Chicago, IL
Mahjong Lessons & Classes in Chicago
Chicago’s most social and fun way to learn the game.
So Bam Fun brings American Mahjong to Chicago in the most fun, social way possible. Whether you’re searching for mahjong classes in Chicago or a private lesson for your group, we’ve got you covered. Our instructors are experienced American Mahjong players who have taught hundreds of beginners and private groups across the city — specializing in American Mahjong and National Mahjong League (NMJL) rules. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a player looking to sharpen your skills, we bring the tiles, the materials, and everything you need — directly to you.
We offer private mahjong classes, social events at top Chicago venues, and corporate team-building events across Lincoln Park, River North, Wicker Park, the Loop, and the greater Chicago area.
Private Lessons
Private Mahjong Lessons in Chicago
Whether it’s your first time holding a tile or you’ve played a few times and want to level up, our private lessons are designed to meet you where you are.
- 2-hour sessions tailored to your group’s experience level
- All tiles, racks, and materials provided — no equipment needed
- Instruction in American Mahjong & National MahJong League rules
- We come to you — your home, apartment, or private venue anywhere in Chicago
Public Events
Social Mahjong Events in Chicago
Join us at top venues across Chicago for a night of tiles, laughs, and new friends. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced players are all welcome. Our instructors are on hand throughout the event to keep the game moving and the fun going.
Three ways to play with us in Chicago:
- Beginner Mahjong Lesson — a structured 2-hour class for first-timers. No experience needed, and all materials are provided.
- Guided Open Play — practice with an instructor nearby. Best for players who have taken a lesson.
- Open Play — game time for experienced players, with no instruction.
New events are added every month across Chicago. Come solo or bring a friend — we provide the tiles.
Corporate Events
Corporate Mahjong Events in Chicago
Looking for a unique way for your team to connect? Mahjong is hands-on, strategic, and genuinely fun — the perfect icebreaker or team-building activity that gets everyone away from their screens and around the same table.
We bring the tiles, the instructor, and everything your team needs. You provide the space and the people.
Popular for: office team-building, company offsites, client entertainment, holiday parties, and employee appreciation events.
We serve companies throughout Chicago and the greater metro area.
What to Expect in a So Bam Fun Class
Not sure what a lesson actually looks like? Here’s how a typical session runs.
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1
Arrival & Setup
Your instructor arrives with everything. No prep on your end.
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2
Learn the Tiles
We introduce the tiles and how the game works.
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3
Build Lines
Practice building lines from the card to learn the hands.
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4
Full Game
Your group plays a full game with guided instruction.
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5
Q&A & Next Steps
Questions answered, and tips for continuing to learn.
After one 2-hour session, most beginners have a solid grasp of the basics and can get through a full game with support. Mastering the rules and strategy comes with ADDITIONAL lessons and Regular play — but the first session is always the most fun.
Our Chicago Mahjong Instructors
Our Chicago instructors are experienced American Mahjong teachers who have guided hundreds of beginners and private groups across Chicago.
Britt
Denver, CO native and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign grad in healthcare consulting. She loves watching it all click for someone and knowing she helped get them there. Outside of mahjong: sci-fi books, needlepointing, and wrangling her wiener dogs.
Emily
Seattle native and University of Wisconsin-Madison grad in digital marketing. She learned through her high school best friend and fellow instructor Grace Brant, and loves watching it click for students during the second half of a lesson. Outside of mahjong: walking the lakefront path, trying new restaurants, yoga, and travel.
Shula
Chicago suburbs native and Vanderbilt grad who runs Chicago market growth for Curri, a delivery marketplace. She grew up playing with the women in her family. Her mom, grandma, and aunt taught her young, and it’s been a fixture at family events ever since. She loves watching the pieces come together for someone and seeing how excited they get. Outside of mahjong: historical fiction, planning her next trip, and walking Chicago’s lakefront trail.
What Our Students Are Saying
I can’t recommend So Bam Fun enough! I’ve hired one of their instructors to lead a private beginner class in my home in Chicago, and I’ve also attended one of their public classes at Cafe Yaya — both were fantastic. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and engaging, making what felt like a complex game approachable and fun, in a welcoming environment where everyone felt comfortable learning at their own pace. We walked away with a solid understanding of mahjong, newfound confidence, and excitement to keep playing. Whether you’re hosting a private lesson or joining one of their public beginner classes So Bam Fun delivers an exceptional experience — highly recommend!
We hired So Bam Fun for a private lesson, and our instructor Britt not only catered to various experience levels and set up shop at my own kitchen table, she engaged with our silly group and made the entire experience a blast. Britt made learning and playing a breeze, and everyone left wanting to play again!
Upcoming Mahjong Events in Chicago
Learn to play, or just play. Here are all 6 of our upcoming public mahjong events in Chicago — solo players welcome, all tiles provided.
Tue, Nov 3 · 7:00–9:00 PM
Summer House Santa Monica1954 North Halsted Street, Chicago
- Beginner Lesson$80Includes 1 drink and small bites
- Open Play$45Includes 1 drink and small bites
Sun, Nov 8 · 11:30–2:00 PM
Goddess and the Baker, Superior & Wells165 West Superior Street, Chicago
- Beginner Lesson$65Includes 1 coffee and 1 baked good
- Open Play$35Includes 1 coffee and 1 baked good
Wed, Nov 11 · 7:00–9:00 PM
Happy Camper Pizza3458 North Clark Street, Chicago
- Beginner Lesson$55Nothing included
- Open Play$25Nothing included
Sun, Nov 15 · 6:30–8:30 PM
Cafe Yaya2431 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
- Beginner Lesson$80Includes 1 glass of wine and small bites
- Open Play$45Includes 1 glass of wine and small bites
Mon, Nov 30 · 7:00–9:00 PM
Paradise Park | Pizza & Patio1913 West North Avenue, Chicago
- Beginner Lesson$55Nothing included
- Open Play$25Nothing included
Sun, Dec 13 · 6:30–8:30 PM
Cafe Yaya2431 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
- Beginner Lesson$80Includes 1 glass of wine & small bites
- Open Play$45Includes 1 glass of wine & small bites
That’s every upcoming event in Chicago right now.
New events are added every month — check back or browse the full schedule.
Where We Teach in Chicago
Our instructors travel throughout the Chicago area, including:
Lincoln Park
DePaul, Old Town, Lakeview, Armitage Avenue
River North
Merchandise Mart, Hubbard Street, Riverwalk, Streeterville
Wicker Park
Bucktown, Logan Square, Milwaukee Avenue, Damen Avenue
The Loop
Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, State Street
Hosting a private event outside of our standard service area? Reach out — we’re happy to discuss options for venues and neighborhoods across the Chicago metro.
About American Mahjong
Mahjong originated in China over a century ago, and American Mahjong evolved from those roots into its own distinct game, played with the National Mahjong League (NMJL) card. It has its own hands, rules, and strategy, and it’s the version we teach here at So Bam Fun.
Whether you’ve heard about mahjong from a friend or a family member — we’ll give you a solid foundation in a single session.
FAQs
How much do mahjong classes in Chicago cost?
Private group lessons start at $400 for a 2-hour session. Pricing varies by group size and location. Contact us for a custom quote.
How long does it take to learn mahjong?
It typically takes at least 3 sessions to feel confident playing independently. Your first session is a great starting point — you’ll play with instructor support the whole way.
Do I need any experience to book a class?
No experience needed — ever. Our instructors start from scratch and adapt to your group’s pace.
Do I need to provide tiles or equipment?
No. We bring everything — tiles, racks, NMJL cards, and all materials. If you’re hosting a lesson, you just need a table and your group.
Where do classes take place?
Private lessons and corporate events come to you — your home, apartment, office, or venue anywhere in Chicago. Public events are held at set venues around the city — check our events page for locations and dates.
Where can I learn mahjong in Chicago?
So Bam Fun teaches American Mahjong across Chicago, including Lincoln Park, River North, Wicker Park, and the Loop. You can book a private lesson that comes to your home, apartment, or venue, or join a public beginner lesson at one of our set venues. Check our events page for upcoming dates.
What is the best way to learn mahjong?
We recommend starting with a live lesson, so you learn the tiles, the card, and a full game together instead of piecing it together from videos. From there, Guided Open Play lets you practice with an instructor nearby, and Open Play lets you keep playing with a group. Our Chicago classes and events are built around that path.
Can I teach myself mahjong?
You can pick up the basics on your own, but American Mahjong is harder to self-teach than it looks. The winning hands come from the National Mahjong League card, which changes every year, and table etiquette is easier to learn by playing. A single 2-hour lesson covers the tiles, how to read the card, and a full guided game.
Are there public mahjong events or open play in Chicago?
Yes. We host public mahjong events in Chicago at set venues, with new dates added every month. Formats include Beginner Lessons (no experience needed), Guided Open Play (an instructor is on hand, for players who have taken a lesson), and Open Play (for experienced players). See our events page for dates and to register.
Can I come to a mahjong event in Chicago alone?
Yes. Many attendees come solo and get paired with other players at the event. All tiles, racks, and cards are provided, so just bring yourself.
Book a Mahjong Class in Chicago
So Bam Fun offers private mahjong lessons, corporate events, and social mahjong events across Chicago. All skill levels welcome. We come to you.
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