MaddJazz (Jorge Ortega Jr.) was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to Chicago with his family at the age of six. Immersed in the city’s rich musical culture, he developed a deep passion for music and an early fascination with DJing.
In 1996, at just 14 years old, MaddJazz saved up for his first turntables, setting the foundation for his innovative sound. By his late teens, he was already spinning at raves, loft parties, and clubs, drawing inspiration from Chicago’s underground scene. His journey in turntablism earned him top placements in prestigious DJ battles, including the Chicago DMCs and Guitar Center Spinoffs. Known for his genre-bending approach, MaddJazz seamlessly blends House, Techno, Rave, Hip-Hop, Bmore, Jersey Club, Ghetto, Juke, and Latin rhythms, pushing the boundaries of Chicago’s evolving sound.
In 2007, he co-founded Ghetto Division, a DJ and production crew that later evolved into an independent record label. His 2010 debut solo EP, Mind of a MaddMan, received international acclaim, leading to performances across the U.S. and globally in Belgium, Colombia, France, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, and Spain. His reputation as a skilled DJ and producer earned him collaborations with industry heavyweights.
Accolades
MaddJazz’s talent was further recognized in 2013 and 2015, when he competed in the Red Bull Thre3style DJ Championships, securing second place in the Chicago qualifier both years. His electrifying performances cemented his status as one of the city's top DJs.
After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, MaddJazz rekindled his passion for music, returning to the studio to craft fresh productions and remixes. He has since been actively DJing for various events, from clubs to private parties and weddings. In July 2024, he achieved a personal milestone — becoming an official DJ for the Chicago White Sox, the team he has been a devoted fan of since attending his first game at age nine.
DJ MaddJazz:
Kings Dead Flip -