EDIT: after just reading the comments here, I just order some vegan algae oil for omega 3 to add to the soaked chia seeds. I try hard to avoid all foods with omega 6.
Most of omega 3 benefits come from EPA and DHA. Not ALA. chia seeds have mainly ALA. Your body will only convert some of ALA into EPA, but not much. If you are trying to avoid fish oil, you could try krill oil
Curious - what about fish oil is to-be-avoided but lets krill be a suitable substitute?
The omega is also bound by phospholipids, which presumely should make it more effective.
Personally I do believe fish oil is the best choice, because of higher levels of EPA/DHA.
Omega 3 also goes rancid fairly quickly so you need the source to be fairly fresh (and especially not processed)
Your body can make medium chain and long chain fatty acids from the short chain ones above but its also good to consume those as well since it (your body) can only do so in limited amounts. This is why people say seafood consumption is a good idea.
There are also other omega fatty acids which also can be good for you - Omega 9, Omega 7 etc etc. Many nuts and seeds can be good sources of these.
It just happens to be everywhere you end up consuming a lot more than necessary.