He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied music at the University of Minnesota and Cologne. He began his career as a pianist, having some success at the instrument in Europe in the late 60s and early 70s, but became better known as an organist.

Chorzempa is known for his great virtuosity, particularly in the organ works of Franz Liszt and Julius Reubke. Unlike most organists, he plays from memory, without sheet music.