Mahjong Meetups in Chicago: Building Community One Tile at a Time

Credit: Yui Iwaki Flickr on Creative Commons (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21903607@N04/2673802623) licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en)

A Rich Tradition Reimagined

As we explored in a recent Optima® blog post, Mahjong is more than just a game—it’s a cultural tradition with deep roots. Originating in 19th-century China, the game spread globally in the 20th century, finding particular resonance among Jewish-American women in the postwar period. Over time, Mahjong became not just a pastime, but a way to build friendships, share stories, and cultivate multi-generational connections. Today, the tradition lives on, but with a fresh twist. Mahjong clubs and meetups across Chicago are drawing in new players of all ages and backgrounds, blending the timeless pleasure of the game with the modern desire for connection and community.

Where to Play in Chicago
For residents of Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, Mahjong is more accessible than ever. A growing number of cafés, community centers, and even libraries now host weekly or monthly Mahjong events. Here are a few notable places where you can take part:

• The Book Cellar (Lincoln Square): This independent bookstore periodically hosts mahjong nights where beginners are welcome and instruction is provided.
• Sunday Mahjong Club: An active meetup group with regular sessions hosted at rotating venues throughout the city, often in the city’s outdoor markets, cozy cafes, or quiet event spaces.
• The Mahjong Society: The Mahjong Society, founded in 2023, bring people together through the tradition and fun of mahjong. Their lessons and events are aimed at helping people create new rituals through unforgettable experiences.
• Sulzer Regional Library (Lincoln Square): This beloved community hub occasionally offers mah jong workshops and game days—perfect for those who want to learn in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
• Mahjong at Home: For Optima® residents, the beautifully designed communal spaces within the buildings offer the ideal backdrop for hosting your own game night. With plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and vibrant community energy, it’s easy to start a casual mahjong circle with neighbors.

Why Mahjong?

Part of the game’s current appeal lies in its unique ability to slow things down. In a world saturated with digital everything, mahjong invites players to unplug, gather face-to-face, and exercise a different part of the brain. It’s strategic and cerebral, yet social and lighthearted.

Beyond the cognitive benefits—such as memory enhancement, concentration, and pattern recognition—mahjong builds lasting bonds. For residents looking to deepen their sense of community, the game offers a low-stakes, high-reward way to connect with new neighbors.

The Perfect Game for Optima® Living

Mahjong fits beautifully into the lifestyle that Optima® communities are designed to support. It encourages regular social interaction, celebrates multicultural heritage, and promotes wellness of mind and spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, joining or starting a mahjong group is a great way to make friends and bring a little joy into your weekly routine.

So why not grab a set, gather a few neighbors, and see what unfolds? In a city like Chicago—and in communities as dynamic as Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®—it doesn’t take long before a simple game turns into something more: a new tradition, a familiar rhythm, and another reason to love where you live.