About Us
The Mahjong Society (TMS) was officially launched in August 2023, but our founder Alyssa began teaching several months earlier. After moving from Dallas to Chicago at the end of 2022, she began looking for a new mahjong group. While she didn’t find anyone who already knew how to play, dozens of women replied saying they were willing to learn.
Starting in February of 2023, Alyssa taught anyone who showed up to ‘Mahjong Wednesday’. She loved making new friends with the people who showed up and is still close with many of her first students. In fact, all of our TMS instructors took lessons from Alyssa before catching the mahjong ‘bug’!
What is mahjong?
Mahjong originated in China in the mid-1800s (not nearly the ancient game it’s thought to be!) and quickly made its way around the world. There are over 40 different versions of the original tile game! American mahjong has roots in the Jewish community and is the version of the game we teach here at TMS.
All versions of the game combine strategy, skill and a bit of luck. Played with 152 tiles, American mahjong is all about building winning hands by drawing and discarding tiles, much like a card game. What makes American mahjong unique is the annual card of official hands released by the National Mah Jongg League, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to each round. It’s fast-paced, social, and perfect for groups looking to connect over a fun, brain-boosting game. Whether your a first-timer or a seasoned player, American mahjong keeps you on your toes!
WHY WE TEACH
We love bringing people together through the tradition and fun of mahjong. Our lessons and events are aimed at helping you create a new ritual through unforgettable experiences.
Meet Our Instructors
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Alyssa Gross
FOUNDER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
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Madeline Hughes
INSTRUCTOR
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Jenn Bollenbacher
INSTRUCTOR
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Megan Buckley
INSTRUCTOR
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Jaime Smith
Instructor
FROM OUR FOUNDER
“I love mahjong for the sense of routine and tradition it brings. In a busy world, it’s hard to carve out time for friendships—something as simple as scheduling dinner can feel like a hassle. But when I committed to playing mahjong every Wednesday, people started showing up.
Even when someone couldn’t make it one week, the routine stayed, and over those Wednesday night games, new friendships were formed, and old ones strengthened. Mahjong is more than a game—it’s a way to stay connected.”
