Siebel Institute of Technology & World Brewing Academy

Build your career in brewing with Siebel Institute. History & Focus

19th Century

Dr. John Ewald Siebel founded the Zymotechnic Institute in 1868. E. P. Siebel.

Recognized as one of the world leaders in brewing education, the Siebel Institute of Technology has been dedicated to the enduring pursuit of brewing excellence since 1872. He was born on September 17, 1845, near Wermelskirchen in the district of Dusseldorf, Germany. He studied physics and chemistry and earned his doctorate at the University of Berlin before moving to Chicago 1866. In 1868 he open

ed John E. Siebel's Chemical Laboratory which soon developed into a research station and school for the brewing sciences. In 1872, as the company moved into new facilities on Belden Avenue on the north side of Chicago, the name was changed to the Siebel Institute of Technology. During the next two decades, Dr. Siebel conducted extensive brewing research and wrote most of his over 200 books and scientific articles. He was also the editor of a number of technical publications including the scientific section of The Western Brewer, 100 Years of Brewing and Ice and Refrigeration. In 1882 he started a scientific school for brewers with another progressive brewer but the partnership was short lived. Dr. Siebel did, however, continue brewing instruction at his laboratory. The business expanded in the 1890's when two of Dr. Siebel's sons joined the company. The company was incorporated in 1901 and conducted brewing courses in both English and German. By 1907 there were five regular courses: a six-month Brewers' Course, a two-month Post Graduate Course, a three-month Engineers' Course, a two-month Maltsters' Course and a two-month Bottlers' Course. In 1910, the school's name, Siebel Institute of Technology, was formally adopted. With the approach of prohibition, the Institute diversified and added courses in baking, refrigeration, engineering, milling, carbonated beverages and other related topics. On December 20, 1919, just twenty-seven days before prohibition became effective, Dr. J. Siebel passed away.

20th Century

With the repeal of prohibition in 1933 the focus of the Institute returned to brewing under the leadership of F. Siebel Sr., the eldest son of Dr. J. His sons, Fred and Ray, soon joined the business and worked to expand its scope. The Diploma Course in Brewing Technology was offered and all other non-brewing courses were soon eliminated. Then in October 1952, the Institute moved to its brand new, custom built facilities on Peterson Avenue where we have remained for almost 50 years. The fourth generation, represented by Ron and Bill Siebel, joined the Institute in the 1960's. In 1974, they helped introduce the concept of shorter courses. These courses, at two weeks or less in length, were designed to meet the specific training needs of a changing brewing industry. The longer Diploma Course in Brewing Technology has been maintained to this day as the in-depth course of study for the experienced brewer who wishes to maximize his career training. Today & Tomorrow

Throughout this past century, the Institute has attracted an extensive global following. Our alumni span more than 60 countries and are found in almost every major brewery on earth. Our classes include a mix of participants from breweries of all sizes who hail from locations all over the world. This broad base of participants enhances the learning opportunity of each student by exposing them to differences in culture, equipment, methods and beer styles. In our formal lectures and demonstrations though, we focus their attention on one common theme: beer. Students may come to the Institute with the biases of their own particular brewing environment, but they all leave in the simple and honest camaraderie of being a brewer. We have a saying here at the Institute: "Not only do we teach our students, but we also help them to teach each other." The Institute continues to focus on one basic theme as was published by Dr. J. Siebel in an ad in an 1893 Western Brewer. He stated, "The object of the Institute is to promote the progress of the industries based on fermentation, which is done by instruction, investigation, analysis and otherwise." The Institute thrives on research and constant improvement. In 2013, the Siebel Institute of Technology moved into its new campus facilities at 900 N. North Branch St. in the facilities of Kendall College in Chicago. The new Siebel Institute campus has incorporated many of the elements of our previous locations including the bar and furnishings from the famous Bier Stube, a favorite spot where students socialized after a hard day’s study. The Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy have been an important part of international brewing history for over 140 years, and we look forward to welcoming the future generations of brewers to our new home in the heart of Chicago. Siebel Institute of Technology is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Illinois Board of Higher Education Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools
1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1377
Phone: 217-782-2551
Fax Number: 217-782-8548
http://complaints.ibhe.org

04/22/2026

The WBA proudly supports the Michael James Jackson foundation, creating opportunities for brewing education of people of color. For further information, please visit https://www.themjf.org. Donations are graciously accepted.

Photos from Siebel Institute of Technology & World Brewing Academy's post

04/22/2026

A busy day at the Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia. Our GM and Director of Education, John Hannafan, and Oliver Wesseloh from Doemens, met up with many alumni at the show and around the city. Come to the Lallemand Brewing booth tomorrow (look up for the big sign) for the last day of CBC to discuss our courses and programs 📚

04/21/2026

4pm Today at the Lallemand Brewing booth. Look for the sign up on the ceiling!

If you are an alumni or teacher and planning on attending CBC next week in Philadelphia, please stop by the Lallemand Brewing Doemens and Siebel Institute booth for a beer and a photo opp with John Hannafan, Oliver Wesseloh and Sylvie Van Zandycke 🍻

04/15/2026

03/31/2026

You’ve seen the name across our programs. But what is the World Brewing Academy?

The World Brewing Academy (WBA) is the international education partnership between the Siebel Institute of Technology and Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany.

Together, these two historic brewing institutions combine North American and European brewing traditions into one unified curriculum. Students benefit from shared faculty, global brewing expertise, and access to two of the most respected names in brewing education.

Through this partnership, WBA programs deliver advanced technical training, international classroom experiences, and direct exposure to brewing practices used in breweries around the world.

When you enroll in a WBA course or program, you are joining a truly global brewing network built on more than a century of education and collaboration 🍻

Explore WBA classes offered in Montreal, Munich, and online:
https://www.siebelinstitute.com/

03/16/2026

This is what Siebel Institute education is all about.

Brewers come to the WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology to strengthen their foundation and deepen their technical knowledge. Many are working full-time, stepping into new responsibilities, and looking to grow with confidence. Then we get to watch them move into larger roles, new breweries, and expanded opportunities.

That kind of progress starts with investing in your craft.

If you’re ready to advance your brewing career, upcoming WBA Concise Course sessions include:

✔️Online: April 27 – July 13, 2026
✔️ Online: August 17 – November 2, 2026
✔️Montreal Campus: September 19 – 30, 2026

Learn more and enroll:
https://www.siebelinstitute.com/courses/intermediate-level/wba-concise-course-in-brewing-technology

03/11/2026

Two continents. One advanced brewing diploma.

The WBA International Diploma in Brewing Technology Program begins September 14, 2026, with the first session held in Montreal through October 23. The program then continues from November 2 through December 11 in Munich at Doemens Academy.

This dual-campus format gives students the rare opportunity to study advanced brewing science and technology in two major brewing centers within a single 12-week, full-time program. Students move through focused theory modules before applying their knowledge in practical brewing environments, advanced technical sessions, and the WBA European Brewing Study Tour

Designed for brewers ready to take the next step, this program builds advanced capability across brewing operations, process efficiency, product quality, and business considerations.

Seats are limited for the September 14 Montreal / Munich cohort.

Learn more and apply:
https://www.siebelinstitute.com/courses/advanced-level/wba-international-diploma-in-brewing-technology

02/25/2026

Most brewers learn by doing, often while juggling full production schedules and growing responsibilities.

The World Brewing Academy Concise Course in Brewing Technology is built for working professionals who want to strengthen their technical foundation without stepping away from the brewhouse. Delivered online, the course covers the full brewing process and key operational topics that apply across breweries of all sizes.

For many students, the Concise Course is also a natural next step toward advanced World Brewing Academy programs.

Upcoming online sessions:
• April 27 – July 13, 2026
• August 17 – November 2, 2026

Learn more and view upcoming sessions:
https://www.siebelinstitute.com/courses/intermediate-level/wba-concise-course-in-brewing-technology

02/10/2026

Ready to go all in on brewing? 🍻

The World Brewing Academy (WBA) Master Brewer Program is a full-time, immersive campus experience designed for brewers ready to deepen their technical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Hosted in 2026 completely at Doemens Academy in Munich, the program brings together brewers from around the world for advanced study in brewing science, quality control, packaging, and process technology.

The WBA Master Brewer program runs March 9 through July 31 and is offered only once per year. With limited seats and travel planning required, now is the time to finalize your enrollment.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.siebelinstitute.com/courses/advanced-level/wba-master-brewer-program

01/27/2026

Make 2026 the year you invest in the next stage of your brewing career.

For brewers ready to fully immerse themselves in advanced brewing knowledge, the World Brewing Academy brand of education provides a focused, in-person experience in one of the world’s most influential brewing cities.
Conducted at Doemens Academy in Munich, these programs bring together brewers from around the world for advanced level study grounded in proven brewing science and theory, along with the practical application of the learned knowledge.

2026 WBA campus programs include:
• Master Brewer Program
• International Diploma in Brewing Technology Program
• Advanced Brewing Theory Program

Each program begins in March, with an additional fall session of the International Diploma in Brewing Technology and the Advanced Brewing Theory programs. Please note that campus study requires advanced trip planning, especially if your goal is to take the WBA Master Brewer Program, which is only offered once per year.

Learn more at https://www.siebelinstitute.com/

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Location

Chicago

Contact the school

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Telephone

+13122550705

Website

http://www.siebelinstitute.com/

Address

322 S Green Street Unit #100
Chicago, IL
60607