Who We Are
Checkmate Group in Texas offers premier tactical training and security services for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. From weapons training to executive protection, we provide expert solutions tailored to diverse needs nationwide.
Our Values
Humble beginnings
Though Checkmate is a relatively new company, our team brings decades of experience in tactical operations, security, contracting, training, and consulting. Our collective expertise equips us with a vast array of tools and capabilities to meet nearly any need in the industry. We were founded with a clear purpose: to provide our partners with the best tools, training, and information to not only survive but thrive in this demanding field. This mission is at the core of everything we do, and we take it very seriously.
Our team fist started their relationship together back in 2019. From there, friends with likeminded values and missions began building the idea of what is today, Checkmate Group.
Founding
Checkmate Training Group was founded in 2023 following the tragic Allen, TX outlet mall shooting. This event underscored the urgent need for proper training to prepare for worst-case scenarios. In response, our team quickly began offering handgun, rifle, medical, and tactical training courses to law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians.
We understood that we may not be able to prevent these tragic situations but we can arm the people with the ability to fear less and react with confidence knowing they were prepared to protect their loved ones.
Rebranding and Restructure
By 2024, our team at Checkmate Group has grown, added new talent to our mission, and undergone a rebranding to better reflect our expanded focus. We've restructured to offer not only training but also contracting, security, consulting, and more. While we continue to train our partners and the community, we've also committed to providing essential services that make the world safer.
Our team is actively working with NGOs, local authorities and government organizations to protect schools, save children, and support those closest to God’s heart—widows and orphans.
Problems We Solve
At Checkmate Group, we specialize in addressing a wide range of security and operational challenges. Our services include threat mitigation, surveillance, and operational structuring, tailored to ensure your organization operates smoothly and securely. Whether you need tactical training, risk assessment, or executive protection, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to provide effective solutions. We understand that each client has unique needs, and we are committed to delivering customized strategies that address your specific problems, ensuring peace of mind and optimal performance.
Checkmate Group doesn't just train our partners; we set the standard in training. Our logo represents excellence, ensuring that anyone who carries it has undergone a rigorous and thorough training process, not just to meet minimum requirements but to exceed them. When you see the Checkmate logo, you know they’ve been through the best.
Our team of expert Special Forces, military, security, law enforcement, and intelligence operators are dedicated to delivering precise, professional work in contracting, consulting, and beyond. We're committed to going the distance for our clients.
At Checkmate Group, we focus on building a robust network of relationships, fostering strong connections with clients, partners, and industry leaders. Our commitment to collaboration and trust ensures we create lasting partnerships that enhance our ability to deliver exceptional solutions and support.
MEET THE TEAM
Our expert team at Checkmate Group includes professionals from law enforcement, military, and security backgrounds. Specializing in weapons training, CQB, medical training, tactical communications, survival skills, and self-defense, we ensure top-notch training and safety for our clients. Meet the dedicated individuals behind our success.
Ezra is a former USMC Reconnaissance Marine who served for five years at 1st Recon Battalion. He deployed to Afghanistan from 2011-2012 in support of OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and deployed on the 11th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) from 2014-2015 as the Force Recon platoon maritime raid force. He currently serves as a security contractor overseas.
Justin is a US Army veteran that served with the 82nd Airborne Division and part of JSOC Task Force Red and Task Force Knight. He has completed combat deployments in high-threat, austere environments with an emphasis on personal security details (PSD) and direct-action raids (DA). After the Army he attended multiple executive protection schools such as Israeli Tactical School and alike. Over the last decade he has worked in Executive Protection/Personal Protection field, as well as training firearms and tactics. Along with being the co-owner of Checkmate Training Group, Justin is also the Director of Security for Allegiance Project Security and sits on the board of Allegiance Project Foundation (501c3). He is actively involved in sex trafficking rescue operations with multiple organizations.
Tyler is a former USMC 0311 rifleman who served for five years at both 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and 1st Battalion 4th Marines. He deployed on the 31st MEU in 2016 as a fire team leader, and then again in 2018 as an infantry squad leader. He has worked alongside multiple foreign partner forces in different environments and capacities.
Ty served in the US Army from 2002-2009 as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007. Ty has a long, extensive history in law enforcement to include the Frisco Police Department (2009), Collin County Constables pct 4 (2017-2018), Collin County Sheriff's Office (2011-present), and the Felony Warrants Unit (2017-2019). Ty is TCOLE, CQC, and firearms instructor certified.
Marcos is a former US Army 11B Infantryman who served with the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in 2011 and with the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) in 2013. While at these units, he performed numerous duties to include radio operator, personal security, armorer, and team leader. He is also a certified NRA instructor, and has taught thousands of students from diverse backgrounds.
Jacob “Jake” Akins served in the US Navy for eight and a half years (2014-2023), both as a Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman (SOIDC) with the USMC 2nd Raider Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and as a Special Operations Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) with the USMC 3rd Recon Battalion, Okinawa, Japan. Deployments included Africa, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia. His specializations included providing advanced trauma care in contested and austere environments.
Randy is a retired Navy SEAL veteran with 22 years of military experience and multiple combat deployments. In 2012, Randy was selected as the SEAL Team SEVEN, NSWG Group 1, and Naval Special Warfare Command SEAL/Sailor of the Year. Additionally, he served as the Leading Chief/Course and program manager for the Naval Special Warfare Combatives department for three years where he spearheaded the development of the current NSW combatives and combatives instructor programs, which is the pinnacle of what SEALs learn today in hand-to-hand combat. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt. Randy is a USCCA firearms instructor and Texas License to Carry Instructor. He is an NSW Range Safety Officer Instructor and Range Operations Safety Officer in Static & Dynamic Small Arms; Rockets & StandoffWeapons; Ground Mobility Fire & Maneuver; Close-Quarters Combat; and Explosive Breaching.
Ezra is a former USMC Reconnaissance Marine who served for five years at 1st Recon Battalion. He deployed to Afghanistan from 2011-2012 in support of OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and deployed on the 11th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) from 2014-2015 as the Force Recon platoon maritime raid force. He currently serves as a security contractor overseas.
Justin is a US Army veteran that served with the 82nd Airborne Division and part of JSOC Task Force Red and Task Force Knight. He has completed combat deployments in high-threat, austere environments with an emphasis on personal security details (PSD) and direct-action raids (DA). After the Army he attended multiple executive protection schools such as Israeli Tactical School and alike. Over the last decade he has worked in Executive Protection/Personal Protection field, as well as training firearms and tactics. Along with being the co-owner of Checkmate Training Group, Justin is also the Director of Security for Allegiance Project Security and sits on the board of Allegiance Project Foundation (501c3). He is actively involved in sex trafficking rescue operations with multiple organizations.
Tyler is a former USMC 0311 rifleman who served for five years at both 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and 1st Battalion 4th Marines. He deployed on the 31st MEU in 2016 as a fire team leader, and then again in 2018 as an infantry squad leader. He has worked alongside multiple foreign partner forces in different environments and capacities.
Ty served in the US Army from 2002-2009 as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007. Ty has a long, extensive history in law enforcement to include the Frisco Police Department (2009), Collin County Constables pct 4 (2017-2018), Collin County Sheriff's Office (2011-present), and the Felony Warrants Unit (2017-2019). Ty is TCOLE, CQC, and firearms instructor certified.
Marcos is a former US Army 11B Infantryman who served with the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in 2011 and with the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) in 2013. While at these units, he performed numerous duties to include radio operator, personal security, armorer, and team leader. He is also a certified NRA instructor, and has taught thousands of students from diverse backgrounds.
Jacob “Jake” Akins served in the US Navy for eight and a half years (2014-2023), both as a Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman (SOIDC) with the USMC 2nd Raider Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and as a Special Operations Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) with the USMC 3rd Recon Battalion, Okinawa, Japan. Deployments included Africa, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia. His specializations included providing advanced trauma care in contested and austere environments.
Randy is a retired Navy SEAL veteran with 22 years of military experience and multiple combat deployments. In 2012, Randy was selected as the SEAL Team SEVEN, NSWG Group 1, and Naval Special Warfare Command SEAL/Sailor of the Year. Additionally, he served as the Leading Chief/Course and program manager for the Naval Special Warfare Combatives department for three years where he spearheaded the development of the current NSW combatives and combatives instructor programs, which is the pinnacle of what SEALs learn today in hand-to-hand combat. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt. Randy is a USCCA firearms instructor and Texas License to Carry Instructor. He is an NSW Range Safety Officer Instructor and Range Operations Safety Officer in Static & Dynamic Small Arms; Rockets & StandoffWeapons; Ground Mobility Fire & Maneuver; Close-Quarters Combat; and Explosive Breaching.
More than a training company
Checkmate Group is more than just a training provider; we are a comprehensive solution for your tactical, security, and operational needs. Beyond our top-tier training programs, we offer expert consulting, contracting, and special interest services. Our team is dedicated to delivering customized solutions, from threat mitigation and surveillance to executive protection and operational support. With a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Checkmate Group ensures that you receive unparalleled service and expertise in every aspect of your security and operational requirements.
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