From Virtuagym to MAAT: Chimp Gym's Story

Key Takeaways

• Chimp Gym in Düsseldorf, Germany, runs a BJJ program with around 100 members focused on progression and community.
• Previously used Virtuagym, a software that was overly complex, making attendance tracking, payments, and scheduling a daily struggle.
• Since switching to MAAT, a gym management software specifically for BJJ, MMA and Martial Arts gyms, payments, attendance, and belts tracking are automated and work smoothly.

Introduction

Simon, one of the founders of Chimp Gym in Düsseldorf, Germany, helps lead a close-knit Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy of around 100 members. The gym needed a BJJ-specific gym management software that matched the spirit of the sport. Here's how they moved from Virtuagym to MAAT, and why they have no plans of going back.

Before MAAT: Overwhelmed by Virtugym

Prior to MAAT, Chimp Gym was using a standard fitness-focused gym management software. Designed for general gyms, the platform introduced unnecessary complexity into the academy's daily operations.

"We used Virtuagym and it was really difficult for us to track attendance, to have an overview of our payment, and also to change our schedule"

says Simon.

Settings were buried under layers of configuration, and even simple admin tasks required double-checking. Instead of helping, the software created friction.

The Breaking Point: Enough Was Enough

As the club grew, these inefficiencies became harder to ignore. Admins were spending too much time checking transactions, managing attendance manually, and navigating confusing menus.

"There were just too many settings for configuration and it made our life overly complex"

Simon shares.

"We needed a specific solution to automate our stuff and to make our life as easy as possible."

Why They Chose MAAT

Simon needed a tool that was built for the unique rhythms of a BJJ academy. MAAT stood out immediately as the best gym management software for BJJ, MMA and Martial Arts gyms thanks to:

• 100% automated payment collection, with ease and support for local methods such as SEPA, common in Germany
• Simple and clean class scheduling
• Combat-sports-specific attendance and progression tracking
• App available in German and in other languages lincluding English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian, ensuring both staff and students can use it comfortably

"MAAT is built from people who understand our needs. Stuff just works."

A New Era: How MAAT Supports Growth

Onboarding with MAAT was seamless

"Stuff just works. No overly complex settings, no requirement for hundreds of different configuration settings"

Simon explains.

MAAT’s team ensured all data was migrated smoothly from the old management software, with no downtime or disruption to classes.

Students adapted quickly and appreciated the improved experience.

Today, Chimp Gym operates with clarity and efficiency:

• Attendance is tracked automatically, with no manual reconciliation.
• Payments are completely automated and reliable.
• Progress tracking helps spotlight rising talent and motivate competitors.

"We are able to track to track students' progress and to motivate our people to show up for class and be eager to go to the next competition, to the next level."

Simon and his team now spend less time on admin and more time on what they love, teaching, training, and building a thriving community.

Conclusion

As a final reflection, Simon shared his appreciation for what MAAT has brought to the gym:

"I can 100% recommend MAAT. It's a must-have for every Jiu-Jitsu gym that wants to make life as easy as possible, focus on the fun part of Jiu-Jitsu, and not get stuck with tracking payments."

Want to simplify your gym’s operations?

Book a free demo today and see why more than 300 academies are switching to MAAT, the gym management software built for BJJ, MMA and Martial Arts  gyms.