Jordan was born and raised in Champaign County, Ohio, the son of Shirley and John Jordan. He attended and wrestled for Graham High School, graduating in 1982. He won state championships all four years he was in high school and compiled a 156–1 win-loss record. He then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he became a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion. Jordan won the 1985 and 1986 NCAA championship matches in the 134-pound weight class. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1986. He lost the 57–62 kg featherweight semi-final match at the 1988 US Olympic wrestling trials and failed to make the Olympic team.