Chilton started his career with Seaham Colliery before joining Liverpool as an amateur in the summer of 1938, but he never played a senior game for the Anfield club.
Chilton transferred to Manchester United soon after in November 1938 and made his first team debut against Charlton Athletic in September 1939.
Chilton's early career was cut short by the Second World War although he made guest appearances for Airdrieonians, Cardiff City, Hartlepools United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic who he helped to win the War Cup South Final in 1944.
Having missed just 13 games in nine seasons at United and with 175 consecutive appearances to his name, Chilton requested a rest from first team action in early 1955.
He was replaced by Mark Jones, one of the rising Busby Babes, and never returned to first team action.