The clan was founded by Chiba Tsunetane, the son of Taira no Tadatsune.

Additionally, for a period, the clan controlled the Sōma Manor that extended into present-day Ibaraki.

After the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, the head of the Chiba clan became the hereditary shugo governor of Shimōsa Province.

Chiba Tsunetane, clan chief of the period, won Yoritomo’s trust and helped establish the Kamakura shogunate.

The Chiba clan was completely conquered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi before the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate.