Chip was born in Columbia and raised in Lexington, South Carolina. He graduated from Rhodes College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. While working as an associate analyst in equity research for a regional investment brokerage, Chip earned his Masters in Business Administration with a Finance concentration from the University of Memphis in 2001.

Chip received his Juris Doctor degree in 2005 from the Georgia State University College of Law, where he was an active member in the Student Trial Lawyers Association. Following his admission to the Georgia Bar, Chip practiced as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a Legal Assistance Attorney, Senior Trial Counsel, Military Justice Officer, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. He continues to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a Captain.

Chip is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the South Carolina Bar, and the American Bar Association.