Charleston, August 15, 2025
News Summary
The newly founded Holy Mahj Club in Charleston is breathing new life into the game of mahjong, creating a vibrant community focused on connection and learning. Established by Anne Ruder and Caroline Riley, the club caters to all skill levels, offering classes and social events that emphasize friendship and intergenerational participation. With a welcoming atmosphere and collaboration with local businesses, the club is redefining the perception of mahjong, showing its appeal to a broader audience, especially women and families.
Charleston is witnessing a remarkable revival of mahjong, with the newly established Holy Mahj Club at The Card Room fostering a vibrant community around this age-old game. Founded in 2023 by Anne Ruder and Caroline Riley, the club is dedicated to teaching and promoting mahjong, a game that has captured the interest of numerous enthusiasts, particularly women.
Mahjong, a game originating from the mid-1800s, is experiencing a resurgence across America, characterized by its strong social connections and community spirit. The Charleston segment even includes a reference to the dance pattern for tile exchanges among players. Local clubs and organizations are also stepping up to provide mahjong lessons, alongside themed club nights that cater to all demographics, including couples and families.
At Holy Mahj Club, various events and classes are held to welcome both novice and seasoned players. The club offers a tiered class structure that ranges from simplified versions of American mahjong for beginners to more advanced levels. Local instructors have noted a significant spike in interest for the game, challenging the common misconception that mahjong is solely an “old lady” pastime.
Participants at the Holy Mahj’s beginner nights find tremendous value not just in learning the game, but in building friendships. Many attendees exchange contact information and make plans for future game nights at their homes. The ambience at The Card Room, adorned with playful floral-patterned tablecloths and stocked with refreshments, creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages social engagement.
In addition to offering classes, Holy Mahj collaborates with local businesses to enhance their offerings. The club provides unique services like etiquette lessons and mother-child tea events, thereby deepening its community ties. This coming together of participants of all ages highlights the intergenerational appeal of mahjong; many families partake in the game together.
As the game gains traction, local businesses are also responding to the demand. For instance, Madison Miller Decor on Johns Island has recently started selling mahjong tiles and accessories, a clear indicator of the game’s growing popularity in Charleston.
The community’s engagement with mahjong is evidenced by the consistent sell-out crowds at Holy Mahj’s beginner nights, underscoring the strong demand for learning the game. This trend demonstrates that mahjong provides an enjoyable escape from the monotony of daily life, fostering a sense of nostalgia and emphasizing the importance of in-person interactions in our increasingly digital world.
Overall, Holy Mahj Club represents a promising new chapter for mahjong in Charleston, setting the stage for continued growth and community bonding centered around this cherished game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holy Mahj Club?
Holy Mahj Club is a community organization in Charleston dedicated to teaching and promoting the game of mahjong, providing various classes and events for both beginners and advanced players.
How is the game of mahjong experiencing a resurgence?
Mahjong has seen a renewed interest in America, particularly among women, due to its social nature, communal atmosphere, and a growing number of local organizations and clubs promoting the game.
What types of events does Holy Mahj Club offer?
Holy Mahj Club hosts various events including beginner classes, advanced sessions, themed club nights, and unique offerings such as etiquette lessons and family-friendly tea events.
Is mahjong suitable for all ages?
Yes, the game is considered intergenerational, allowing participants from various age groups to play and enjoy the experience together.
Key Features of Holy Mahj Club
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Focus | Emphasizes social connections and friendships among players. |
| Educational Offerings | Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, including simplified American mahjong. |
| Welcoming Atmosphere | The Card Room provides a casual setting with refreshments for a comfortable experience. |
| Collaboration with Local Businesses | Offers unique services such as etiquette lessons and themed events. |
| Intergenerational Appeal | Encourages participation from various age groups, promoting family-friendly gameplay. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Rise of Mahjong in Charleston
- Travel + Leisure: Mahjong Nights as Luxury Hotel Amenity
- CHS Today: Q&A with Holy Mahj Club Founders
- Dignity Memorial: Kathleen Perry Obituary
- Legacy.com: Ellen Kypta Obituary
- Wikipedia: Mahjong
- Google Search: Mahjong History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mahjong
- Google News: Mahjong
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
