EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements pertaining to the MB Financial, Inc. 1995 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (Form S-8 No. 33-98860) and Avondale Federal Savings Bank 401k Plan for Directors and Executive Officers (Form S-8 No. 333-4592) of our report dated February 9, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of MB Financial, Inc. appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. /s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP Schaumburg, Illinois March 16, 2001 136