Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, John comes from a family of
steelworkers. He graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in
Film & Video Production and has since worked his way up from a
Production Assistant to Writer, Director and Producer.
His first feature film, Youngstown: Still Standing, premiered at the
2010 Cleveland Intl. Film Festival and was produced by fellow
Youngstown native and former boxing champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini.
His great-grandfather, Francesco Checchitelli, emigrated to America in
1907 from Rome. Both his father and grandfather were steelworkers in
Youngstown.
Was a 4 year letterman wrestler for Fitch high school.
Trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Chris Lisciandro at Street Sports in Sherman Oaks, CA.
Has written, shot, produced and edited content for Fox, FX, FS1, Fox Sports Net, FoxSports.com and Fuel TV.
While shooting an episode of MMAthletics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Johnny was invited to practice jiu-jitsu at the Gracie Humaita by UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie.