Chicago has a steady mahjong community split between Chinatown Hong Kong Mahjong games and a strong North Shore American Mahjong club scene. The South Loop, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park have hosted pop-up beginner nights at cafés and bookstores in recent years.
MAY 22
Friday · 5:00 PM
Mahjong Tile Painting and Play!
Bring your creativity and a positive attitude! We will be painting Mahjong tiles and playing! BYOB!
MAY 27
Wednesday · 5:00 PM
Learn and Play Mahjong!
Join us for a fun, hands-on Mahjong session where you’ll learn the ropes and play with new friends!
MAY 27
Wednesday · 5:00 PM
Mahjong Open Play at Shore Club Chicago
Join us for a relaxed night of Mahjong at Shore Club Chicago. Enjoy open play, great company, and a lively lakeside atmosphere.
MAY 31
Sunday · 5:00 PM
Mahjong 101
Learn the basics of American Mahjong in a fun, beginner-friendly class filled with laughs, strategy, and hands-on play!
MAY 31
Sunday · 5:00 PM
Mahjong Lesson and Guided Open Play
Make new friends! A Mahjong lesson will begin the night, then guided open play will follow. No need to bring anything but yourself!
JUN 3
Wednesday · 5:00 PM
MAHJONG LEAGUE - JUNE
All levels are welcome! This league will run for 4 weeks. You will play with different people each week. There will be prizes!
JUN 9
Tuesday · 5:00 PM
Mahjong Lesson and Open Play!
Grab your friends and learn and play Mahjong! No need to bring anything. Drinks/beverages available for purchase.
Mahjong in Chicago — FAQ
Where can I play mahjong in Chicago?
Chinatown community organizations and the Chinese American Service League run Hong Kong Mahjong games. American Mahjong clubs are concentrated on the North Shore — Highland Park, Glencoe, and Wilmette — with some downtown senior-center games as well.
Is American Mahjong popular in Chicago?
Yes — the North Shore in particular has a long tradition of American Mahjong clubs that meet weekly with the National Mah Jongg League card. Several clubs are open to new players and run beginner-friendly sessions.
Are there mahjong tournaments in Chicago?
Mid-sized American Mahjong tournaments occasionally run on the North Shore and downtown, and Chinatown community organizations have hosted Hong Kong Mahjong events. Tournament Cadence is irregular — check the events list for upcoming dates.
Ongoing Series
Monthly
The Mahjong Society — Chicago Lessons & Events
Chicago's premier mahjong community offering social American mahjong lessons, parties, and events across the Chicagoland area. Perfect for private par...
Weekly
Lily Pad Mahjong Parlor — Chicago Lessons
Dedicated mahjong lesson parlor in Chicago offering structured lessons for beginners and intermediate players.