game aging back to the mid-19th century has reresurfaced to bring a community together for engagement and laughter.
Mahjong days and nights, full of cracks, dots and bams, are popping up continuously in small businesses and coffee shops.
OK Mahj Society, founded by Donelle Gregston and Paige Stroud in 2026, is based in Marlow and offers beginner lessons, social play events, private bookings, leagues and community-centered events across Stephens County.
The women-owned Mahjong education and events company works to develop deeper connections, as well as provide a place for women to gather and have fun.
The Mahj Society also partnered with The Duncan Chamber of Commerce to celebrate a ribbon cutting during a league kick-off at The Duncan Tower in August.
Stroud, co-founder, said Mahj Society was founded in April 2026.
“ We decided we didn’ t want to drive to go play Mahjong,” she said.“ We want to create a community here that also gives back and that is exactly what we’ ve done.”
With a number of players in attendance at the first league, Gregston, co-founder, thanked Susan McNair, Duncan League host, as well as Kara Sanders, with The Page Society, who has hosted classes, and Debbie, from Electric Echo, who gave the group its big push and let them host classes at her business.
“ We really appreciate that and all our business hosts too,” she said.
Gregston said the game allows people to connect with each other.
“ We realized very quickly this wasn’ t just about learning a game,” Gregston said.“ People are hungry for connection. They want something that feels elevated, social and genuinely fun. Mahjong became the excuse— but community became the reason.”