In the late 1290s, Chaka supported his father Nogai in a war against the legitimate khan of the Golden Horde, Toqta.

Chaka had led his supporters into Bulgaria, intimidated the regency for Ivan II into fleeing the capital, and imposed himself as ruler in Tărnovo in 1299.

It is not completely certain whether he reigned as Emperor of Bulgaria or simply acted as the overlord of his brother-in-law Theodore Svetoslav.

Chaka did not long enjoy his new position of power, as the armies of Toqta followed him into Bulgaria and besieged Tărnovo.

After the death of Chaka, Kara Küçük fled the Horde with 3,000 Tatar horsemen and offered to take service with Shishman of Vidin.