Mahjong lessons and games in Chicago

Want to learn mahjong in Chicago? Take Mahjong 101 at Lily Pad Mahjong Parlor in Lakeview or a Mahjong Society 101 pop-up, or learn Riichi with Chicago Area Mahjong in Schaumburg, which says it is happy to teach.

Chicago lists 16 games and 10 beginner options: 12 American Mah Jongg sessions, 3 Riichi meetups, and 1 other-format table at Chicago Public Library Clearing. CPL Little Italy hosts free Monday open play, 12:30–3:30 PM. Lily Pad Mahjong Parlor in Lakeview offers open play and seasonal leagues, including a Reindeer mini-league on December 2, 9, and 16, 2026. The Mahjong Society, The Social Tiles leagues, Blue Tiger Mahj Club, and The Bambird Scramble host rotating games. Glenview Public Library and Elmhurst Public Library host weekly tables. Chicago Area Mahjong plays Riichi Saturdays and/or Sundays in Schaumburg, Monday Mahjong Madness meets in Evanston, and The Yakumen hosts at Omi Cafe.

Ten beginner options include Lily Pad 101, 102, and Beginner Strategy, The Mahjong Society's rotating-venue series, North Wind Chinese lessons, and classes from So Bam Fun, The Social Tiles, Mahj With Stacey, and Blue Tiger.