Mahjong game with pink scorecards, two Mahjong tiles with floral patterns, and a pink booklet titled 'The Mahjong Society' on a black surface.

About Us

The Mahjong Society is Chicago’s hub for all things American mahjong—lessons, events, and community. We believe mahjong is more than just a tile game: it’s a way to connect, unwind, and build meaningful friendships.

Founded in 2023 by Alyssa Gross, The Mahjong Society began with a simple idea: invite people to the table and teach them to play. What started as weekly “Mahjong Wednesdays” quickly grew into private lessons, sold-out events, and a thriving community of players. Today, many of our instructors are former students who fell in love with the game and wanted to share it with others.

In 2025, Alyssa became a globally published author with the release of Play Mahjong!, a guide to learning and celebrating American mahjong. The book reflects the same mission that drives The Mahjong Society: making the game accessible, stylish, and fun for new and experienced players alike.

Women playing Mahjong at a table, with one woman pointing at tiles and others observing.
Women playing a game of Mah-Jong at a table decorated with pink and blue illustrations and tiles, in a modern indoor setting.
Woman with a name tag teaching a group of mahjong players, holding an instructional card, with drinks and tiles on the table.
A woman wearing a dark blue floral dress sitting at a round table playing mahjong with pink tiles, smiling at the camera.
A person holding a red card with game instructions at a table with mahjong tiles and a lavender tablecloth

What is mahjong?

Mahjong originated in China in the mid-1800s and has since traveled the world, evolving into more than 40 different versions. While each style has its own twist, every version blends strategy, skill, and a touch of luck.

At The Mahjong Society, we teach American mahjong, a fast-paced, social style with roots in the Jewish community. Unlike other versions, American mahjong uses a yearly “hands card” from the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). This card adds a unique challenge, keeping the game fresh and competitive year after year.

Played with 152 tiles, American mahjong feels a bit like rummy: you draw and discard to build a winning hand. It’s accessible for beginners, endlessly challenging for experienced players, and—most importantly—a guaranteed good time around the table.

WHY WE TEACH

We love mahjong because it creates rituals and relationships. In a busy world, it can be hard to carve out time for friends. Mahjong offers a reason to gather week after week, hand after hand. Our mission is to make learning simple, fun, and stylish, so anyone can discover the joy of play.

Meet Our Lead Instructors

  • A woman with brown hair, wearing a white blouse and a pink and red plaid skirt, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

    Alyssa Gross

    FOUNDER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiling outdoors with a blurred background of trees and grass.

    Madeline Hughes

    LEAD INSTRUCTOR

  • A woman with brown hair smiling outdoors on a city street, wearing a dark colorful patterned top.

    Jenn Bollenbacher

    LEAD INSTRUCTOR

  • A smiling woman with short hair wearing a black top, light beige blazer, and pearl earrings, standing against a plain white background.

    Jaime Smith

    LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Women playing a game of Mahjong at a crowded table.
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and holding a set of pink Mahjong tiles at a table with a purple cloth. In the background, there are various foods, drinks, and people.
Women playing mahjong at a pink table in an indoor space with industrial ceiling and pipes.
Pool table with scattered Mahjong tiles and cue sticks, pool water in the background.
A woman sitting at a table holding a Mahjong game set, smiling at the camera.
Six women playing a game of mahjong at a pink table, toasting with drinks and smiling.