A chiral quark-model approach is extended to the study of the $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ scattering at low energies. The process of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\eta}n$ near threshold is investigated. The model is successful in describing the differential cross sections and total cross section near the \ensuremath{\eta} production threshold. The roles of the resonances in $n\ensuremath{\leqslant}2$ shells are clarified. Near threshold, the ${S}_{11}(1535)$ dominates the reactions, whereas the interferences from the ${S}_{11}(1650)$ turn out to be destructive around $W\ensuremath{\lesssim}1.6$ GeV. The ${D}_{13}(1520)$ is crucial to give correct shapes of the differential cross sections. The nucleon pole term contributions are significant. The ${P}_{11}(1710)$ plays an important role around the center-of-mass energy $W=1.7$ GeV, it is crucial to produce an enhancement in the region of $W>1.6$ GeV as suggested by the data for total cross section. The $t$-channel is negligible in the reactions.