Inside The Mahj Clubs, Scottsdale's stylish new mahjong destination
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The Mahj Club owner Julia Zastrow. Photo: Gitanjali Poonia/Axios
I went to The Mahj Clubs in Old Town Scottsdale, tucked beside Postino Highland, to understand why so many people are taking up mahjong.
The vibe: Baby pink and pastel green walls — and a chandelier — frame rows of automatic game tables.
- Drop the used tiles into the center, and the table swallows them before raising a clean, ready-to-play wall.
- Club owner Julia Zastrow describes the space as a "mini country club."
Why it matters: Mahjong, the centuries-old Chinese game, isn't just trending. It's "one of the best things that you can do for your brain," says Gregg Swain, a historian of the game with a doctorate in clinical psychology.
- The tile game, in which players draw, discard and strategize toward a winning hand, has long been a cherished pastime, first among Asian families, then Jewish communities.
Zoom in: "I think after COVID, people were looking for places to connect," Zastrow says.
- She also points to the growing appeal of "analog hobbies" that get people off their phones and says the club is seeing interest from young professionals, college students and sororities.
The big picture: Research supports the idea that mahjong is good for our brain health.
- A 2024 review of 53 studies found mahjong is linked to better cognitive and psychological outcomes in older adults — though researchers say more work is needed to understand exactly why.
- The game fires up strategic thinking, pattern recognition and memory, which can support healthy aging.
- Honing that ability to adapt — revising your plan based on every draw and discard — builds mental flexibility that psychologists link to better mental health.
How it works: Nonmembers can attend certain drop-ins and socials starting at $40.
- Memberships cost $195 per month, $895 for six months or $1,695 annually. This includes regular play, catered socials, guest passes and other perks.
💭 My thought bubble: A strategy-heavy tile game in such a playful space is a pretty fun way to spend a few hours offline.
What's next: The club will host "Mini Mahjerween," a Halloween-themed mahjong event for children ages 8 and older, noon-2pm on Oct. 31. Social play costs $30 per person, while a beginner lesson costs $60.