A renowned American beer brewing school is heading north and getting ready to settle in at a new address in Montreal.
Since 1872, the famed Siebel Institute of Technology has taught generations of beer brewers the fine art and science of the craft in Chicago. But in a statement on social media, the school says it has chosen to relocate to Canada, pointing to policies enacted under the Trump administration for its decision.
“Recent regulatory changes in the U.S. have made it much more challenging for many of our international students, who have become the majority of our student body, to attend classes in person,” John Hannafan, the institute’s director of education, wrote. “This relocation of North America classroom operations to Montreal allows us to pivot without sacrificing the student experience.”
The last call for Siebel in the U.S. will come in January 2026. After that, it will take residence in its new location in Montreal. The non-descript building is a few blocks from the original site of Molson’s, the oldest operating brewery in North America.
‘Perfect example of American dream’
To many in the local beer scene in Chicago, the move is a heartbreaking loss.
“It truly is a Chicago institution. If you talk to brewers of the modern era — not just in Chicago, but across the nation — it really is the place where people go and learn the trade,” said Liz Garabay, executive director of the Beer Culture Center.
She says Siebel’s past is woven into the history of Chicago.
“Chicago is a place that is very proud of its blue collar, working class, immigrant roots,” said Garabay. “When John Siebel started the Siebel institute in the 1800s, it was a perfect example of that American dream and entrepreneurship.”
But she adds that if Chicago was destined to lose the institution, then Montreal was the place it should go.
“One thing that we in Chicago are proud of is our food and beverage culture,” she said. “For anyone who has ever gone to Quebec, that’s there. It is ever present.”
On its social media accounts, Siebel also says Montreal provides a “vibrant, safe, and culturally rich environment for students, with world-class amenities and a thriving food and beverage scene.”
Michael D’Ornellas is the president and co-founder of Montreal’s 4 Origines, which has brewed craft beer since 2018. He says everyone in the industry knows the Siebel Institute, and that the announcement is “big news.”
“They offer a wide range of education options specifically for this industry,” said D’Ornellas. “Them coming to Montreal is going to complement the city very nicely.”
He adds that, while Niagara College and its brewmaster and brewery operations management program is in Ontario, having the Siebel Institute will add an option in Quebec for those interested in the industry.
D’Ornellas says the craft beer boom began in the U.S., but with Siebel’s move north, there will be a spillover to Canada.
“I think it is going to focus a lot of attention on Montreal, as a destination for beer.”
