Val Chmerkovskiy is one of the most recognizable professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars, but many fans also know him through his famous family connection. Val’s older brother is Maks Chmerkovskiy, another accomplished ballroom dancer, choreographer and longtime Dancing with the Stars personality. The two brothers have built careers in the same world while also working together on dance projects, tours and business ventures.
In 2026, interest in the Chmerkovskiy brothers remains strong as Val continues competing on Dancing with the Stars Season 35 and Maks pursues new projects with his wife, professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd.
Who Is Val Chmerkovskiy’s Brother?
Val Chmerkovskiy’s brother is Maksim Chmerkovskiy, professionally known as Maks Chmerkovskiy.
Maks was born on January 17, 1980, in Odesa, Ukraine, making him about six years older than Val, who was born on March 24, 1986.
Like his younger brother, Maks became a professional ballroom dancer and television personality. He became especially well known in the United States through Dancing with the Stars, where he competed as a professional dancer for many seasons.
The brothers’ careers have frequently overlapped, making the Chmerkovskiy name closely associated with competitive ballroom dancing and Dancing with the Stars.
How Old Is Maks Chmerkovskiy in 2026?
Maks Chmerkovskiy is 46 years old in 2026.
He celebrated his 46th birthday on January 17, 2026. Val is currently 40, meaning the brothers have an age difference of just over six years.
Despite the age gap, the two have maintained a close relationship throughout their careers and have repeatedly worked together professionally.
Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Early Life
The brothers were born in Odesa, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time of their births.
Their parents are Aleksandr “Sasha” Chmerkovskiy and Larisa Chmerkovskaya. The family eventually immigrated to the United States in 1994 and settled in Brooklyn, New York.
Val was still a child when the family moved to the United States, while Maks was a teenager.
The transition to America was an important part of both brothers’ stories. They had to adjust to a new country while continuing to develop their skills in dance.
Did Maks Inspire Val to Dance?
Yes. Maks played an important role in Val’s introduction to competitive dance.
Val began dancing when he was young, and his older brother was already pursuing ballroom dancing. Growing up around Maks helped expose Val to the discipline and competitive nature of the sport.
Their father also played a significant role in their development. The family eventually became involved in operating dance studios, creating an environment in which both brothers could train and compete.
Val has previously spoken about learning from his older brother and the influence Maks had on his development as a dancer.
Both Brothers Became Dancing With the Stars Pros
One of the biggest reasons fans search for Val Chmerkovskiy brother is the brothers’ shared connection to Dancing with the Stars.
Maks became a familiar face on the ABC competition series before Val eventually joined the professional lineup.
Val initially appeared on the show before becoming a full-time professional dancer. He was promoted to the professional lineup in 2011.
Their appearances helped make the brothers one of the most recognizable sibling duos associated with the program.
Although their careers on the show have taken different paths, both have left a significant mark on the competition.
Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Dancing With the Stars Career
Maks became a Dancing with the Stars professional during the show’s early years and quickly became one of its most recognizable dancers.
He competed with numerous celebrity partners and reached the finale multiple times. In 2014, he finally won the Mirrorball Trophy with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis.
His time on the show established him as a major television personality as well as a competitive dancer.
Maks has also appeared in other television productions and performed in live dance shows, Broadway productions and touring productions.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Dancing With the Stars Career
Val has built his own successful career on Dancing with the Stars.
He became a professional dancer in 2011 and has won the Mirrorball Trophy multiple times.
His championship partners include Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez and Xochitl Gomez.
Val has also developed a reputation as a choreographer and performer outside the show, while continuing to appear as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars.
Are Maks and Val Still Close?
Yes. The brothers have continued to maintain a close personal and professional relationship.
Their connection has been especially visible through joint dance projects.
They previously toured together in Maks & Val Live on Tour, a production that combined dance performances with stories from their lives and careers.
The brothers have also performed together in other live productions, demonstrating how their relationship extends beyond their television appearances.
Maks and Val Have Worked Together Outside DWTS
The brothers have collaborated on several projects throughout their careers.
One notable example was their live touring work, where they performed together and shared stories about growing up, immigrating to the United States and becoming professional dancers.
Their joint performances allowed fans to see a different side of their relationship than what viewers typically saw on Dancing with the Stars.
Rather than simply presenting themselves as two professional dancers, the brothers used their shared history as part of the entertainment.
Do Maks and Val Own Dance Studios Together?
The brothers have been involved in the dance-studio business as well.
Maks and Val have been associated with Dance With Me, a network of social and competitive dance studios.
The business grew from the family’s longstanding involvement in dance education and performance.
Their work with dance studios also reflects an interest in developing dancers and making ballroom and social dancing accessible to a broader audience.
Who Is Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Wife?
Maks Chmerkovskiy is married to Peta Murgatroyd, a professional dancer who is also known for her long career on Dancing with the Stars.
The couple married in 2017 and have three children.
Their family has remained closely connected to the world of dance, with both Maks and Peta having extensive professional experience in ballroom performance.
Peta has also been a professional partner and colleague of Val over the years, making the Chmerkovskiy family connection even stronger within the Dancing with the Stars community.
Who Is Val Chmerkovskiy’s Wife?
Val is married to professional dancer Jenna Johnson.
The couple met through the Dancing with the Stars community and eventually began a relationship. They married in 2019 and welcomed their son, Rome, in 2023.
Jenna is also competing as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, meaning both Val and his wife are part of the current season.
This creates another family connection within the show’s professional cast.
Maks and Val’s Family Connection on DWTS
The Chmerkovskiy family has become deeply connected to Dancing with the Stars.
Val competes alongside his wife Jenna Johnson, while Maks is married to former DWTS professional Peta Murgatroyd.
That means the show has played a major role in the careers and personal lives of both brothers.
Their family connections are one reason the Chmerkovskiys remain a recurring topic among longtime fans of the series.
What Is Maks Chmerkovskiy Doing in 2026?
Maks is no longer part of the regular professional lineup on Dancing with the Stars, but he continues to work in dance and entertainment.
In September 2026, Maks and Peta attracted attention after sharing a dance together and teasing a new dance project.
The couple had moved their family to Florida earlier in 2026, and their latest dance appearance suggested that they remain active professionally despite stepping away from the regular DWTS competition.
Maks continues to balance his work as a dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur and father.
What Is Maks Chmerkovskiy Doing in 2026?
Maks is no longer part of the regular professional lineup on Dancing with the Stars, but he continues to work in dance and entertainment.
In September 2026, Maks and Peta attracted attention after sharing a dance together and teasing a new dance project.
The couple had moved their family to Florida earlier in 2026, and their latest dance appearance suggested that they remain active professionally despite stepping away from the regular DWTS competition.
Maks continues to balance his work as a dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur and father.
What Is Val Chmerkovskiy Doing in 2026?
Val remains an active professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars.
For Season 35, he is partnered with actress Jenna Dewan.
The pair entered the competition in September 2026, with Dewan bringing previous dance experience from her career while taking on the different demands of ballroom competition.
The season is currently underway, keeping Val in the spotlight alongside his wife Jenna Johnson, who is partnered with actor Harry Shum Jr.
Maks and Val Are Both Part of DWTS History
Although Maks and Val have competed during different eras of Dancing with the Stars, both have become important figures in the show’s history.
Maks helped establish the Chmerkovskiy name among American television audiences, while Val later built his own career and championship record.
Their success demonstrates how two brothers from the same family were able to develop careers in the highly competitive world of ballroom dance.
Their story also reflects the role their parents and early family experiences played in helping them pursue dance professionally.
Did Val Chmerkovskiy Have an Older Brother Who Danced?
Yes. Maks Chmerkovskiy is Val’s older brother, and he was already an accomplished dancer before Val became widely known in the United States.
Maks’ experience helped introduce Val to the competitive dance world, although Val eventually established his own identity and career.
Both brothers became professional dancers, choreographers and television personalities, making their family story particularly notable in the entertainment industry.
Val Chmerkovskiy Brother: Key Facts
For readers looking for a quick answer, here are the most important details:
- Brother: Maksim Chmerkovskiy
- Professional name: Maks Chmerkovskiy
- Maks’ birthday: January 17, 1980
- Maks’ age in 2026: 46
- Val’s birthday: March 24, 1986
- Age difference: A little over six years
- Birthplace: Odesa, Ukraine
- Profession: Ballroom dancer, choreographer and television personality
- DWTS connection: Both brothers have been professional dancers on the series
- Maks’ wife: Peta Murgatroyd
- Val’s wife: Jenna Johnson
- Maks and Peta’s children: Three
- Val and Jenna’s child: One son
The Chmerkovskiy Brothers’ Legacy
The relationship between Maks and Val goes far beyond simply being brothers who appeared on the same television show.
They grew up dancing, moved to the United States with their family, trained together and eventually built careers in one of the country’s most recognizable dance franchises.
Maks’ success helped introduce the family name to a huge television audience, while Val followed his own path and became a successful Dancing with the Stars champion.
Their joint tours and business ventures have also allowed them to work together outside television.
In 2026, Val continues competing on Dancing with the Stars, while Maks remains involved in dance and entertainment projects with Peta. Their careers have evolved, but their shared history remains a major part of the Chmerkovskiy family’s story.
Final Answer: Who Is Val Chmerkovskiy’s Brother?
Val Chmerkovskiy’s brother is Maks Chmerkovskiy, the internationally known ballroom dancer and former Dancing with the Stars professional. Maks is about six years older than Val and was an important influence on his younger brother’s early dance development.
Both brothers went on to become successful dancers, choreographers and television personalities. Their shared history includes professional competitions, Dancing with the Stars, live tours and dance businesses.
In 2026, Val remains a professional on Dancing with the Stars, where he is partnered with Jenna Dewan, while Maks continues pursuing dance and entertainment projects with his wife, Peta Murgatroyd. The brothers’ careers remain closely connected even as they take on different professional opportunities.
Are you a fan of Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy? Share your thoughts on the famous dancing brothers and stay tuned for the latest updates from the Dancing with the Stars world.