Introduction to the Siebel Institute’s Departure
After more than a century of teaching brewers from around the world, the Siebel Institute of Technology announced Thursday it’s leaving Chicago for Montreal. The school said in a news release the move aligns “with the changing dynamics of the global brewing industry and the need for the business to remain competitive and sustainable far into the future.”
Reasons Behind the Move
It made the decision after reviewing operational costs and increased student visa challenges for people entering the U.S. The move will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. It’s new home will be near Molson’s original brewery site, which is the oldest North American brewery, according to the school.
Reaction from the Industry
For many in the industry, the announcement provoked a mix of sadness and anger. “It’s really disappointing,” said Liz Garibay, founder and executive director of the online Beer Culture Center, a nonprofit focusing on beer history. “It’s a kick in the gut for beer history and Chicago. It’s the oldest brewing school in the United States and has taught many of the beer pioneers of the past and certainly of the modern era.”
Historical Significance of the Siebel Institute
Located at 322 S. Green St. in the West Loop, the school was established in 1872 and was home to several beer company founders that went on to become household names. “When I first walked in there, I went and looked at all the class pictures,” Hagen Dost, co-owner of Dovetail Brewery in North Center, said. “The oldest [class pictures] have Pabst and Busch and Coors — the who’s-who of American brewing. They went to the Siebel Institute to learn their trade.”
Impact on the Brewing Industry
Dost is also a graduate, having attended part time between 2008 and 2013 while still working as an engineer. In 2011, while in the school’s Siebel World Brewing Academy that it ran in conjunction with the Doemens Academy in Munich, he met Bill Wesselink. The men would both become certified master brewers and open Dovetail a few years later. “There would be no Dovetail Brewery without the Siebel Institute,” Dost said, adding its exit from Chicago is bigger than his own journey.
Loss for Chicago
“I can’t understate the loss for Chicago. There would be no brewing industry in the United States without the Siebel,” he said. “I know it’s not closing, but it’s such an American institution and a Chicago institution, and to lose it, it hurts.” Billy Jacobs, co-owner of Piece Brewery and Pizzeria in Wicker Park, which has earned 28 medals at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival over the years, also bemoaned the news.
Blame on the Administration
Garibay and Dost blamed President Donald Trump’s administration for actions they said creates a hostile atmosphere for foreign students, at the expense of businesses in the U.S. “It’s another example of how this current administration is really ruining lives and not taking Americans into consideration,” Garibay said. Dost said the fundamental issue for the school is visas. “They are in a time where a significant class portion is international,” Dost said.
Conclusion
The departure of the Siebel Institute from Chicago is a significant loss for the city and the brewing industry as a whole. The institute’s rich history and contributions to the industry cannot be overstated, and its absence will be deeply felt. As the industry moves forward, it will be important to reflect on the lessons learned from the Siebel Institute and to find ways to support the next generation of brewers.
FAQs
Q: Why is the Siebel Institute leaving Chicago?
A: The Siebel Institute is leaving Chicago due to increased operational costs and challenges in obtaining student visas for international students.
Q: Where will the Siebel Institute be relocating to?
A: The Siebel Institute will be relocating to Montreal, near Molson’s original brewery site.
Q: What is the significance of the Siebel Institute in the brewing industry?
A: The Siebel Institute is the oldest brewing school in the United States and has taught many of the pioneers of the industry.
Q: How will the departure of the Siebel Institute affect the brewing industry in Chicago?
A: The departure of the Siebel Institute will be a significant loss for the brewing industry in Chicago, as it has been a major contributor to the industry and has provided education and training to many brewers.
