[N 2][1] He succeeded his elder brother Kʼinich Kan Bahlam II.

Their father was Kʼinich Janaab Pakal I ("Pacal the Great"), who had ruled for 68 years, and their mother was Lady Tzʼakbu Ajaw.

[2] Kʼinich Kʼan Joy Chitam apparently reigned for about nine years.

He was captured by the Toniná in 711 and was possibly executed by their leader, Kʼinich Baaknal Chaak or was later restored to his kingship.

He was succeeded in late 721 by Kʼinich Ahkal Moʼ Nahb III.