As AI Transforms Matchmaking, Some Seek Love Through Traditional Means

While modern dating apps leverage AI, some singles find connection through community-based activities like sports leagues.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As AI-powered dating apps like Three Day Rule's new matchmaking app Tai gain popularity, a growing number of singles are turning to more traditional methods to find love. Jake Heath and Maddie Chamard met through a Volo Sports kickball league, fostering a connection over shared interests and activities rather than relying on algorithms. Volo Sports, which organizes community-based sports and social events, aims to help people meet potential partners organically.

Why it matters

The rise of AI-powered dating apps represents a significant shift in how people approach finding romantic relationships. However, some singles are seeking alternatives to the app-based model, preferring to meet potential partners through shared interests and community-building activities. This trend highlights the ongoing tension between technology-driven and more traditional approaches to dating and relationships.

The details

Three Day Rule, a modern matchmaking service, recently launched an AI-powered matchmaking app called Tai. The app is designed to mimic the experience of working with an in-person matchmaker, using data collected by Three Day Rule to provide highly curated matches. Tai also serves as a dating coach, answering users' questions and providing suggestions to keep conversations going. In contrast, Jake Heath and Maddie Chamard met through a Volo Sports kickball league, where they developed a connection over time as teammates before Heath asked Chamard out on a date. Volo Sports' mission is to foster community and connection through sports and social events, including programs specifically for single participants.

  • Three Day Rule launched its AI-powered matchmaking app Tai in 2026.
  • Jake Heath and Maddie Chamard met through a Volo Sports kickball league a little over a year ago.

The players

Three Day Rule

A modern matchmaking service with 15 years of expertise that recently launched an AI-powered matchmaking app called Tai.

Tai

An AI matchmaker inside the Three Day Rule app that is designed to mimic the experience of using an in-person matchmaker.

Adam Cohen-Aslatei

The CEO of Three Day Rule.

Jake Heath

A participant in a Volo Sports kickball league who met his girlfriend, Maddie Chamard, through the league.

Maddie Chamard

A participant in a Volo Sports kickball league who met her boyfriend, Jake Heath, through the league.

Volo Sports

An organization that fosters community and connection through sports and social events, including programs specifically for single participants.

Giovanni Marcantoni

The founder and CEO of Volo Sports.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tai is your best friend, your companion, your wingman, your wing-woman, your wing-person, that is going to find you love and amazing dates.”

— Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule (nbcboston.com)

“We've built the AI inside of Tai, inside of the Three Day Rule app, so that the personality of the matchmaker actually matches your personality, so every person who enters the app will have a different experience.”

— Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule (nbcboston.com)

“The more information that you give Tai, the more specific we can be in getting someone else to say yes to you, because we're presenting you in the right way for them.”

— Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule (nbcboston.com)

“I literally, like, was jumping up and down in my kitchen, because I had had a crush on him pretty much since we met.”

— Maddie Chamard (nbcboston.com)

“We do something that makes peoples' lives happier, whether they're meeting their friends, whether they're meeting their significant others, it's really rewarding.”

— Giovanni Marcantoni, Founder and CEO of Volo Sports (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

As AI-powered dating apps continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the trend of finding love through more traditional, community-based activities like sports leagues develops. The success stories of couples like Jake Heath and Maddie Chamard may inspire more singles to explore alternative paths to finding a partner.

The takeaway

The rise of AI-powered dating apps represents a significant shift in how people approach finding romantic relationships, but a growing number of singles are seeking alternatives to the app-based model. This trend highlights the ongoing tension between technology-driven and more traditional approaches to dating and relationships, and suggests that there is still a desire for organic, community-based connections.