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CHICAGO CHAPTER SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Members can join Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that connect you with other members for fun, relevant, social and learning opportunities. They are topic or activity-focused, and bring together members who share similar interests. SIGs are member-driven and member-led, and are as varied as the members who think them up. Examples include book clubs, travel groups, theatre groups and dining groups. SIGs meet in person or via ZOOM.

To join an active SIG with openings, contact the Lead listed below the SIG description (visible to members only). The Lead will give you details on the group – how, when, where – and you are ready to go.

Non-members are always welcome to attend; we allow non-members to attend two meetings/events before we request they become members.

Mah Jongg Anyone? - Meets in person

Join in on the fun playing Mah Jongg!

American Mah Jongg is played with four players using tiles marked with traditional Chinese symbols. Players draw and discard tiles as they work to complete a winning hand based on the annually published National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) scorecard.

No experience is necessary. New players are connected with our Mah Jongg instructor and can take beginner classes before joining regular play. We love welcoming new players and the game is always better with a full table.

This group offers a friendly and welcoming way to learn, practice, and enjoy American Mah Jongg together, whether you are brand new or have years of experience.

Weekly Schedule:
Mondays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Beginner players with less than six months of experience
Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. All Levels

Check the calendar to confirm the date, time, and location and to register. Registration is required for weekly play.

Build Your Own Quartet:
In addition to weekly sessions, players are encouraged to form their own Mah Jongg quartets. Small groups often meet in members’ homes, community rooms, cafés, or other public spaces. Hosting a quartet is a great way to play more often, build friendships, and strengthen the Mah Jongg community.

To help you connect with members at a similar level, we have created two Mah Jongg groups on the Women’s Connection website. These groups make it easy to find and communicate with other members who share your interest in playing.

Join the Mah Jongg Beginner Group - Click the button that says "Sign Me Up" to join the group

Join the Mah Jongg Intermediate Group - Click the button that says "Sign Me Up" to join the group

Once you are a member of the group, you can use the “Send Email to Members” button to reach all the members in the group, or use the contact information provided to reach individual members.

Lady Golfers SIG

Attention Lady Golfers! Are you interested in golfing with other members in the Sydney Marovitz Women’s 9 Hole Golf League? We golf on Tuesday mornings.

Schedule: Weekly on Tuesdays from May through September, with a requested tee time between 9:00 and 9:20 a.m. for the Women's Connection foursomes.

Foursomes are created each Spring! Some experience is preferred.

Spanish Conversation SIG

Designed for members who already have a basic knowledge of Spanish, this group offers a relaxed, conversational setting to practice and build confidence. Whether you're looking to improve your fluency or simply keep your skills sharp, you'll enjoy engaging discussions with fellow members. As an added benefit, several native Spanish speakers will join us and are happy to provide guidance and encouragement along the way.

Italian Conversation SIG

If you already have some knowledge of Italian and are looking for opportunities to practice, this group is for you. Through informal conversation and a shared enthusiasm for the Italian language and culture, members can strengthen their speaking skills while connecting with others who enjoy Italy's rich heritage. Please note that this is a conversation group rather than a class, so participants should come with a basic foundation in Italian.

Lights Camera Action Movie SIG

Love the experience of seeing a great film on the big screen? Join fellow movie enthusiasts for outings to theaters across the Chicago area to enjoy everything from blockbuster releases and independent films to documentaries, classics, and special screenings. Members are encouraged to suggest movies, organize outings, and discover new favorites together. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a devoted film buff, there's always room for another seat.

Theater Goers SIG

The theater scene in Chicago is awesome! Our theater going Special Interest Group attends both live and virtual streaming performances by exceptional small theater companies in Chicago and beyond at least once a month.

Game Day/Night SIG

The Game Day and Game Night SIG brings together all our favorite ways to play. Bunco, card games, board games, trivia, bingo, and more. Members take turns choosing and bringing the games and selecting the location. Gatherings may be hosted in a member’s home with light snacks and drinks or held at local restaurants or bars.

Check the calendar for upcoming Game Days and Game Nights!

Movie Lovers SIG

If you love movies, this SIG is right for you. We view movies in advance of the meeting, and then get together for a discussion. The movies chosen by the group are available on a variety of streaming services. We typically meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month via zoom.

City Book Group SIG

If you love reading and discussing books, you won’t want to miss the Women's Connection City Book Group. Each month, we select a book to read and then meet to discuss it.

Schedule: Once a month, normally on a Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

STILL Working SIG

The STILL Working SIG members, for members who are still in the workforce, meet monthly after work to socialize, and to have informal yet meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities we face while working in a multigenerational workforce. There is no formal agenda, and the goal is to foster insightful conversations, and to cultivate a supportive and enriching community. Interesting topics of discussion might include navigating the multigenerational workforce, striving for work-life balance, transferring knowledge and experience, and deliberating the right time for retirement.

Schedule: Meets monthly, check the calendar for events.

The Grand Dames SIG

Celebrating the wisdom, experiences, and friendships that come with life's later chapters, The Grand Dames is a special interest group for women in their 70s and beyond. Whether gathering for lunch, cultural outings, engaging conversations, or simply enjoying one another's company, this group is about building meaningful connections, sharing life's stories, and embracing the opportunities that come with this remarkable stage of life. Members are encouraged to suggest activities and help shape the group's adventures.

Cooking SIG

If you enjoy cooking, discovering new recipes, and sharing great food with wonderful company, the Cooking SIG is for you. Each gathering is hosted by a member who selects a theme, menu, or cuisine for the event, making every experience unique. Whether you're an experienced cook or simply enjoy trying something new, you'll find inspiration, laughter, and delicious conversation around the table. We're always looking for members who would like to host a future gathering and share their favorite culinary traditions or creative ideas.

Book Club SIG

If you enjoy reading and thoughtful conversation, the Book Club SIG offers a welcoming space to explore a variety of books and ideas together. From contemporary fiction and historical novels to memoirs and nonfiction, members select books that spark engaging discussion and new perspectives. To ensure a lively and meaningful discussion, members are expected to read the selected book before attending each meeting. Everyone is encouraged to suggest future titles and help shape the group's reading list.

Solo Together SIG

Solo Together invites our members currently leading the solo life to create new ways of living a happy and healthy future. This group has explored thought-provoking topics such as health, belonging, relationships with self and others, role or identity shifting, acting on one's own behalf, and much more.

Schedule: Monthly at a date/time chosen by the group.

CHICAGO CHAPTER EVENT COMMITTEES

In addition to our Special Interest Groups, the Chicago Women’s Connection also has several Event Committees dedicated to planning activities that benefit all members. These events can be found on the Chicago Calendar.

Below is a list of our Event Committees. If you’re interested in joining a committee and helping us plan future events, please reach out to the contact person listed for each committee.

Social Connections Committee

The Social Connections Committee plans social events including “Meet & Eat” lunches, “Dinners Together” at new and top-rated restaurants, Happy Hours, and Table Talks.

Explore Chicago Committee

The Explore Chicago committee plans special experiences each month such as curated tours and activities for members to explore the unique history and culture of Chicago.

Health and Wellness Committee

The Health and Wellness committee plans a variety of activities that keep us healthy and moving. Our activities can be anything that gets us moving and enhances our well-being—whether it’s walking, yoga, Pilates, dance classes, pickleball, self-care, or meditation.

Community Impact Committee

The Community Impact Committee helps Chicago Women's Connection make a difference through meaningful, cause-driven activities, whether through service projects, donation drives, awareness campaigns, or hands-on volunteering.