What Happened to Jenna Michelle Johnson Chmerkovskiy?
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy is an American professional Latin and ballroom dancer and choreographer, widely recognized for her role on 'Dancing with the Stars' (DWTS), where she has won two Mirrorball Trophies. Beyond her competitive success, Johnson is a mother to son Rome with husband and fellow DWTS pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy, and continues to be active in dance tours, mentoring, and expanding her brand as of 2026. She openly shares her experiences with motherhood, fertility struggles, and mental wellness, connecting deeply with her audience.
Quick Answer
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy remains a prominent figure in the dance world, actively participating in the 'Dancing with the Stars' live tours throughout early 2026 and serving as a guest mentor and judge on 'DWTS: The Next Pro' in August 2026. She and her husband, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, celebrated a major family milestone in June 2026 by purchasing a new home. Johnson continues to balance her demanding professional career with motherhood, raising her son Rome, born in January 2023, and engaging in various dance-related events and brand partnerships.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Los Angeles, California
Jenna Michelle Johnson was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Provo, Utah.
Competes on So You Think You Can Dance
Johnson was a contestant on Season 10 of 'So You Think You Can Dance', making it to the Top 8.
Joins Dancing with the Stars as a Troupe Member
Jenna Johnson began her 'Dancing with the Stars' journey as a member of the professional troupe.
Promoted to DWTS Professional Dancer
Johnson was promoted to a professional dancer on 'Dancing with the Stars' for Season 23, partnering with actor Jake T. Austin.
Wins First Mirrorball Trophy
She won her first Mirrorball Trophy in Season 26 (the Athletes season) with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon.
Marries Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Jenna Johnson married fellow 'Dancing with the Stars' professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
First Same-Sex Pairing on DWTS & Suffers Miscarriage
Johnson partnered with JoJo Siwa, making history as the first same-sex couple on DWTS, finishing as runner-ups. She also openly shared about suffering a miscarriage this year.
Welcomes Son Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy
After openly sharing their fertility journey, Jenna and Val welcomed their son, Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Wins Second Mirrorball Trophy
Johnson won her second Mirrorball Trophy in Season 33 with 'The Bachelor' star Joey Graziadei.
Eliminated Early from DWTS Season 34
Jenna Johnson and her partner Corey Feldman were eliminated during the second week of 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 34.
Son Rome Hospitalized
Johnson revealed via Instagram Stories that her son Rome spent time in the hospital but was recovering at home.
Participates in DWTS 2026 Tour
Jenna Johnson, alongside her husband Val Chmerkovskiy, was actively performing in the 'Dancing with the Stars' 2026 live tour.
Announces New Home Purchase
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy announced on Instagram that they had purchased a new house, marking a significant family milestone.
Mentors at Dance The World Events
Johnson taught master classes and hosted Q&A sessions at 'Dance The World Disney' and 'World Dance Competition' events.
Guest Mentor on DWTS: The Next Pro
Jenna Johnson served as a guest mentor and judge on Week 4 of 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro', focusing on intimacy in performances.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jenna Michelle Johnson Chmerkovskiy, born April 12, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, established herself as a formidable talent in the dance industry from a young age, training in jazz, contemporary, and Latin ballroom. Her career gained significant traction as a contestant on the tenth season of 'So You Think You Can Dance' in 2013, where she reached the Top 8.
Johnson joined 'Dancing with the Stars' as a troupe member from season 18 to 22, eventually being promoted to a professional dancer in 2016 for season 23. Her tenure on DWTS has been marked by several notable partnerships and achievements. She secured her first Mirrorball Trophy in season 26 (the Athletes season) with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon in 2018. She later made history in season 30 (2021) as part of the show's first-ever same-sex couple, partnering with JoJo Siwa, finishing as runner-ups. Her second Mirrorball win came in season 33 (2024) with 'The Bachelor' star Joey Graziadei.
Her personal life has also been a significant part of her public narrative. Johnson married fellow DWTS pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy on April 13, 2019, after dating since 2017. The couple openly shared their struggles with fertility, including a miscarriage in 2021, before announcing their pregnancy in July 2022. Their son, Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy, was born on January 10, 2023.
In 2025, Johnson continued her involvement with DWTS, competing in season 34 with actor Corey Feldman, though they were eliminated early. Despite the early exit, she remained engaged with the show, focusing on choreography and group dances. The year 2025 also saw a brief hospitalization for her son Rome in October, from which he thankfully recovered.
As of 2026, Jenna Johnson remains highly active in the dance world. She participated in the 'Dancing with the Stars' live tour throughout early 2026, a demanding schedule that she openly discussed, including an emotional moment during the tour in May 2026. In June 2026, she and Val announced a significant personal milestone: the purchase of a new house. In July 2026, Johnson was featured in an interview discussing her balance of motherhood, marriage, touring, and entrepreneurial endeavors. She also served as a celebrity guest and mentor at 'Dance The World Disney' and 'World Dance Competition' events in July 2026, teaching master classes and judging. Most recently, on August 3, 2026, she appeared as a guest mentor and judge on 'DWTS: The Next Pro', focusing on chemistry and intimacy in performances. Johnson continues to express her passion for dance and her desire to explore new opportunities, including potential Broadway and hosting gigs.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jenna Michelle Johnson Chmerkovskiy made different choices?