Brief Introduction of Val Chmerkovskiy
Valentin “Val” Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality. He is widely recognized for his captivating performances and numerous victories on the hit ABC series Dancing with the Stars. A 14-time U.S. National Latin Dance Champion and a two-time World Latin Dance Champion, Val has established himself as one of the most accomplished and popular figures in the world of ballroom dance. Beyond his competitive success, he is also a successful entrepreneur as the co-founder of the “Dance With Me” studios, a nationwide network of dance schools. His talent, charisma, and dedication to his craft have made him a household name and a fan favorite, inspiring audiences and aspiring dancers around the globe. He is also a published author, having released his memoir in 2018.
Val Chmerkovskiy Overview
| Full Name | Valentin Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1986 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 39 |
| Birthplace | Odesa, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine) |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Author, Television Personality |
| Husband/Wife | Jenna Johnson (m. 2019) |
| Family | Aleksandr “Sasha” Chmerkovskiy (Father), Larisa Chmerkovskaya (Mother), Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Jenna Johnson |
| Net Worth | Approximately $7 million |
Early Life and Education of Val Chmerkovskiy
Valentin Chmerkovskiy was born on March 24, 1986, in Odesa, Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He is the son of Aleksandr “Sasha” Chmerkovskiy and Larisa Chmerkovskaya. His older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, is also a renowned professional dancer. In 1994, at the age of eight, Val and his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. The transition to a new country presented challenges, including financial and language barriers. His passion for dance was ignited early, and his formal training began in the U.S. at a youth-oriented dance studio in New Jersey, which his father and brother opened in 1996. Val quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. By the age of 12, he was competing internationally. In a remarkable early achievement, at age 15, he and his partner Diana Olonetskaya became the first American dance team to win a world junior championship title in 2001. Chmerkovskiy is also a classically trained violinist and has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as a concertmaster for a youth orchestra. He is fluent in both Russian and English.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Career
Val Chmerkovskiy’s career is marked by extraordinary success in both the competitive and entertainment spheres of dance. Before becoming a household name, he built a formidable reputation in the world of competitive ballroom dancing. He is a 14-time U.S. National Latin Dance Champion across various age divisions and a two-time World Latin Dance Champion (Junior and Youth). His competitive accolades also include winning the Blackpool Open U21 Latin competition in 2005 and being a finalist at major championships like the Amateur Latin Blackpool Dance Festival and the UK Open Championships.
His mainstream breakthrough came when he joined the cast of professional dancers on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars in season 13 in 2011. Initially, he had appeared in earlier seasons in guest performances alongside his brother, Maksim. Over nearly two dozen seasons, Val has become a fan favorite and one of the show’s most successful professionals. He has won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy three times. His first victory was in season 20 with actress Rumer Willis. His second win came in season 23 with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez. He secured his third championship in season 32 with actress Xochitl Gomez. He has also reached the finals on multiple other occasions, finishing as the runner-up with partners like Zendaya (Season 16) and gabby windey (Season 31).
Beyond television, Val is a successful entrepreneur. Alongside his brother Maksim, he co-founded “Dance With Me,” a premier network of dance studios with locations across the country, aiming to make dance accessible to everyone. He also serves as the company’s Art Director and has helped develop “Dance With Me Juniors,” a program focused on keeping children active and healthy through dance. Val has also toured extensively with his brother in their own successful productions, “Maks & Val Live.” In 2018, he added author to his list of accomplishments with the release of his memoir, “I’ll Never Change My Name,” which details his journey as an immigrant and his path to success.
Val Chmerkovskiy Personal Life & Family
Val Chmerkovskiy’s personal life is deeply intertwined with his professional one. He is married to fellow Dancing with the Stars professional, Jenna Johnson. The couple first met on the show in 2014 and began an on-and-off relationship in 2015. After rekindling their romance, they became engaged in Venice, Italy, in June 2018 and were married on April 13, 2019, in a ceremony in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The wedding was attended by many of their fellow DWTS cast members. On January 10, 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Family is a cornerstone of Val’s life. He shares a very close bond with his older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who also enjoyed a long and successful career on Dancing with the Stars. Their families are very close, and they often share their experiences of fatherhood together. Val’s parents, Aleksandr and Larisa, have been instrumental in his and his brother’s careers, particularly through the establishment of their first dance studio. Val is also the brother-in-law of professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd, who is married to Maksim. His Ukrainian heritage is a significant part of his identity. In response to the 2022 humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Val, along with his father and brother, launched the charity organization Baranova 27 to provide humanitarian aid to those in need.
Awards and Achievements of Val Chmerkovskiy
- Three-time ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Mirrorball Trophy Champion (Season 20 with Rumer Willis, Season 23 with Laurie Hernandez, Season 32 with Xochitl Gomez)
- Two-time World Latin Dance Champion (Junior and Youth)
- 14-time U.S. National Latin Dance Champion
- IDSF World Championship winner (the first American to achieve this)
- Blackpool Open U21 Latin Winner (2005)
- Co-founder of the successful “Dance With Me” studio franchise
- Published author of the memoir “I’ll Never Change My Name” (2018)
Val Chmerkovskiy Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Val Chmerkovskiy’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. His wealth has been accumulated through various successful ventures. A significant portion of his income comes from his long-standing role as a professional dancer and choreographer on the highly-rated television series Dancing with the Stars. In addition to his salary from the show, his success has led to numerous other opportunities, including television appearances on shows like Fuller House and as a judge on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Another major income source is his co-ownership of the “Dance With Me” ballroom dance studios, which has expanded to nine locations. He has also generated income from national dance tours with his brother Maksim, book sales from his 2018 memoir, and occasional forays into music as a rapper.
Legacy and Influence
Val Chmerkovskiy has crafted a significant legacy both within the world of professional dance and in popular culture. As one of the most visible and successful dancers of his generation, he has elevated the profile of ballroom dancing in America. Through his performances on Dancing with the Stars, he has showcased immense technical skill, creativity, and a charismatic performance style that has captivated millions of viewers. His success has inspired a new generation of dancers and has contributed to the mainstream popularity of the art form. Beyond his own performances, his role as an educator and entrepreneur is a key part of his influence. The “Dance With Me” studios, co-founded with his brother, have created accessible and high-quality environments for people of all skill levels to learn dance, promoting its physical and mental health benefits. Furthermore, as a Ukrainian immigrant who achieved the American dream, his story, detailed in his memoir “I’ll Never Change my Name,” serves as an inspiration. His philanthropic efforts, particularly for his native Ukraine, demonstrate a commitment to using his platform for positive change.
Interesting Facts about Val Chmerkovskiy
- He is a classically trained violinist who has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
- In 2001, at 15, he and his partner Diana Olonetskaya were the first American dance team to ever win a world junior championship title.
- He is fluent in both English and Russian.
- Val has also pursued a side career as a rapper under the name VC.
- He is a published author; his memoir “I’ll Never Change my Name” was released in 2018.
- He has had the same results in his first four seasons of Dancing with the Stars as his older brother, Maksim.
- Val is a philanthropist who has supported numerous charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Pencils of Promise.
Controversies
In 2016, Val Chmerkovskiy faced a significant controversy when he was sued for sharing a meme on his social media. The meme featured a photo of a young girl with Down syndrome drinking a soda, with a caption that read, “Letting your kid become obese should be considered child abuse.” The girl’s family filed a lawsuit against Chmerkovskiy, CBS, and the photographer for defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy, as the photo was taken without their knowledge in 2008. Chmerkovskiy later removed the post and issued an apology for his “lack of sensitivity” but also engaged with the child’s mother, criticizing her for, in his view, not protecting her child. He later tweeted that he looked forward to the day he could tell his side of the story. Some online forums have also contained discussions and criticisms regarding his perceived personal views, though these are largely based on personal interpretations of his public persona.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Val Chmerkovskiy
Val Chmerkovskiy’s journey from an immigrant child from Odesa to one of America’s most celebrated dancers is a testament to his immense talent, relentless work ethic, and charismatic personality. He has not only conquered the competitive dance world with multiple world and national titles but has also won the hearts of millions as a three-time champion on Dancing with the Stars. His legacy extends beyond the dance floor through his successful “Dance With Me” studios, which foster a love for dance across the nation. As a husband, father, author, and philanthropist, Val continues to evolve, using his platform to entertain, educate, and inspire. His enduring popularity and multifaceted career solidify his status as a pivotal figure in modern ballroom dance, with a future that promises continued influence and success in the world of entertainment and beyond.
