Ben Kjar Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Height, Syndrome, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Career, Wresting, Movie, Family
Ben Kjar is an American professional speaker, real estate investor, and world-champion wrestler who has gained national recognition for his life story of overcoming adversity. Born with Crouzon syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes the bones in the skull to fuse prematurely, Kjar faced significant physical challenges, including numerous reconstructive surgeries and severe childhood bullying. Despite being told by doctors that he should avoid contact sports, he used wrestling as a way to “stand out” rather than just fit in, eventually becoming the first-ever NCAA Division I All-American wrestler for Utah Valley University (UVU).
His athletic career is marked by a series of historic “firsts” and elite achievements. Beyond his collegiate success, Kjar was a three-time Utah state champion and went on to compete for Team USA internationally. After a long hiatus from the sport, he returned to the mat in his early 40s to show his children the power of pursuing one’s passions. This comeback culminated in 2023 when he won the gold medal at the Veterans World Championships in Greco-Roman wrestling held in Greece.
In early 2026, his life story reached a much wider audience with the theatrical release of the documentary feature film, STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story. The film, produced by Jared Hess (director of Napoleon Dynamite) and directed by Tanner Christensen, chronicles Kjar’s transition from a bullied child to a world-class athlete and motivational speaker. It highlights his mother’s pivotal advice—that he was born different to make a difference—which became the foundation for his “Victor, not victim” philosophy.
Today, Kjar is a highly sought-after motivational speaker who travels internationally to share his message of resilience and “calling your shot.” He is also a successful real estate investor with a large portfolio of rental properties and storage units. He lives in Utah with his wife, LaCol, and their three adopted children. His current work focuses on teaching others how to embrace their unique differences and transform their personal struggles into a source of strength.
Atty Ben Kjar Biography: Quick Profile
Early Life and the Battle with Crouzon Syndrome
Ben Kjar was born in Utah to parents Scott and Stana Kjar. From the moment of his birth, his life was marked by a rare genetic disorder known as Crouzon Syndrome. This condition causes the premature fusion of certain bones in the skull, preventing the skull from growing normally and affecting the shape of the head and face.
The Medical Struggle
As an infant, Ben underwent a grueling 12-hour cranial surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Throughout his childhood, he faced a series of painful reconstructive surgeries. Doctors initially warned his parents that Ben would live a life dominated by physical limitations and social challenges.
Overcoming Childhood Bullying
Growing up in Centerville, Utah, Ben faced relentless bullying. He was often called “monster,” “freak,” and “mutant” by peers. A pivotal moment occurred in a grocery store when a father told his children to stay away from Ben because he was “contagious.” This heartbreak led to a life-changing conversation with his mother, Stana, who stood him in front of a mirror and told him: “Ben, you were born different to make a difference. You are going to get attention; don’t shy away from it. Stand out.”
Education: Making History at UVU
Ben attended Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah, where he first began to use wrestling as a tool to gain respect and build confidence. After a stellar high school career, he moved on to Utah Valley University (UVU).
At UVU, Kjar studied Business Management and Entrepreneurship, but it was on the wrestling mat where he truly made his mark. He became a three-time NCAA qualifier and eventually the school’s first-ever NCAA Division I All-American. His academic and athletic balance earned him a spot on the NWCA Individual All-Academic Team, proving his dedication both in the classroom and the arena.
Professional Wrestling Career
The “Atty Ben Kjar Biography” is incomplete without a deep dive into his legendary wrestling stats. Ben’s career is defined by consistency and “heart over size.”
High School Dominance
At Viewmont High, Ben was a three-time Utah State Champion (2000–2002). In 2002, he achieved the rare USA Wrestling “Triple Crown,” winning national titles in Folkstyle, Greco-Roman, and Freestyle in the same year. He led Viewmont to its first-ever team state title, finishing his prep career with a staggering 125-6 record.
The All-American Legacy
Competing at 125 lbs for UVU, Ben became a national underdog story. In the 2011 NCAA Championships, he entered unseeded and upset three top-seeded opponents to reach the national semifinals. He finished 4th in the nation, earning All-American honors. Notably, Ben never lost a home match in his entire junior high, high school, or collegiate career.
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The 2023 World Comeback
In his early 40s, Ben returned to the mat to show his children the importance of chasing dreams. In 2023, he traveled to Loutraki, Greece, for the Veterans World Championships, where he won the Gold Medal in Greco-Roman wrestling (62 kg) and a Silver Medal in Freestyle.
Career Beyond the Mat: Speaking and Real Estate
Ben Kjar transitioned his “Victor, not Victim” philosophy into a multi-million dollar career.
Professional Speaking
As an international professional speaker, Ben has addressed crowds of up to 10,000 people. His keynote speeches focus on resilience, overcoming “the face of adversity,” and personal branding. He is often sought after by Fortune 500 companies and educational institutions to inspire teams to embrace their unique traits.
Real Estate Empire
Ben is a prolific real estate investor. Over the last several years, he has flipped nearly 200 properties. His current portfolio includes nearly 100 multi-family rentals and several storage unit complexes. He views financial wealth as a tool to “experience culture and connect with mankind.”
Personal Life: Family, Wife, and Children
Ben’s personal life is a testament to perseverance. He has been married to his wife, LaCol Grant, for over 15 years. Their journey to parenthood was filled with trials, including four unsuccessful rounds of IVF and two failed adoptions.
Ultimately, their persistence paid off, and they are now the proud parents of three adopted children. Ben often shares that his greatest “win” isn’t a gold medal, but being a father who shows his children that no obstacle is too big to overcome.
Net Worth and Recognitions
While Ben Kjar’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his successful real estate portfolio, international speaking fees, and the 2026 release of his documentary STANDOUT suggest a net worth in the multi-million dollar range.
Major Recognitions:
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2025: Inducted into the USA Wrestling Utah Hall of Fame.
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2023: Veterans World Champion (Gold & Silver Medals).
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2011: UVU Male Athlete of the Year.
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2011: NCAA Division I All-American.
Conclusion
The life of Ben Kjar is a masterclass in perspective. From a child who wanted to hide his face to a man whose face is now on movie screens across the country, he has proven that our “differences” are actually our “superpowers.” Whether you are an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone facing personal hardships, Ben Kjar’s “Standout” message remains a powerful reminder: you weren’t born to fit in; you were born to make a difference.
FAQs about Ben Kjar
What syndrome does Ben Kjar have?
Ben Kjar was born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of skull bones.
Is there a movie about Ben Kjar?
Yes, the documentary STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story was released in theaters in January 2026 by Angel Studios.
What is Ben Kjar’s height and weight?
During his peak wrestling career, Ben competed in the 125 lb (57 kg) weight class. He is approximately 5’4″ tall.
Where is Ben Kjar from?
He was born and raised in Centerville, Utah.
How many state championships did Ben Kjar win?
He is a three-time Utah State High School Wrestling Champion (2000, 2001, and 2002).
Who is Ben Kjar’s wife?
He is married to LaCol Grant Kjar.
7. Does Ben Kjar have children? Yes, Ben and LaCol have three adopted children.
8. Did Ben Kjar win a World Championship? Yes, he won a Gold Medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2023 Veterans World Championships in Greece.
9. What is Ben Kjar’s “Victor not Victim” philosophy? It is a mindset focused on taking ownership of one’s life and turning adversity into a source of strength rather than an excuse for failure.
10. What does Ben Kjar do for a living now? He is a professional motivational speaker, a real estate investor, and an entrepreneur.
