Trader John’s Army Surplus

Awesome place. Everything you need is there. Staff quite helpful as well. I recommend this store for armed force equipment.

This place is fantastic. The staff is extremely nice and will strike up a conversation and are very knowledgeable about the gear they sell and just about war history in general. It feels very confined, especially when you reach the back of the store, but that’s what makes it feel so unique. You lose sense of the outside world for a bit and fall into an environment related to all the war products on the racks. The prices are very reasonable and the selection is extensive from specialty suits, all kinds of boots, quality peacoats, etc. It’s definitely the best military surplus store that I’m aware of in the general vicinity.

Satuarday 20^th February 2016 Trader John’s just lost me as a customer. I have lived here all my life and had a lot of fun in this store. I had some items to sell for ounce. I came into the store at 10am when they open. I asked about them buying some items from me. The guy behind the counter says the guy that does buying isn’t in and don’t know when he will be in. I can wait if I want. I had other things to do. I left and called later was told he was not in but he should be there at 1. I stopped in at 230 and was told again that his is not in and have no idea when he will be in. All day I’ve been blown off with a lie. I am never coming back.

I try and make my way here at least once a month. The only negative thing, which really isn’t too big of an issue, is that the shop can get a little cramped if more than 5 or 6 customers are inside, especially up front. This place is awesome though, it is the kind of small town shop where almost every time i am in there i end up making conversation with other customers or the staff. The prices are more than fair, and even if i drop in with the intent of just browsing, i almost always end up seeing something i want and buying it. They have a great selection of different cammo types, so if you are into hunting, paintball, airsoft, etc, they will probably have a cammo pattern you like. If you are planning a camping trip its worth stopping in here as they have everything you will need, and at a fraction of the cost you will pay at placed like Cabelas or Gander Mountain.

Great customer service. Staff was super helpful and friendly.

I love this place the owner, James knows my dad and is always really great when it comes to pricing. Every time I’ve shopped year I’ve spent a pretty good amount of money so he would occasionally take a couple bucks off here and there. I bought camouflage tops and bottoms, I bought combat boots, really fine leather gloves, paracord, knives, winter jackets and hats, when I was a child I used to buy toys here. They just have a variety for all of your military needs! James actually owns a tank, along time ago I was able to sit in it has a kid! However the city of South Elgin has specific laws regarding his ability to pull it out based on boundaries, so he doesn’t pull it out or anything like that anymore which is the city’s fault not his. But I digress, great place very kind owners. You don’t have to take my word for it go check it out for yourself and you’ll see!

This is my second time here… I love this place… so organized and orderly. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable and I can see people dropping a lot of cash in here… whether for hunting paintballing prepping or Halloween.
Prices here were… pretty awesome compared to some of the others I been to. (Not knocking other stores either with this comment, but with what I bought here it would have cost more elsewhere.)
Pics I will take.

this place is the best of its kind in the chicago-​land area (maybe larger) although the selection in my size was depleted, the selection is great, but the best part is the prices… they made my jaw drop in comparison to similar stores especially the ones in Chicago run by hipsters. this place makes me want to take stars off my reviews of previously reviewed military surplus stores.

This place rules. When I was a kid, my dad would take my brother and I here and we would run wild! Usually we would look for actual used gear, with the bonus of any blood stains. Or I’d blow my lawn mowing money on army food… I still go back from time to time just to check it out. A South Elgin staple!

I like this place for all things military.
In the mood for some camo clothing? They have it.
Lookin’ for some 550 cord to tie something up? They got it.
Need some combat boots? You’ll find ‘em here.
Its just a cool place to browse thru and find all sorts of treasures.

This place is like a historic landmark for me
I was going to work my first day in S. Elgin and I was like holy cow Trader John’s is still open, I was going here over 25 years ago, before I joined the Army and toured the world
so a Couple days ago it decided to rain, and all my jackets are in storage, so I stopped on my way to work and got a jacket and some tactical pants for work
really good people here with good service and even better prices

I will start with saying I am a longtime fan of the Army surplus store, but really have grown to hate how they have become urban chic with the prices that brings. So coming upon John’s was a breath of fresh air for me. The selection is definitely more function than fashion, which I prefer. The real kicker was the prices, dirt cheap. I saw some kick ass paratrooper boots for at least $ 50 less than some place on Belmont in Chicago would charge, not to name names. From uniforms to Boots and Knives, hell they even had a General cap, when the hell do you see that? I’ll definitely be back here, and probably sooner than later.

The prices are great, the selection is better than any surplus store I have every been too. They have everything clean and well organized so you can score some BDUs or camo tees for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend this store for anyone looking for a great deal on surplus items.
The best part is the fairness of the pricing structure. Bigger sizes cost more, so those of us who can lay off the twinkies don’t have to subsidize those who can’t!