There were three kinds of chigo: the upper chigo was a son of the Imperial family or high nobles left at the temple to learn good manners; the middle chigo was discovered for his cleverness and taken to a temple in order to look after priests; the lower chigo was sold by a corrupt monk, or his talent in performing art was recognized and was employed at the temple.
皇族や上位貴族の子弟が行儀見習いなどで寺に預けられる上稚児、頭の良さを見込まれて世話係として僧侶に従う中稚児、芸道などの才能が見込まれて雇われたり腐敗僧侶に売られてきた下稚児がいた。