George Chalkley was born in Plaistow in 1883. He worked as a labourer at the Thames Iron Works and played football for Custom House FC. He joined West Ham United in 1908. A centre-half he played his first game for the club on Christmas Day of that year. However, he played only 7 league and 4 cup games before leaving to join Hastings. He also played for Southend United. George Chalkley is the older brother of Alfred Chalkley who played for West Ham between 1931-1937.