Sulfur cathodes in conversion reaction batteries operate by a different mechanism than that of intercalation materials, and they possess larger theoretical capacities. However, sulfur-based electrode materials suffer from parasitic polysulfide shuttling, which contribute to decreased capacity retention and cyclability. We demonstrate that porous transition metal polysulfide chalcogels achieve high gravimetric capacity as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Transition metal polysulfide chalcogels are amorphous, and comprise polysulfide chains connected by inorganic linkers. The linkers appear to act as a “glue" in the electrode to prevent polysulfide shuttling. In particular, we examined 3d and 4d transition metal polysulfide chalcogels (M’M”S_x in which M is a transition metal) and their role in maintaining structural stability in the electrode. In the MoS_3.4 case study, the Mo polysulfide chalcogels function as electrodes in carbonate– as well as ether–based electrolytes and achieve an initial gravimetric capacity of 600 mAh/g. We employ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and operando pair distribution function techniques to elucidate the structural evolution of the electrode. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy track the chemical moieties that arise during the anion-redox-driven processes. We find the redox state of Mo remains unchanged across the electrochemical cycling even to 1 V and correspondingly, the redox is anion–driven. Porous chalcogels offer a new class of electrode materials for achieving high-capacity Li-ion batteries.