PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: May 20, 2026

1. Introduction

BJJChat ("we," "our," or "us") operates the BJJChat.com website, the BJJChat iOS and Android applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our mobile applications.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register for an account or use our services, we may collect:

  • Name and email address
  • Profile information (belt rank, gym affiliation, optional birthdate, optional height/weight)
  • Training data you choose to log (class attendance, technique notes, training history)
  • Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)

Automatically Collected Information

When you access our website, we automatically collect:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Referring website addresses

Information Collected by the iOS App

When you use the BJJChat iOS application, we may collect, in addition to the categories above:

  • Precise location (only while the app is in use): used solely to confirm you are physically at your gym when you check into a class. Location data is evaluated against the gym's configured geofence; coordinates may be transmitted to our servers only at the moment of check-in to record the verification source, and we do not track you in the background.
  • iBeacon (Bluetooth) signals: if your gym has placed an iBeacon on the mat, the app reads the beacon's identifier (UUID, major, and minor) as a second method of verifying you are present. Beacon identifiers are not personal information and are stored only as a verification attribute on your check-in record.
  • Apple Health (HealthKit) writes: with your permission, each verified class check-in is written to Apple Health as a "Martial Arts" workout so the session counts toward your activity rings. HealthKit data is stored on your device by Apple; BJJChat does not transmit your health data off the device. You can revoke this permission at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Health.
  • Calendar (write-only): with your permission, the app can add your scheduled classes to your iOS Calendar with a 30-minute reminder. The app does not read existing calendar events. You can revoke this permission at any time in iOS Settings.
  • Device and diagnostic information: iOS version, device model, app version, and crash diagnostics for stability and support purposes.
  • Authentication tokens: stored securely in the iOS Keychain so you do not have to sign in on every launch.

The iOS app does not access your contacts, photos, microphone, camera, or advertising identifier. The app contains no third-party advertising or tracking SDKs. HealthKit and Calendar access are optional and only used as described above; denying these permissions does not prevent you from checking in or using any core feature.

Information Collected by the Android App

When you use the BJJChat Android application, we may collect, in addition to the categories above:

  • Precise location (only while the app is in use): used solely to confirm you are physically at your gym when you check into a class. Location data is evaluated against the gym's configured geofence; coordinates may be transmitted to our servers only at the moment of check-in to record the verification source, and we do not track you in the background.
  • Bluetooth (BLE beacon) signals: if your gym has placed a Bluetooth beacon on the mat, the app reads the beacon's identifier (UUID, major, and minor) as a second method of verifying you are present. Beacon identifiers are not personal information and are stored only as a verification attribute on your check-in record. The app requests the Bluetooth scan and connect permissions only for this purpose.
  • Health Connect writes: with your permission, each verified class check-in is written to Android Health Connect as an exercise session so the session counts toward your activity in compatible health apps. Health Connect data is stored on your device by the Android system; BJJChat does not transmit your health data off the device. You can revoke this permission at any time in Health Connect settings.
  • Notifications: with your permission, the app sends local and push notifications for class reminders and account activity. You can revoke this permission at any time in Android Settings → Apps → BJJChat → Notifications.
  • Device and diagnostic information: Android version, device model, app version, and crash diagnostics for stability and support purposes.
  • Authentication tokens: stored securely using the Android Keystore so you do not have to sign in on every launch.

The Android app does not access your contacts, photos, microphone, camera, SMS, call logs, or advertising identifier. The app contains no third-party advertising or tracking SDKs. Location, Bluetooth, Health Connect, and notification permissions are optional and only used as described above; denying these permissions does not prevent you from signing in or using core features (manual check-in remains available without location or Bluetooth).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Provide and maintain our services
  • Process your transactions
  • Send you service-related communications
  • Improve our website and user experience
  • Analyze usage patterns and trends
  • Protect against fraudulent or unauthorized activity

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

  • Service Providers: Third parties that help us operate our services (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
  • Gym Owners: If you join a gym on our platform, limited information may be shared with that gym's administrators
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and understand usage patterns. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some features of our website.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

7. Data Retention and Account Deletion

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services.

How to delete your account

You can permanently delete your BJJChat account at any time. Choose whichever option is most convenient:

  • In the iOS app: open the Profile tab, tap "Delete Account", and confirm with your password.
  • In the Android app: open the Profile tab, tap "Delete Account", and confirm with your password.
  • On the web: sign in at bjjchat.com, open your account settings, and request deletion — or email us at privacy@bjjchat.com from the address on your account.

When you delete your account we immediately remove or anonymize personal identifiers (name, email, phone, biometric face descriptor used for optional check-in, optional birthdate and body measurements, marketing-attribution metadata). Aggregate, non-identifying records (such as a gym's historical class attendance counts) may be retained in anonymized form. Backup copies are purged on our normal rolling backup schedule, which completes within thirty (30) days. Once deletion is complete, your account cannot be recovered.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to or restrict processing
  • Data portability
  • Withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@bjjchat.com.

9. California Residents

California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

10. International Users

If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@bjjchat.com