About Us
Welcome to the wonderful world of mahjong!
I’m so excited to introduce you to this beautiful game and share a passion that has brought so much joy and connection into my life. I can’t wait to help you begin your own mahjong journey.
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My name is Colleen Loftus, and I am the founder of Mariposa Mahjong. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago and was drawn to mahjong for its unique blend of strategy, tradition, and social connection. As a mom with two children in college, I found myself searching for a hobby that would reconnect me with close friends who were navigating a similar stage of life. What began as a casual pastime quickly grew into a passion—one that I truly love sharing with others.
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I believe there is something powerful about bringing people together around a shared experience; and fostering that sense of connection is at the heart of what I do.​
Mahjong is a timeless tile game with deep roots in Asian culture. It was brought to America in the 1920's and was reimagined for an American audience by Jewish women, who formed the National Mah-Jongg League in 1937.
In our lessons, you’ll learn the rules of American Mahjong while also gaining an appreciation for the game’s Asian origins and its evolution within American culture.
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Each lesson is thoughtfully designed to be engaging, approachable, and fun, so you’ll feel confident and ready to play with friends in no time. Let’s get started—I’m thrilled to play alongside you!
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See you at the table,
Colleen