She joins the Steel from the Melbourne Vixens, where she won the ANZ Championship in 2009 and was sixth this year.
Chokljat (31) is a vastly experienced centre or wing defence who has been a regular member of the Australian squad for eight years.
The 1.76m Tasmanian-born dynamo has more than 30 test caps, and was also a member of the World Seven last year.
She will beef up the midcourt in a Steel side that has performed well in the transtasman league but needs a little more class to really contend for the title.
Chokljat will join starters Liana Barrett-Chase and Wendy Frew, and possibly returning squad members Erika Burgess and Hayley Saunders, to give coach Robyn Broughton plenty of options in the middle.
"It's time for another chapter in my life," Chokljat said in a press release last night.
"There was a lot of turmoil around making a decision but, now that it's finally made, I'm actually quite relieved and getting really excited.
"Playing netball for Melbourne has been my life for the past 12 years, and I have put so much into it and sacrificed so much outside.
"Playing with my best friends and wining five premierships is something I will always cherish but I am also excited about the new opportunities that await with the Steel."
Forming a combination with Steel midcourter Liana Barrett-Chase was a tempting prospect, Chokljat said.
"I think she's been the standout wing attack in the whole competition this year so that will be nice to play alongside her.
"I'm really looking forward to being coached by Robyn [Broughton]. Obviously, she's got a fantastic reputation and I love learning new things. The New Zealand style will present new challenges but you're never too old to learn. If you think you are, it's time to retire."
Chokljat and rugby-playing partner James Lew will move to Southland in November to join the Steel as it embarks on its 2011 campaign.
"We visited Invercargill last week and I got a really nice vibe and feeling about it," she said.
"It's just got to that stage of my life where James and I want to go to the same place. We've been together for three and a-half years and only been in the same place for five months of that."
Lew has been an Australian sevens regular and is keen to pursue club rugby opportunities in Southland. He has aspirations of playing for the Stags in the ITM Cup.
Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said Chokljat was an exciting signing for the franchise.
"She's a very influential player and I'm sure she will make a big impact given her extensive experience," Paterson said.
Chokljat's signing casts doubt on the future of fellow Australian Megan Dehn, the veteran shooter who captained the Steel this season.
Franchises are allowed only one international player, or two if one of them has citizenship but is not eligible for the national side.
While Chokljat is the first confirmed Steel signing for the 2011 season, the franchise is expected to announce more roster news today or tomorrow.
The arrival of the Australian indicates the Steel was unsuccessful in luring Silver Ferns centre Laura Langman south from the Magic.
