11/30/2025
The world-renowned Siebel Institute of Technology, a cornerstone of beer brewing education since 1872, is leaving Chicago and relocating to Montreal in January 2026. The institute says recent U.S. regulatory changes under the Trump administration have made it harder for international students — now the majority of its enrolment — to attend in-person programs. Moving to Montreal will allow Siebel to maintain its student experience without these barriers. The decision marks a major loss for Chicago’s brewing community, where the school has long been seen as a symbol of immigrant-driven entrepreneurship and a pillar of modern American craft beer culture. Yet many acknowledge Montreal as the ideal new home, given Quebec’s strong food and beverage scene. Industry leaders, including local brewers, say the move is “big news” for Canada and will elevate Montreal as a growing destination for brewing education, complementing programs like Niagara College’s in Ontario.
