Chao was born in Laos in November 1968.  His parents are Chia Pao and Shoua Yang.  He has six older brothers and three younger brothers.  His older brothers are Waneng, Chue (died), Chong Koua, Saidang, Shoua Toua, and Kao (died).  His younger brothers are Bee, Thai (died), and Ger (died).  He has two sisters, Mai Xia and Ka Yeng.  Chao and his parents migrated from Laos to Thailand in February 1982 due to a war in Laos.  They came to the USA in February 1985 and lived in Rice Lake, Wisconsin until July 1987.  They moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in July 1987 and have lived there since. 

Chao graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in June 1989.  Following his high school graduation he attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology—Manufacturing Engineering in December 1993 and a Master of Science Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation—Vocational Evaluation in May 1996.

Chao married May Lor in December 1993.  They now have three sons and a daughter.  Their sons are Shao, Hmong, and Longmay; and their daughter is Pa Zong.  Chao’s wife, May, has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and she has been employed by the Eau Claire School District since 1998.

From May 1996 to August 1997, Chao worked as a Vocational Evaluator/Case Manager at Headwaters, Inc. in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  He has been working for the State of Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, since September 1997. 

In Laos, Chao liked to go hunting and trapping animals.  In the USA, he enjoys squirrel and deer hunting.  In addition, he likes to raise and feed farm animals as a hobby.  He likes to help the community by being “mejkoob” for traditional Hmong weddings.  He is a quiet person but has a good sense of humor.