Private Mahjong Lessons
Learn Mahjong in the Chicago, North Shore & Glenview area
Your crew. Your space. Your new favorite ritual.
Gather your group and we’ll bring the mahj!
Our private American Mahjong lessons offer a relaxed, approachable way to learn with friends.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to build on the basics, we’ll help you feel more comfortable at the table, one hand at a time.
Available in Glenview, Northbrook, Winnetka, Wilmette, Lake Forest, Chicago and the surrounding North Shore.
Find Your Starting Point
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For beginners who are brand new to American Mahjong.
We’ll introduce the game, explain the essentials and guide you through hands-on practice in a relaxed, approachable setting.
What we’ll cover:
A brief history of American Mahjong
The tiles, suits and how to set up
An introduction to reading the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card
Basic gameplay, including drawing, discarding and calling tiles
Joker rules and discard rules
An introduction to the Charleston, with one pass together
You’ll leave with a foundation in the basics and a clearer understanding of how the game works.
Mahj 101 and 102 are designed as a two-part introduction. Start here, then continue with 102 to bring it all together and feel more comfortable playing with others.
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For players who have taken Mahj 101 or a similar introductory lesson and are ready to practice.
This is where the basics start to click. We’ll walk through the full Charleston and guide you through gameplay, with time to ask questions and work through decisions together.
What we’ll cover:
The full Charleston, including passing decisions
Reading the NMJL card and understanding hand requirements
Choosing a hand and knowing when to change direction
Gameplay flow, calls and exposures
Reinforcing joker rules and discard rules
Introductory strategy and defensive play
Guided gameplay with support throughout
You’ll leave feeling more comfortable following the game, making decisions and joining a table with friends or coming to social play.
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For players who understand the rules and can follow a game, but want help making stronger decisions and winning more hands.
Ready to move beyond the basics? Through guided play, practical tips and personalized feedback, we’ll help you deepen your understanding of the card and play with more intention.
What we’ll cover:
A closer look at specific lines and sections of the NMJL card
Recognizing hand options and patterns in your tiles
Evaluating when to commit to a hand and when to pivot
Using jokers, calls and exposures strategically
Watching discards and identifying clues about other players’ hands
Balancing your own progress with defensive play
Personalized feedback on your decisions as you play
You’ll leave with new strategies to practice, a stronger understanding of the card and more confidence at the table.
Pricing
$350 for up to 4 players
+ $70 per additional player
All Mahjong sets and teaching materials are provided.
Travel
A $75+ travel fee applies to locations more than 30 minutes from Glenview.
Parking and tolls, when applicable, are additional.
Weekend Evenings
A weekend evening premium may apply to lessons beginning at 5 PM or later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Payment
Payment is made directly to your instructor.
A $150 nonrefundable deposit secures your date, with the remaining balance due 7 days before your lesson.
Adding friends? The more, the merrier! Just give us a heads-up so we can bring enough sets and materials. Additional players can pay the instructor directly on lesson day.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Your $150 deposit is nonrefundable but may be transferred to a rescheduled lesson with at least 7 days' notice, subject to instructor availability. Cancellations made with fewer than 7 days' notice will result in forfeiture of the deposit. Any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded. For changes or cancellations, please contact us as soon as possible.
Ready to Play?
Gather the Group. We’ll Guide the Game.
Learn with friends, bring neighbors together or sharpen your skills. You provide the group and location; we’ll guide the lesson and help with setup details. No experience needed for Mahj 101.
Email hello@thesocialtilesmahjong.com or fill out the form below to find a date for your group.
Private Lesson Inquiry
We can’t wait to play mahjong with you!
