Hello There!
Welcome to the exciting world of mahjong! I’m thrilled to share my passion for this game with you and get you started on your own mahjong journey!
Mahjong is a centuries old tile game steeped in history, art, and tradition, and lessons aim to not only teach you the rules of American mahjong, but to also impart a little understanding of the game’s history and the its evolution in American culture.
Lessons are carefully curated to be both fun and informative so you can be on your way playing with your circle in no time! I can’t wait to get started!
Lisa Oleson
Blue Tiger Mahj Club Founder
My Teaching Journey
I first learned mahjong when I lived overseas as an expat in Singapore from 2010-2014. When I first arrived I knew no one and had no network and decided I needed to get involved in something so I could meet people. I didn’t know much about mahjong at the time but I did know it was a game steeped in Chinese history, culture, and tradition. Since Singapore is highly influenced by Chinese culture, I felt this would be a great way to meet new people while learning about and connecting with the local culture. I soon learned the game and playing mahjong became the through line of my expat experience.
After returning to the States, my mom taught me how to play American mahjong, and from there we began teaching countless family and friends to play. During the COVID pandemic, I would play online with my mom and others in her group, which then evolved to starting my own group with friends here in Chicago. Our little group of friends has met every month for the past 4 years - never missing a month in all that time (which is remarkable given we are all moms who work and have busy lives)! As the game has grown in popularity in recent years, I thought I would bring my passion for the game together with my joy for teaching, and in early 2024 I formally launched my teaching business as a way to teach and grow our mahjong community here in the western Chicago suburbs. From there it has expanded to well over 2,000 students with multiple public events and private lessons nearly every day of the week! A pleasant and unexpected journey filled with joy and community!
When teaching I bring my formal training in elementary teaching from Michigan State University (Go Green!) to my mahjong instruction, and I use these teaching strategies to break down the complexity of the game into smaller, more easily accessible parts. I truly believe anyone can learn this game, and I enjoy bringing people together through the joy of mahjong!
Why Work With Me?
Deciding who to hire for mahjong instruction can be challenging as you yourself may be a bit unfamiliar with the game and therefore may not know exactly what to expect. Let me take the guesswork out of it!
For each lesson I bring all the mahjong supplies we need to play. All of my mahjong sets and accessories that I bring to lessons are from Oh My Mahjong, an upscale women owned company that makes stunning sets and accessories with a modern fun vibe. These mahjong sets really elevate the game and make for a festive affair.
As for lesson instruction, I teach American mahjong using the National Mah Jongg League card and teach the standard rules for the game. The NMJL is the group that has worked since 1937 to standardize American mahjong by creating and clarifying new rules, throwing out the old, all in an effort to make a game that can be joined anywhere based this rule framework. This is one of the key ways my teaching sets me apart - some instructors opt to teach house rules or variations that can make the game “easier.” I personally love the challenge and tradition of standard rules American mahjong and aim to teach my players the same.
When working with me, you will have both an elevated game experience while learning the official rules for American mahjong so you can join a game anywhere you go and feel confident you learned the correct rules of the game!
Mahj Life Pride in Excellence
I am also a member of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild organized by Michele Frizzel - a prominent figure in the mahjong community for her steadfast commitment to the National Mah Jongg League rules and traditions of the game. As a guild member and instructor of many new American mahjong players, I have committed to the First Principles Promise by teaching consistently and authentically, while following established official guidelines for American mahjong game play. I have also pledged to distinguish house rules from the official rules and work to help you understand their impact, so you can confidently adapt and enjoy the game anywhere you go. You can read more about these distinctions and learn about Michele Frizzel here.
Ready to Play?
Ready to learn more about private lessons? Fill out this form to get this party started!
