Entertainment

For many Tomball residents, a good local business is more than a storefront. It becomes a place where people meet, linger, learn something new and feel a little more connected to the community around them. That is the spirit behind Mahjong Rodeo, which has opened its new location at 210 W Main Street in Tomball after moving from its Gosling location.

The new Mahjong Rodeo space, known as The Rodeo Room, opened July 1, with a grand opening celebration held July 3, 2026. Located in Old Town Tomball, the shop is now welcoming players Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for classes, open play, private events, shopping and plenty of tile-clinking conversation.

Owner Courtney Collins started Mahjong Rodeo with a simple goal: make mahjong feel approachable, social and fun for people who may have always been curious about the game but did not know where to begin.

“My goal for Mahjong Rodeo is simple: to make mahjong accessible to my community, create unforgettable experiences, and make new mahj friends!” Collins wrote in a November 2024 blog post introducing herself and the business.

A New Home for Mahjong in Tomball

Since 2024, Mahjong Rodeo has taught more than 2,000 new players in homes, local businesses, boutiques and community spaces. Now, with its new Tomball location, the business has a dedicated home base for beginner classes, Mahjong 102, strategy classes, guided play, themed events, leagues, private room rentals and free open play every day during regular business hours.

Mahjong Rodeo serves players across Tomball, The Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Cypress, North Houston and surrounding communities, while also offering private parties that can travel to homes, restaurants, offices and special events.

The business has built its following on a mix of patient instruction, friendly energy and a Texas-style social approach to a game with deep roots. Collins and her team describe Mahjong Rodeo as a place where people can come alone and leave with new friends, whether they are brand-new beginners or experienced players looking for a stronger table.

“We created Mahjong Rodeo to be a place where friendships are built, laughter is shared, and everyone feels welcome,” Collins said in the announcement for the new location.

What Mahjong Is and Why It Is Having a Moment

Mahjong is a tile-based game with origins in China, commonly traced to the 19th century. It later made its way to the United States in the 1920s, where American mahjong developed its own traditions and rules. Today, many American players follow standards set by the National Mahjong League, often referred to as NMJL.

At its heart, mahjong is a game of drawing and discarding tiles while working toward a winning hand. It blends strategy, memory, pattern recognition and a bit of luck. Players learn to read the table, plan several moves ahead and adjust as tiles are passed, picked and played.

But for many people, the appeal is not only the strategy. Mahjong has seen a noticeable rise in popularity among women’s groups, neighborhood clubs, social circles, fundraisers, private parties and community events because it gives people a reason to gather around a table without needing a big occasion. In a time when many residents are looking for more in-person connection, mahjong has become both a game and a social outlet.

Mahjong Rodeo teaches and plays according to NMJL rules and standards, helping new players build confidence while giving experienced players a place to sharpen their skills.

“If you’ve ever played a game of mahjong, you know there’s a certain magic to it,” Collins wrote. “The clinking of tiles, the thrill of drawing a winning hand, and the way you can instantly make a new friend at the game table is what has me hooked.”

Classes, Open Play, Private Parties and Shopping

At the new Tomball shop, residents can browse classes and play offerings through Mahjong Rodeo’s upcoming events calendar at mahjongrodeo.com. Options include beginner mahjong classes, strategy sessions, Mahjong 102, guided play and themed open play events.

The shop also offers free open play Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving local players a casual way to practice, meet others and spend time in the new space.

For birthdays, girls’ nights, community groups, employee appreciation events, fundraisers, couples nights and larger gatherings, Mahjong Rodeo offers private parties at The Rodeo Room or off-site. The team can accommodate groups of more than eight players and provide beginner lessons, open play, guided play or event hosting.

The retail side of the business includes mahjong tiles, mats, racks, dice, women’s accessories, hosting gifts and mahjong-themed merchandise. Mahjong Rodeo also recently launched Collins’ first tile set, Chinoiserie Cheer, a holiday-inspired mahjong tile set designed with a classic chinoiserie look and festive details.

A Community Table in Old Town Tomball

Mahjong Rodeo’s move into Old Town Tomball adds another experience-driven stop to the area’s eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants and gathering places. For Tomball residents and nearby communities, it offers something a little different: a place where shopping, learning and social connection all happen around the same table.

Collins, who lives in The Woodlands, has described Mahjong Rodeo as an extension of her faith, family and love for bringing people together. What began as teaching family and friends has grown into a business built around shared experience, patient instruction and community connection.

“Mahjong has taught me so much - not just about strategy, but about patience, community, and the joy of a shared experience (and bottle of wine),” Collins wrote.

For those who have been wanting to learn mahjong in Tomball, find mahjong classes near The Woodlands, book a private mahjong party in North Houston or simply meet new friends over a game, Mahjong Rodeo’s new location gives residents a dedicated place to start.

Mahjong Rodeo is located at 210 W Main Street, Tomball, TX 77375. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can find classes, open play events, leagues, private party information and shopping options at mahjongrodeo.com.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more updates on new businesses, local events and community stories across Tomball and Northwest Houston.  

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.