The click-clacking of tiles, the peals of laughter, and the shout of the triumphant “mahjong!” can be heard all over Northwest Arkansas these days. In coffee shops, nightclubs, and restaurants. In homes, libraries, and country clubs. Even in swimming pools on hot summer days. Wherever people gather, you’ll find young and old around tables enjoying the timeless game of mahjong. Recently, the game has surged in popularity across the United States, evolving from a niche game introduced by Chinese immigrants in the 1920s to a vibrant cultural phenomenon that unites diverse communities. With the National Mah Jongg League now boasting over 350,000 members, the game’s American variant, marked by its distinct rules and annual card updates, has found a new audience craving connection in a digital age.
As The Washington Post reported on July 10, 2025, “Mahjong is having a moment, drawing everyone from retirees to Gen Z with its blend of strategy and sociability.” From bustling urban mahjong clubs in the country’s biggest cities to suburban game nights here in Northwest Arkansas, players are rediscovering the joy of gathering around a table, mixing tiles, and forging friendships through play.
The game’s appeal stems from its unique ability to combine intellectual challenge with social bonding, offering a tactile escape from screen-heavy routines. As TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager shared in their August 11, 2025, segment, “It’s more than a game, but also about tradition, friendship, and joy of making connections.” This sentiment is echoed in The Washington Post, which noted, “For many, it’s a way to unplug and engage in something that feels both timeless and immediate.” This nationwide revival and media spotlight has cemented mahjong’s status as a lifestyle trend, creating an enormous demand for qualified instructors. American-style mahjong’s strategic depth, which requires memory and calculation, can seem overwhelming to new learners and calls for patient, welcoming teachers.
NWA Mahjong, founded by three local moms, is bringing this level of instruction to Northwest Arkansas. Offering in-home, private, and group lessons, and partnering with local businesses to bring mahjong nights to the community, NWA Mahjong is reporting sold-out classes and is adding more instruction dates and open play events to their calendar every day. Recent and upcoming collaborations with Marrs on Main in Bentonville, Samantha’s Garden Flower Market Int’l in Springdale, and Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers, offer the opportunity to spend a night out with friends new and old, learning and playing this ageless game. Join a class and join a phenomenon!
