My journey with mahjong began not in a quiet hall, but on a sunny beach. In 2012, I learned to play American mahjong at my auntie’s house in the Bahamas, with my toes in the sand and a piña colada in my hand and the glorious “clack-clack-clack” of tiles mixing with the sound of the ocean. It was more than just a game; it was laughter, connection, and a cherished memory in the making.

That feeling of warmth and community endured through the years, becoming the foundation upon which I built this club.

Now, as a parent in my mid-40s here in Ann Arbor, my life looks a little different. Where the piña coladas are (sadly) less frequent and my toes are more likely to be in snow boots than sand. My professional career has been built in the analytical and fast-paced worlds of science, healthcare, and business. While these fields are rewarding, I’ve increasingly felt the pull to bring back something essential that we’re starting to lose: genuine, in-person social connection.

I wanted to create a “third place”—a spot outside of home and work—where people can unplug, engage their minds, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

For me, mahjong is the perfect vehicle for this. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck that brings people together. My love for the game has come full circle as I now pass on the tradition to my own daughter, a kindergartener, who is just starting to learn the magic of the tiles.

My goal for the Ann Arbor Mahjong Club is simple: to build a vibrant, welcoming, and fun community. It’s a place to create new friendships, strengthen family traditions, and share our love for this fantastic game.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never held a tile, I can’t wait to welcome you to the table.

See you at the club,

Julie Morris, MBA, Founder

Behind the tiles, she is known simply as ‘the blue dragon‘