The 150-year-old Asian tile game known for its cognitive, sensory and social benefits has spread from small clubs into a full-fledged scene over the past two years, fueled by groups like Southwest Florida Mahjong and a growing appetite for analog activities away from screens. Our regional mahjong clubs and classes—which offer a mix of traditional Chinese play and the American version—range from evenings of back-to-back matches to immersive experiences with shopping and dining.
Mah Jongg Chicks, Cape Coral
This laid-back group comes together on Wednesdays at Paradise Deli & Grill for brunch and play. A relaxed, beginner table offers a no-pressure introduction to the strategic game, free of charge. facebook.com/groups
Fort Myers Mah Jongg Club, Fort Myers
Formerly known as the Purple Dragon, this group welcomes new players for in-season gatherings on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings for $5. They also come together for experienced regular play three times a week, where tiles turn fast and hands run four per hour.
The Mahj Gals, Fort Myers
Run by Bam Good Time gamepiece makers, this club caters to newbies and pros, with leagues that track and rank their skills. They also sell an assortment of colorful BGT-designed Mahjong sets, mats and tiles for at-home play between their weekly games and monthly events. the-mahj-gals.bamgoodtime.com
Naples Ladies Mah Jongg (American Version)
An in-season meetup-based group, the club offers beginner instruction as well as intermediate and advanced play, meeting only on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Each gathering asks members for $1 to cover costs, supplies and utilities. meetup.com
Naples Mahjong Club, Naples
A trio of women opened this club after teaching friends to play Mahjong, and now they host weekly gatherings for people of all ages and experience levels—they even offer Mahjong set rental packages. Matches and lessons (up to $60) regularly take place at businesses such as Humble Bee Boutique, Landert Bread (a Mahjong brunch event), and Barbatella, supporting the Patty Baker Humane Society Naples. naplesmahjong.com
Mahjong Cafe, Naples and Marco Island
Every Tuesday, Mahjong Cafe hosts a pop-up at Golden Grove Kitchen, with beginner instruction and breakfast from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and lunch and social play from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Farther south, they take over Marco Island Brewery on Mondays with lunch, Mahjong gift collections, prizes and themed desserts. Entry fee to play and dine is $30. mahjongcafe.com
Traveling Tiles, Punta Gorda
Founder Julie Lang teaches Mahjong players about the intersection of connection and competition. Through her classes—Intro to Mahjong, Mahj 101 and Mahj 102—players learn the fundamentals, tile recognition, flow and strategies. She also coordinates weekly open-play meetings. Her classes and meetups range from free to $40. travelingtiles.net
Santiva Islanders Social Mahjong, Sanibel Island
On Thursdays, this club gathers for social play at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where mats, tiles and 2026 cards are provided for a $5 playing fee. santivaislanders.org
The Community House Mahjong Club, Sanibel Island
Every month, the owners of Bubbly Latitude on Sanibel Island, Sarah and Kate, host beginner-friendly events with lessons. Complimentary wine keeps the conversations flowing while the tiles chirp against Bubbly’s provided boards. Entry for members is $5; $10 for non-members. sanibelcommunityhouse.net
SWFL Mahjong, Southwest Florida
Run by the trio behind the local podcast At the Table with SWFL Mahjong, this club unites players from Naples to Fort Myers multiple times a month, teaching the fundamentals and hosting events at local businesses such as Limón Rooftop Bar and Whiskey Creek Country Club. A seat at the table starts at $25. swflmahjong.com