According to a June 3, 2020 article by Chinese of Chicago News Network (芝加哥侨学网) from Sohu approved by CCP’s Central Propaganda Department, the Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (大芝加哥地区华人枪友会) claimed to have played a central role in protecting Chicago’s Chinatown during the violent unrest that swept through the city in late May and early June 2020.
According to reports from the Chicago Chinese News Network on June 3, 2020, Chinatown in Chicago remained remarkably safe on June 1 despite violent unrest spreading across the city and its suburbs. Sources claim that the Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (CANFire) actively coordinated voluntary neighborhood patrols, ensuring that the area remained largely undisturbed during the third consecutive night of civil unrest.
Caption: June 1, 2020 – CANFire volunteers patrolling the Chinatown area at night.
A reporter who joined the patrols stated that volunteers, all concealed-carry trained, strategically monitored every vehicle and pedestrian in the district’s most isolated areas. "You could stand at a bridge underpass on the outskirts of Chinatown at 10 PM and see every car carefully assessed, with concealed firearm holders and experienced neighborhood watch members covering the area," the report indicated.
CANFire President Jun Wang and Board Chairman Peter Qiu were reportedly on-site directing operations. Observers claim that the volunteers filled key gaps in security coverage, particularly along Canal and Stewart Street underpasses, areas historically prone to incidents, while state police and Illinois National Guard personnel secured the main thoroughfares of Cermak Street and South 26th Street.
Caption: Jun Wang (President) and Peter Qiu (Chairman) coordinating volunteer patrols along Chinatown streets.
The report further stated that the volunteer call generated a strong response: over 40 participants stayed on duty past 2 AM on May 31, and over 60 signed up for June 1, operating in shifts from 8 PM until after 2 AM. Volunteers reportedly used the Zello real-time communication system to maintain situational awareness across the district.
According to eyewitnesses, all participants adhered to Illinois law requiring concealed firearms, with larger weapons kept out of sight. The volunteers represented a cross-section of the local Chinese community, including lawyers, doctors, professionals, restaurant staff, construction workers, and business owners. Sources suggest that this community cohesion and self-organized vigilance contributed significantly to Chinatown’s relative safety.
Caption: Volunteers stationed at the Canal/Stewart Street underpasses, historically high-incident areas.
One participant, identified as Mr. Wang, a construction worker and five-year U.S. resident, reportedly joined the second consecutive night of patrols. According to the report, volunteers remained committed to safeguarding the neighborhood until the early morning hours, exemplifying a high level of civic engagement and community solidarity during the unrest.
According to a report by Chicago Chinese News Network on August 14, 2016, the Association of Chinese-American Scientists and Engineers (旅美中国科学家工程师专业人士协会, ACSE), together with alumni associations from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University, Southeast University, Renmin University of China, Nankai University, Tianjin University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Sichuan University, Central University of Finance and Economics, China Agricultural University, as well as the Chinese Financial Association, the Chinese American Professors and Scientists Association, the Chicago Chinese Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Chinese Cultural Village, Chicago Chinese Forum, student and scholar associations from Northwestern University, UIC, IIT, University of Chicago, and DePaul University, and the Chicago chapter of the Overseas Chinese Education Foundation (OCEF), jointly hosted a summer picnic and networking event on August 13, 2016, in Palatine, northwest suburb of Chicago.
The event was attended by over 700 participants, including Consul General Hong Lei (洪磊), Deputy Consul General Yu Peng (余鹏), and Consul Lu Xiaohui (卢晓晖). CSSEA President Xu Xiangdong (徐向东) delivered the opening remarks. CSSEA’s first female president Liang Kun (梁琨) also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to the consulate and all attendees.
Wang Jun (王军), President of the newly established Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (CANFO, 大芝加哥地区华人枪友会), gave a lecture.
Pictures from website of CANFire
Pictures from Chicago Chinese News Network:
CANFire giving an on-site gun safety and legal firearm lecture.
CANFire members group photo at the event.
Consul General Hong Lei (洪磊, left) performing “Song of the Yangtze River” for attendees.
Consul General Hong Lei (洪磊) delivering his speech.
Consul General Hong Lei (洪磊) interviewed on-site by ACSE Vice President Wang Jian (王健, left).
Alumni of Central University of Finance and Economics at the picnic.
Alumni of Fudan University at the picnic.
The event included performances from the Chicago Chinese Arts Troupe, martial arts demonstrations by Feiying Kung Fu Academy, and interactive fitness sessions led by local instructors.
Original report
Picture from Chicago Chinese News Network:
According to Chicago Qiaoxue Network (芝加哥侨学网)’s article posted on Sohu.com in China, Qiu & Wang Law Group, LLC (丘岩王军律师事务所) is a full-service law firm located near Chinatown in Chicago, with a branch in Evanston. The firm provides extensive legal and immigration services, with a focus on business, civil, criminal, and firearm law.
The firm is led by senior attorneys Peter Y. Qiu (丘岩, J.D., M.A., B.A.) and Jun Wang (王军, J.D., M.CS., M.S., B.S.), both with decades of professional experience in the United States and internationally.
Peter Y. Qiu – Founding Attorney
Peter Qiu has practiced law for over 20 years and has over 30 years of research in Chinese and American literature and history. He is recognized for courtroom advocacy and complex case management. His clients span North America, the Middle East, Europe, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Education:
B.A. in English Literature, Jilin University, 1978–1982
M.A. in History, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1988–1990
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1995–1998
Experience
Chair of Board, Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (CANFO/Chicago Gun Club), 2016–present
(as reported on the firm’s website):
Qiu Law Office, May 1999–present
Chicago Fulibond Peters Law Office, Jan 1996–July 1998
Official, Illinois Department of Labor, Jan 1991–Dec 1995
Lecturer in American History, Chicago City Colleges, Sept 1990–June 1991
Teaching Assistant, English Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, June 1988–June 1990
Assistant to Chairman, Shenzhen Import & Export Trading Group (in China), Apr 1984–June 1986
Professional Highlights (as reported by Chicago Qiaoxue Network):
Extensive experience in EB-5 investment immigration and business legal services:
Assisted Chinese investors in Tennessee to acquire a yacht manufacturing company, including full equity, land, factory buildings, assets, and intellectual property. Managed due diligence, UCC filings, contract negotiations, and resolution of supplier, advertising, sales, and employee-related claims.
Provided investment, immigration, and litigation services for a large Chinese enterprise establishing a U.S. branch. Successfully secured an investor visa for its CEO and green cards for the entire family.
Represented Chinese entrepreneurs in U.S. mergers and acquisitions, drafting shareholder agreements, corporate bylaws, management contracts, and preparing investment immigration documentation.Jun Wang – Managing Partner
Jun Wang, with multidisciplinary expertise in law, computer science, ecology, and geography, joined the firm in 2020, becoming managing partner. He oversees daily operations in both Chicago and Evanston offices.
Wang is especially noted for expertise in Illinois firearms law, self-defense law, and firearm training. He holds a concealed carry instructor certificate from Illinois and a certification from the National Rifle Association, with nearly 1,000 successful students obtaining concealed carry permits.
Education:
B.S., Geography, Beijing Normal University, 1989–1993
M.S., Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1993–1996
M.CS., Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1996–2000
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2017–2019
Professional Experience:
Managing Partner, Qiu & Wang Law Group, 2020–present
President, Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (CANFO/Chicago Gun Club), 2016–present
Co-Partner, Canfire Instructors LLC, firearm training, 2016–present
Partner, AZSoft US Technology LLC, mobile software development, 2010–2016
Senior Software Engineer, Motorola Inc., 2000–2010
Firm Services
Qiu & Wang Law Group provides a full spectrum of legal services including:
Business and Civil Law: Contract disputes, trade, corporate law, business mergers & acquisitions, labor disputes, equity transactions, financing, intellectual property, real estate, and estate matters.
Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring: Representation in bankruptcy proceedings, asset protection, litigation, and corporate reorganization.
Administrative & Litigation Services: Tax law, labor law, immigration law, municipal code, and traffic regulations.
Immigration Services: Non-immigrant visas (H1/L1), investment immigration, family immigration, special talent visas, political asylum, National Interest Waiver, citizenship applications, and immigration litigation in federal, state, and administrative courts.
Criminal Defense: Cases including DUI, theft, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, prostitution, and trespassing.
Other Services: Divorce, trusts, wills, personal injury claims, business or real estate transactions, trademark and copyright registration, document translation, and courtroom interpretation.
The firm emphasizes tailored legal strategies, leveraging extensive expertise to maximize client outcomes efficiently and professionally. Qiu & Wang Law Group is recognized for handling large, complex investments for international clients and providing trusted estate and trust services.
For consultation, the firm can be reached at:
Chicago Office: 518 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60616
Evanston Branch: 19 Salem Lane, Evanston, IL 60203
Emails: peter.qiu@qiuwanglaw.com | jun.wang@qiuwanglaw.com
Website: www.qiuwanglaw.com
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday by appointment
According to information published on Canfire Instructors, Jun Wang (王军) is a certified firearms instructor and a central figure in the development of the Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (CANFO) in the Chicago area.
Credentials:
NRA-certified handgun instructor and range safety officer
Illinois State Police–certified concealed carry (CCL) instructor
Holder of a Federal Firearms License (FFL), enabling him to legally conduct firearms sales and transfers in the U.S.
Formation of the Chinese-American Firearms Network
In 2014, the rise of gun ownership among Chinese-Americans in Chicago led to the first community-organized lecture, initiated by firearms enthusiast Nick Xu.
By the end of 2014, a dedicated WeChat group was established, followed by the second lecture organized by Randal Chao.
In April 2016, the group hosted its third public lecture, which drew media attention. That same month, the domain name canfire.org was registered under the banner Chicago Asian Network of Firearm Owners.
During preparations for the fourth lecture, the venue management required proof of NRA-certified instructor credentials.
Certification and Expansion of Training
In May 2016, after consultations with experienced local and out-of-state Chinese-American instructors, Jun Wang began the process of obtaining NRA handgun instructor certification and Illinois concealed carry instructor status.
By June 2016, Wang had successfully completed examinations and training, earning both credentials. He has since provided bilingual (Chinese/English) firearms lectures and training courses for the community.
Services and Community Engagement
With his FFL (Federal Firearms License), Wang assists members of the community with firearms purchases and legal transfers.
He maintains long-term contact with students through online platforms and WeChat groups, organizing shooting practice, hunting trips, and other social events for Chinese-American gun owners.
Contact Information (as listed on Canfire Instructors website):
Email: jun.wang@canfireinstructors.com
Phone: 224-361-5095
According to a report published by Chinese of Chicago on August 1, 2016, the Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners (大芝加哥地区华人枪友会) was formally established and registered as a non-profit organization in the State of Illinois. This marked the transition of the group from an informal network of Chinese gun enthusiasts into a structured association with legal standing.
The inaugural leadership structure was announced as follows:
President (会长): Jun Wang (王军) – an Illinois State Police–certified concealed carry instructor and NRA-certified handgun instructor.
Chairman of the Board (董事长): Peter Qiu (丘岩) – a veteran attorney and founder of Qiu & Wang Law Group, LLC.
Vice Presidents (副会长): Randal Chao, Tony Fang, David Zhu
Secretary General (秘书长): Libin Qi
Treasurer (财务长): Edmund Tan
Vice President (副会长): Randal Chao source: Chinese of Chicago
The report emphasized that the association aimed to promote lawful gun ownership, firearm safety education, and the protection of the Chinese-American community, while also serving as a hub for social networking and advocacy.
This founding announcement not only gave the organization official recognition but also highlighted the professional credentials of its leadership. With a licensed attorney (Peter Qiu) and a certified firearms instructor (Jun Wang) at the helm, the group positioned itself as a serious and structured community body rather than a casual hobbyist club.
Source: Chinese of Chicago, August 1, 2016.
Core members of Chinese-American Network of Firearm Owners as posted by Chicago Qiaoxue Network
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