After picking up a Mahjong set from Hobby Lobby, she said the game has grown popular in Southwest Oklahoma.
In effort to redefine community, Gregston said the game is a blend of timeless strategy of American Mahjong with modern hospitality. It also fosters partnerships with local businesses and through social gatherings.
OK Mahj Society offers an assortment of classes, such as beginner classes which continue to sell out quickly, as well as brunch socials, poolside Mahj events, girls’ nights, charity fundraisers, and themed beginner lessons, which include Dragons, Jokers and Slay and Mahj + Mingle.
When taking a beginner series class, attendees will get introduced to American Mahjong with two-hour lessons. The lessons will cover tiles, dragons, jokers, the Charleston, wall-building and the iconic National Mah Jongg League card. With a mission to reach people beyond the table, OK Mahj Society partners with local businesses, including a variety of boutiques, cafés, sports parks and wellness spaces.
OK Mahj Society hosts provide the venue for the event.
Additionally, there are“ Mahj for a Cause” events from which proceeds get directed back to local nonprofits.
With a goal to bring“ Mahjong tourism” to Duncan, Marlow and the surrounding region, the Mahj Society looks to bring leagues, tournaments, destination brunches and signature social events to the area, Stroud said.
“ We want women to have a reason to get dressed up again,” Stroud said.“ We want them to laugh, learn something new, support local businesses and leave feeling like they found their people.”
When first starting Mahj Society, Stroud said the goal was not only about teaching people how to play Mahjong, but also wanting to create a space for people to connect, build friendships and be part of something in the local community.
“ One of the most important things to us from the very beginning was to support local businesses,” she said.“ So instead of having one permanent location, we love partnering with small businesses in Duncan, Marlow and the surrounding area to host our classes and our social plays, leagues and our special events that we have.”
Stroud said each event allows for an opportunity to bring new faces through the doors of businesses where they may not have previously visited.
“ Mahjong is an incredible way to bring people together around the table,” she said.“ Our hope is that while we’ re building a Mahjong commu-