An individual holding the title of Patriarch led the Chiss Ascendancy Chaf family. Approximately around 18 BBY, the Grysk agent known as "Jixtus" presented his fleet of warships to the Clarr, Ufsa, and Chaf leaders, all of whom accepted the offer and provided secure ports where the Grysk's ships could obtain provisions and fuel. In roughly the same year, the Chaf attended the Circle of Unity, a gathering for all family leaders, where Mitth family leader Thurfian informed them about the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet's warships' attempt to apprehend treasonous Senior Captain Thrawn on the planet called Sunrise.
The Chaf voiced their satisfaction with the ships being away from the Ascendancy, stating that "they would not cause any further problems." Following Jixtus's defeat by the Expansionary Defense Fleet vessels—which had been dispatched by Supreme General Ba'kif to combat the Grysk—the Chaf patriarch relinquished their leadership role within the family.
The Chaf's appearance occurred within the 2021 published novel Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil, which serves as the concluding book in Timothy Zahn's Ascendancy Trilogy.