His great-grandfather, Cho Hwi (조휘), conspired with T'ak Ch'ŏng (탁청; 卓靑) and revolted in Ssangseong (쌍성; 雙城) in 1258 during King Gojong's reign.
[4] In 1361 (10th year of King Gongmin's reign), Cho (along with Pyŏn An-nyŏl (변안열) and others) contributed when the Red Turbans invaded Goryeo.
In 1372, Hobaldo (호발도; 胡拔都), Janghaema (장해마; 張海馬), and others came to attacked Yiseong (이성; 泥城) and Ganggye (강계; 江界), Cho went out as a judge and subjugated the enemy in Gaju (가주; 家州).
Around 1388, it was believed that U's birthday was in Dodang (도당; 都堂), so Cho was sent alongside Ku Sŏng-no (구성로) to Ganghwa in order to present clothes for him.
[8] When U was in Ganghwa, he was immediately moved to Yeoheung-gun (여흥군; 驪興郡) led by Cho, Chi Yong-gi (지용기), U Hong-su (우홍수), and Yu Chun (유준).