About Us
Meet Our MahJong Squad 901 Team
Pat Ford Cofounder of MahJ Squad 901Founding Member ofMahj Life GuildTraining -Tools DeveloperLead Instructor
Sandy SissomCofounder of MahJ Squad 901Member of Mahj Life GuildInstructor Coach
Callie BolyardCoordinator of Lunch and PlayAssistant Coach of Guided PlaySupport for team members
Our StoryMahJ Squad 901 began seven years ago as a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table. As our teacher, Pat Ford, introduced us to American mahjong and its rules, the afternoon was filled with laughter, learning, and a little confusion—especially when it came to the joker rule for singles and pairs. Even then, we discovered that mahjong was a wonderful way to spend time together. Before long, others wanted to learn and MahJ Squad 901 began to grow.
As interest increased, we saw the need for finding welcoming places where people could gather and play. We began partnering with local locations that supported the mahjong community and Callie became our monthly Lunch and Play coordinator. Through her efforts, our group has enjoyed events at locally owned restaurants throughout Memphis and the surrounding area. You can read her story on our news page.
Over the years, we have played everywhere from Dillard’s at Wolfchase to the Peabody lobby, as well as coffee shops, casual gathering spots, fine restaurants, and even backyard swimming pools. Our events have welcomed players from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and communities across Tennessee.
Recently, MahJ Squad 901 partnered with the nationwide BamBird Scramble league. Across more than 85 cities and counting. Players are connecting with others who share their love of the game—turning strangers into regular mahjong partners and matches into meaningful friendships. The flexible, self-scheduled format, along with lovely prizes, offers an added incentive to play. If you interested in registering or finding additional information, please select the event ticket button. Our bylaws reflect the spirit of who we are: a community committed to being fun, fair, and fabulous while sharing the joy of mahjong. Fund RaisingWe have also been honored to support charitable work through the mahjong community. Our fundraising efforts have benefited organizations including the West Cancer Foundation, Thistle & Bee, and the Women’s Exchange. We continue to collaborate with others on meaningful fundraising events that bring people together for a good cause.` Affiliations We are proud to have affiliations with Mahj Life and I Love Mahj. As well as a partnership with Mahj in the City (Memphis Bambird).
Over the years, we have played everywhere from Dillard’s at Wolfchase to the Peabody lobby, as well as coffee shops, casual gathering spots, fine restaurants, and even backyard swimming pools. Our events have welcomed players from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and communities across Tennessee.
Recently, MahJ Squad 901 partnered with the nationwide BamBird Scramble league. Across more than 85 cities and counting. Players are connecting with others who share their love of the game—turning strangers into regular mahjong partners and matches into meaningful friendships. The flexible, self-scheduled format, along with lovely prizes, offers an added incentive to play. If you interested in registering or finding additional information, please select the event ticket button. Our bylaws reflect the spirit of who we are: a community committed to being fun, fair, and fabulous while sharing the joy of mahjong. Fund RaisingWe have also been honored to support charitable work through the mahjong community. Our fundraising efforts have benefited organizations including the West Cancer Foundation, Thistle & Bee, and the Women’s Exchange. We continue to collaborate with others on meaningful fundraising events that bring people together for a good cause.` Affiliations We are proud to have affiliations with Mahj Life and I Love Mahj. As well as a partnership with Mahj in the City (Memphis Bambird).