The Big Move: Why the World-Famous Beer Brewing School Is Heading to Canada

The beer brewing school world is undergoing a major shift.
One of the most respected names in brewing education — the Siebel Institute of Technology, America’s oldest beer brewing school — has announced that it will relocate from Chicago to Montreal after more than 150 years in the United States.

The news has sent waves through the craft beer industry, brewing professionals, and students searching for the best beer brewing school in North America.

Why the Siebel Institute Is Leaving the U.S.

In a statement shared on social media, John Hannafan, Director of Education at the Siebel Institute, explained the reasoning behind the major move.

According to Hannafan, recent U.S. regulatory changes under the Trump administration have made it increasingly difficult for international students — now the majority of Siebel’s student body — to attend classes in person.

“Recent regulatory changes in the U.S. have made it much more challenging for many of our international students… This relocation to Montreal allows us to pivot without sacrificing the student experience.”

Siebel’s Chicago operations will end in January 2026, marking the final class held on American soil.

Why Montreal Is the New Destination for Brewing Education

The decision to relocate the iconic beer brewing school wasn’t random.
Montreal offers:

• A safe, vibrant, and student-friendly environment
  
• A thriving food and beverage culture
  
• Strong international accessibility
• A booming craft beer scene

Siebel’s new campus will be located just a few blocks from the historic Molson Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in North America — a symbolic connection for a beer brewing school with such a long heritage.

On social media, the institute emphasized Montreal’s “culturally rich environment” and “world-class amenities,” calling it an ideal home for future brewing professionals.

A Major Loss for Chicago’s Beer Community

For brewers and historians in Chicago, the departure is bittersweet.

Liz Garabay, Executive Director of the Beer Culture Center, described the move as a deep cultural loss:

“It truly is a Chicago institution… If you talk to brewers across the nation, Siebel is the place where people go to learn the trade.”

She added that the institute’s origins — founded by German immigrant John Siebel in 1872 — represented a classic American success story grounded in Chicago’s working-class identity.

Yet, even Garabay admits that if the beer brewing school had to leave Chicago, Montreal is the most fitting replacement.

Canada’s Brewing Education Scene Gets a Boost

Canada already hosts well-known brewing programs such as:

• Niagara College Brewmaster Program in Ontario
• Multiple craft brewing certificates across provincial colleges

But Siebel’s arrival in Montreal brings the most globally recognized beer brewing school into Canada’s portfolio.

Local brewers are excited.

Michael D’Ornellas, co-founder of Montreal’s 4 Origines Brewery, called the announcement “big news” for the industry:

“Everyone in the industry knows the Siebel Institute. Their move will complement Montreal perfectly.”

He expects the relocation to attract global brewing students and put Montreal on the map as a brewing education hub.

How the Move Will Impact the Brewing Industry

1. Montreal becomes a top destination for beer brewing education.

Students worldwide may now choose Canada over the U.S.

2. U.S. brewing students lose a historic institution.

Chicago’s identity in brewing history remains strong, but Siebel’s absence creates a major gap.

3. International students gain easier access to Siebel programs.

Canada’s visa and immigration policies are more favorable for students.

4. Craft beer focus shifts northward.

Experts predict more brewing events, collaborations, and programs launching in Montreal.

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Conclusion

The relocation of the Siebel Institute of Technology, the most famous beer brewing school in North America, marks a historic moment for brewing education.

After more than 150 years in Chicago, the institute is starting a new chapter in Montreal, signaling a shift in the brewing world and opening doors for international students seeking high-quality brewing training.

FAQs About the Siebel Institute Relocation