Our Story

Five Mile Mahj began as a small circle of friends gathering around a table, tiles in hand, eager to learn a game rooted in generations of tradition. What started as casual lessons quickly grew into something bigger: a place where friendships deepened, laughter came easily, and a weekly game became something people looked forward to all week long.

Based in the coastal town of Rowayton, CT, Five Mile Mahj is a true community builder, welcoming newcomers and seasoned players alike to learn, connect, and belong at our table. We teach across the tri-state area and love bringing the game to both new and experienced players. We can’t wait to teach you!

Three women playing Monopoly by a river with boats, trees, and houses in the background on a sunny day.

Hi, I’m Lorin

Lorin Dunphy is the founder of Five Mile Mahj, where she’s making American mahjong accessible, social and fun for kids and adults. Through lessons, open play, private events, corporate retreats and team building sessions, Lorin brings the tiles to you and makes sure you leave knowing the game. No experience needed. Good vibes guaranteed.

Lorin spent decades building teams and culture as an HR executive at some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Now she's building a different kind of community, one tile at a time. When she's not at the mahjong table, she's on adventures with her family and reading great books.

Woman playing a game with a girl outdoors near a lake with houses in the background.
Black and white portrait of a woman with wavy hair, smiling gently, wearing a sleeveless top, outdoors with blurred background.

Hi, I’m Lisa

Lisa Kolodny Johnson is a Rowayton resident, mom of two kids and three dogs and the founder of QueenRight Studio — a shop dedicated to mahjong gifts and nostalgic goods for players who take the game seriously, but not themselves.

By day she’s a brand and marketing executive with 20 years experience building some of the most recognized names in healthcare, food, travel and tech. By night (and weekends), she’s designing mahjong merch. What started as a search for things she and her friends actually wanted has grown into a true family operation: Lisa designs, her daughter is Creative Director, and her husband serves as reluctant COO.

A woman with curly red hair, wearing a black strapless top and a necklace, playing a game of dominoes outdoors by a lake, smiling.

Hi, I’m Sarah

Sarah Wayland, a busy mom, musician and Mahjong enthusiast loves creating spaces that bring people together, whether around a game table or through beautiful coastal design.

As a teacher, Sarah enjoys helping others discover the fun, strategy and friendships that mahjong creates.

Sarah is the founder of Wayland Coastal LLC where she creates handcrafted coastal pieces inspired by life by the water and her love of conservation. You can find her decoupage oyster shell dice dishes on our mahjong tables!

FAQ

  • Not at all! Mahj 101 is designed for complete beginners. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out, we’re happy to help you choose.

  • Yourself! All tiles, cards, and supplies are provided. Bring readers if you need ‘em.

  • We teach at our mahjong room in Rowayton. We can also come to you! Just reach out to coordinate details and availability. We travel across Fairfield and Westchester counties and NYC.

    We also teach at local clubs when the weather is warm.

  • We teach American mahjong, using the current National Mah Jongg League card. We can also host guided play and events featuring other NMJL cards - think a birthday celebration with the card from your birth year!

  • No! Our focus during lessons is confidence, enjoyment, and learning at your pace. Strategy sessions and open play are available for players who want to go deeper.

  • Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged.

Two women sitting outdoors at a table, smiling and talking, with a gazebo and trees in the background, in a sunny setting.