Valentin Chmerkovskiy Bio: Age, Career, DWTS & Net Worth
Valentin Chmerkovskiy, widely known as Val Chmerkovskiy, is a Ukrainian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality. He became a household name through Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).
Born on March 24, 1986, in Odesa, Ukraine, Val began dancing at a young age. His family later moved to the United States when he was eight years old.
Over the years, Chmerkovskiy built an impressive career in competitive ballroom dancing. He also became one of the most recognizable professional dancers on American television.
Furthermore, his journey combines competitive success, television fame, entrepreneurship, and family life. His story also reflects the experiences of an immigrant pursuing the American dream.
Who Is Valentin Chmerkovskiy?
Valentin Chmerkovskiy is a professional Latin and ballroom dancer and choreographer. He gained widespread recognition through ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
He joined the show’s professional cast in 2011. Since then, he has become one of its most successful and popular professional dancers.
His competitive record also helped establish his reputation before television fame. He became a 14-time U.S. National Champion and won two World Dance Championships.
Dance With Me Studios describes him as a ballroom champion and choreographer with extensive competitive experience.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy Age and Birth Date
Valentin Chmerkovskiy was born on March 24, 1986. Therefore, he is 40 years old in 2026.
He was born in Odesa, which was part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic at the time. Today, Odesa belongs to Ukraine.
His zodiac sign is Aries. He later grew up in Brooklyn, New York, after his family immigrated to America.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy Early Life and Family
Val grew up in a close-knit family with strong connections to music and dance. His older brother, Maksim “Maks” Chmerkovskiy, also became a professional dancer.
The brothers eventually shared major career opportunities in the dance world. Their relationship became especially visible through Dancing with the Stars.
Val started learning violin as a child. He also began developing his dancing abilities during his early years.
After moving to Brooklyn, he continued developing his skills through intensive dance training. His competitive ambitions soon became clear.
His family’s immigration experience later became an important part of his personal story. He discussed those experiences in his memoir.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy Dance Career
Chmerkovskiy’s competitive dance career developed before his television breakthrough. He competed in Latin and ballroom dancing at national and international levels.
His achievements include 14 U.S. National Latin Dance Championships. He also became a two-time World Latin Dance Champion.
Dance With Me Studios identifies him as the first American to win the IDSF World Championship.
These accomplishments gave Val a strong foundation for his later entertainment career. They also established him as a respected figure within competitive ballroom dancing.
Moreover, his competitive experience influenced his approach to choreography and teaching. He later used those skills to mentor dancers and work with celebrities.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars
Valentin Chmerkovskiy became a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars in 2011. The program transformed his career and introduced him to millions of television viewers.
His performances often combine technical precision, choreography, athletic movement, and storytelling. Consequently, he quickly became one of the show’s standout professionals.
Val has won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy three times. His victories came with Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez, and Xochitl Gomez.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS Wins
His first Mirrorball victory came during season 20 with actress Rumer Willis. Their partnership produced several memorable performances throughout the competition.
He later won season 23 with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Their partnership became one of the show’s strongest competitive pairings.
Val earned his third championship during season 32 with actress Xochitl Gomez. That victory strengthened his position among the show’s most successful professionals.
These victories demonstrate his ability to adapt his teaching style to different celebrity partners.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Dewan in 2026
In 2026, Val returned for Dancing with the Stars season 35. ABC announced that he would partner with actress and former professional dancer Jenna Dewan.
The pairing attracted considerable attention because Dewan has extensive dance experience. She previously worked as a backup dancer and starred in Step Up.
However, ballroom dancing presents different technical demands. Val has emphasized the importance of their journey, connection, and storytelling.
Season 35 will premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026, across two nights. The season will air on ABC and stream through Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Val also described the partnership as an exciting moment for dance fans. The timing adds significance because Step Up celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson
Valentin Chmerkovskiy married fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson in 2019. The couple met through the Dancing with the Stars dance community.
Their relationship developed over several years before they married. They announced their engagement in June 2018.
The couple exchanged vows on April 13, 2019. Their shared professional background has also made them one of DWTS’s best-known couples.
Johnson became a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars after initially appearing as a troupe member. She later established her own successful career on the show.
Together, Val and Jenna often share their passion for dance and family life.
Does Valentin Chmerkovskiy Have Children?
Yes, Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson have a son named Rome.
The couple welcomed Rome in January 2023. Their son has occasionally appeared in family updates shared by his parents.
Becoming parents added another dimension to Val’s public life. Both dancers have continued balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities.
Their family also connects Val to the broader Dancing with the Stars community. Jenna remains an established professional dancer on the show.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Maks Chmerkovskiy
Val’s older brother, Maks Chmerkovskiy, also achieved major success as a professional dancer.
Maks became a longtime Dancing with the Stars professional and television personality. The brothers have frequently collaborated on dance projects.
Their professional relationship extends beyond television. They also co-founded Dance With Me Studios, a dance studio business focused on social and competitive dancing.
The brothers have also performed together on live tours. Their shared projects have helped bring ballroom dancing to broader audiences.
Dance With Me Studios
Valentin Chmerkovskiy expanded his career beyond competitions and television. He became a co-founder and creative director of Dance With Me Studios.
The organization operates dance studios that teach Latin and ballroom dancing. It offers training for people with different levels of dance experience.
This venture allows Val to share his professional knowledge with recreational and competitive dancers. It also reflects his broader interest in building opportunities around dance.
Therefore, his career includes much more than television appearances.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy as an Author
Val shared his personal journey in the memoir “I’ll Never Change My Name: An Immigrant’s American Dream from Ukraine to the U.S.A. to Dancing with the Stars.”
HarperCollins published the book in 2018. The memoir explores his childhood, immigration experience, family, dance career, and rise to television fame.
The book also discusses his relationship with his brother, Maks. It provides readers with a more personal look at his life away from the ballroom.
Importantly, the memoir highlights the discipline and persistence behind his success.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy Other Television and Entertainment Work
Val’s career extends beyond Dancing with the Stars. His television popularity has helped him appear in various entertainment projects.
He has also worked as a choreographer and performer. His professional background allows him to combine choreography with television entertainment.
In addition, he has participated in live dance productions and tours with his brother. These performances helped expand their reach beyond television audiences.
His entertainment career therefore includes dance competitions, television, choreography, live performances, and business ventures.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy Net Worth
Many websites publish estimates of Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s net worth. However, no official and independently verified figure currently exists.
His income likely comes from multiple professional activities. These include television work, choreography, dance performances, teaching, business interests, and other entertainment projects.
Because private contracts and business earnings remain confidential, online net-worth figures should receive careful consideration.
Rather than focusing on an unverified number, his career achievements provide a clearer picture of his professional success.
What Makes Valentin Chmerkovskiy Successful?
Several qualities have shaped Val’s long-running career.
First, he developed exceptional technical skills through competitive dancing. Second, he learned how to communicate complex dance movements to celebrity partners.
Furthermore, television required him to develop strong storytelling and performance skills. He also built a recognizable personality that connected with viewers.
His business ventures demonstrate another important strength. Val transformed his dance expertise into educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Most importantly, discipline and adaptability remain central to his career.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy Latest Career in 2026
As of September 2026, Val remains active on Dancing with the Stars. His season 35 partnership with Jenna Dewan represents his latest major television project.
The new season also features several major entertainers, athletes, and television personalities. Therefore, Val once again enters a highly competitive ballroom environment.
His partnership with Dewan has generated particular interest because of her dance background. Their performances will become one of the season’s major storylines.
Additionally, Val and fellow DWTS professionals are scheduled to appear in the R.J. Decker season two premiere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valentin Chmerkovskiy
How old is Valentin Chmerkovskiy?
Valentin Chmerkovskiy is 40 years old in 2026. He was born on March 24, 1986.
Where was Valentin Chmerkovskiy born?
He was born in Odesa, Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union at that time.
Who is Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s wife?
His wife is professional dancer Jenna Johnson. They married in April 2019.
Does Valentin Chmerkovskiy have children?
Yes. Val and Jenna Johnson have a son named Rome, who was born in January 2023.
How many times has Val Chmerkovskiy won DWTS?
Val has won the Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball Trophy three times. He won with Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez, and Xochitl Gomez.
Who is Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s brother?
His older brother is Maks Chmerkovskiy, another internationally recognized ballroom dancer and former DWTS professional.
What is Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s book?
His memoir is titled “I’ll Never Change My Name: An Immigrant’s American Dream from Ukraine to the U.S.A. to Dancing with the Stars.”
Who is Val Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS partner in 2026?
Val’s season 35 partner is Jenna Dewan. ABC officially announced their partnership in September 2026.
Final Thoughts
Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s career represents a remarkable journey from Ukrainian immigrant to international dance champion.
He built his reputation through competitive ballroom dancing before becoming a television favorite. His three Mirrorball victories further established his DWTS legacy.
Meanwhile, his work with Dance With Me Studios demonstrates his commitment to growing the dance community.
His marriage to Jenna Johnson has also connected his professional success with a thriving family life. Today, Val continues performing, teaching, choreographing, and competing at the highest level.
With another DWTS season ahead, Valentin Chmerkovskiy remains one of America’s most recognizable professional ballroom dancers.
