American Mahjong Classes & Events | Barrington, IL

Moments around the table. Mahjong here is built around participation. Structured classes for those learning the game. Open play nights for those who want to sharpen rhythm and strategy. A table that holds both.

Do you offer private Mahjong lessons?

Yes, we offer private Mahjong lessons for a group of 3 or more. We offer these private lessons at the Pepper Pot, located outside of Chicago Barrington, IL or in a location of your choice. Please inquire by email, mahjong@thepepperpot.co or by phone at (224) 385-3481.

What is mahjong open play?

Our longstanding event, See You Next Tuesday, is open play time for the game Mahjong.

All levels are welcome, but you must know how to identify the tiles by name, basic rules, how to read the NMJL card, and cadence of play.

Instructors are present to help guide play, especially for beginners, but not to teach the Mahjong basics and fundamentals. If you have never played Mahjong before, attending a Tile by Tile class at The Pepper Pot is great place to start.

Currently Open play is only on Tuesdays, 1-3PM and 6-8PM. We will be expanding our open play very soon to more days of the week. Subscribe to our emails to be the first to hear the NEWS!

What is mahjong guided play?

Mahjong guided play at The Pepper Pot is a follow-up lesson after you've completed a beginner class. An instructor is present to help you through the rules of the game, Charleston strategy, and play strategy. Guided play is $40/hour and can be booked every Wednesday or Thursday mornings via our website. Bookings must be mad at least 48 hours in advance.

If you have never played Mahjong before, attending a Tile by Tile class at The Pepper Pot is great place to start.

What is Mahjong 101 and 102?

Mahjong 101 and 102 are the beginner lessons for those completely brand new to Mahjong or need a refresher course.

Mahjong 101 is the pre-requisite to Mahjong 102. In Mahjong 101, we cover the very basic building blocks of Mahjong: tile identification, rules of the game, how to deal, the Charleston, the cadence of the game, and then completing your first game. All Mahjong fundamentals are taught in a hands-on, intimate approach. We intentionally maintain a 1:6 ratio of teacher to student to make sure that we can answer your questions timely and effectively. By the end of Mahjong 101 you will have played a complete game of Mahjong, the longest game of your life.

Mahjong 102 is the continuation of Mahjong 101. Mahjong 102 will cover Charleston strategy as well as Mahjong play strategy. These sessions are recommended to be scheduled within 1 week of one another, so that information is easily retained.

What is Tile by Tile?

Tile by Tile is a 2-part Mahjong Beginner Series, that covers Mahjong 101 and 102.

The fee for this class starts at $125. You must be able to attend both parts to register for the class. No materials are needed for the class; we provide everything.

You will learn everything taught in Mahjong 101 & 102. The National Mahjong League card is included in the class fee.

Have more questions?

We are here to assist. Our customer service team would love to hear from you! You can email us at mahjong@thepepperpot.co or use the contact us button below.

American Mahjong Classes & Events in Barrington, IL

Looking for Mahjong lessons near Chicago? The Pepper Pot brings together players of all experience levels through engaging classes, guided play sessions, open play, and special events in downtown Barrington, Illinois. Whether you're learning how to play American Mahjong for the first time or searching for a regular game with fellow enthusiasts, our events provide a welcoming space to build skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the timeless tradition of the game Mahjong. Conveniently located for guests from Barrington, the Northwest suburbs, and the greater Chicago area, The Pepper Pot has become a destination for those eager to learn and connect through the game.

Learn to Play American Mahjong with Confidence

Our American Mahjong events are designed to support every stage of your Mahjong journey. Beginners can start with introductory classes that teach the fundamentals of the game, including tile identification, reading the National Mah Jongg League card, Charleston strategy, gameplay etiquette, and winning hands. Players ready for the next step can join Guided Play sessions, where instructors offer encouragement and real-time support as you practice your skills in a relaxed environment. For experienced players, Open Play provides the opportunity to enjoy regular games, meet new friends, and strengthen strategic thinking while sharing a love of American Mahjong.

Join The Pepper Pot Mahjong Community

At The Pepper Pot, Mahjong is more than a game. It's an opportunity to gather, learn, laugh, and create lasting friendships around the table. Reserve your spot early, as many of our classes and events sell out quickly. While you're here, explore our full calendar of events, browse our needlepoint collections, or discover other creative experiences happening in our Barrington store. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for Mahjong tips, event announcements, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspiration from our growing community of players. If you're looking for American Mahjong classes near Chicago or a welcoming place to enjoy the game, we'd be delighted to save you a seat at our table.

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