Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-25136) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan of our report dated June 1, 2001 with respect to the financial statements and schedule of the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
June 22, 2001