protecting Children from Online Sexual Predators; Range Design, Construction, Operations, and Management; Hostage Negotiations; Sex Crimes Investigation; Tactical Warrant Service, US Secret Service Criminal Intelligence; digital evidence processing; and Use of Force & Civil Liability.
Chris graduated from Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2011, and received a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Lewis University in 2018 (3.8/4.0 GPA).
He has obtained a vast amount of instructor certifications throughout his tenure in Law Enforcement, primarily in the area of weapons and tactics which includes Firearms Instructor, Rapid Deployment Instructor, Rifle / Carbine Instructor, Gas Mask Instructor, Scenario Based Training Instructor, TI Training Simulator Instructor, Ballistic Shield Instructor, A.L.I.C.E. Instructor, Concealed Carry Instructor, Rescue Task Force Instructor, Pressure-Point Control Technique Instructor, Rapid Medical Response Instructor.
As a Licensed Private Security Contractor since 2013, Chris has conducted many site security surveys, security consults, and provided guard or protection services for a multitude of venues and events and is on several educational institution safety committees.
BattleFit 720 is honored to have Chris join as a guest instructor, offering his vast knowledge and expertise.
JASON HILL
Jason began training martial arts at the age of six earning his brown belt in Ishin-Ryu karate before enlisting in the US Army to serve as an Abrams Tank Operator. During his time in the Army Jason achieved level 1&2 Army combat certifications while advancing his striking knowledge in the art of boxing and muay thai. After 4 years of Army service Jason continued his education in martial arts through various disciplines such as Kickboxing, MMA, Judo, and Wrestling before beginning his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jason currently holds the rank of Purple Belt under Professor Chris Mikuta at AXT Jiu-Jitsu in Yorkville, IL and recently reached his basic level certification in AXT's MMA for the street program.
Ranks and Certifications:
- Army Veteran - 19K Tank Operator
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu- Purple Belt
- Level 1 & 2 Army Combatives Certified
- Isshin Ryu Karate - Brown Belt
- MMA For The Streets Basic Certification
Additional training includes:
- Muay Thai
- American Kickboxing
- Boxing
- Wrestling: Greco-Roman/Catch
- Judo