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Mahjong day at Maple Leaf Coffee House in St. Charles 📸 Credit: Maple Leaf Coffee House
Mahjong seems to be having a moment, doesn’t it?
Local libraries, the park district, and a handful of small businesses and clubs in the Tri-Cities are meeting the demand for group play opportunities as more folks gravitate to the tile-based game of strategy, skill, and luck.
Whether you're brand new to the game or a seasoned vet, here are some local mahjong spots to keep in mind:
Fair Game Geneva: The downtown game shop (214 W. State St.) hosts a friendly open play event every Tuesday from 5:30-9PM. Registration is $5, and you can bring your own set or use one of theirs. Newer players who've taken a learn-to-play session are welcome to join. See details and registration.
JoJo's Mah Jongg Society: A Geneva instructor offers a full lineup for various skill levels, including a three-session beginner course, guided play Thursdays 1:30-3:30PM, and open play for everyone on Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30PM. Get more info and see the schedule.
Blue Tiger Mahj Club: An expert instructor teaches standard National Mah Jongg League rules and rotates lessons (including Beginner Mahjong 101) and guided play through cafes and venues around the area, including regular sessions at Harvey's Tales in Geneva and Maple Leaf Coffee House in St. Charles. Get details and upcoming events.
Geneva Public Library: A monthly drop-in session teaches the Hong Kong version of mahjong, a different rule set than the American game that many local instructors focus on. Sessions run 1:30-3:30PM and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Get more details.
Batavia Park District: An American mahjong group meets every Thursday, 10:15AM-12:15PM, in the Callahan Community Center River Room at 150 Houston St. The fee is $5 per session, and it’s suggested that players already know the rules before joining. Get more info.
St. Charles Public Library: A free weekly meetup happens every Tuesday, 1-4PM. A limited number of tiles and league cards are provided, but bring your own set if you have one. Learn more and sign up.
Know of a spot we missed? Send it our way and we’ll update this list accordingly.
📖 Thanks for reading
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